Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and the Arts to Enhance Critical Thinking in Primary Geography Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15795506

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Artistic Activities, Educational Technology, Geography Education, Educational Intervention, Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

This study investigates innovative educational interventions primarily leveraging advanced artificial intelligence tools to foster critical thinking in primary school Geography lessons. Complemented by various art forms, such as dramatic arts, painting, and music, these interventions engaged a sample of 46 students through 12 carefully designed instructional scenarios. The effectiveness was evaluated using a rigorous mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data with qualitative tools. Results reveal significant improvement in critical thinking skills, alongside increased student engagement and positive attitudes towards learning, underscoring the transformative potential of integrating artificial intelligence with the arts as a holistic educational strategy for young learners.

References

Anastasiades, P., Kotsidis, K., Stratikopoulos, K., & Pananakakis, N. (2024). Human-centered artificial intelligence in education: The critical role of the educational community and the necessity of building a holistic pedagogical framework for the use of HCAI in the education sector. Open Education – The Journal for Open and Distance Education and Educational Technology, 20(1), 29–51. https://doi.org/10.12681/jode.36612

Chang, C. H., & Kidman, G. (2023). The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) language models - challenges and opportunities for geographical and environmental education. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 32(2), 85-89. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2023.2194036.

Jafari, E. (2024). Artificial intelligence and learning environment: Human considerations. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.13011.

Kenedy, R. A. (2024). The challenges of critical thinking in the era of artificial intelligence. European Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 9(2), 19-36. https://doi.org/10.26417/hfdngd20.

Lenakakis, A. (2024). The contribution of drama/theatre pedagogy in revealing and enhancing the social role of art in education. In V. Pavlou (Ed.), Critical arts education for sustainable societies: A handbook for arts educators (pp. 83-93). Frederick University.

Saiz, C., & Rivas, S. F. (2023). Critical thinking, formation, and change. Journal of Intelligence, 11(12), 219-245. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11120219.

Stampfl, R., Geyer, B., Deissl-O'Meara, M., & Ivkić, I. (2024). Revolutionising role-playing games with chatgpt. Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Research, 4 (2), 2244-2257. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2407.02048.

Susanti, R. (2024). Effective strategies in developing critical thinking skills in elementary school age children. West Science Interdisciplinary Studies, 2(4), 732-736.

Yim, I. H. Y. (2024). Artificial intelligence literacy in primary education: An arts-based approach to overcoming age and gender barriers. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 7, 100321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100321

UNESCO. (2024). Artificial intelligence and the futures of learning. https://www.unesco.org/en/digital-education/ai-future-learning.

Downloads

Published

2025-07-03