PROPOSING A TEACHING MODEL TO COMBAT THE DECLINE OF CRITICAL  THINKING IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS SUPPORTED BY AI CHATBOTS

Nguyen Thi Cuc; Nguyen Huu Hop

Nguyen Thi Cuc	nguyenthicuc.utehy@gmail.com	Hung Yen University of Technology and Education Viet Tien commune, Hung Yen province, Vietnam
Nguyen Huu Hop*	thayhop.tvet@gmail.com	Hung Yen University of Technology and Education Viet Tien commune, Hung Yen province, Vietnam

Summary:

Artificial intelligence has a strong impact on all areas of life, including education. Chatbots are artificial intelligence applications designed to simulate conversations with users online and can understand and automatically respond to users queries. However, using chatbots in teaching presents potential risks such as misinformation, information reception by learners, and over-dependence on chatbots, leading to limited critical thinking development. Therefore, research is essential to propose pedagogical solutions for developing critical thinking skills when using chatbot tools in the learning process. This article reviews studies on the use of artificial intelligence in education to establish a foundation for proposing a teaching model that develops students’ argumentation abilities, thereby combating the decline in students’ critical thinking in chatbot-supported learning environments. The proposed model comprises a four-step process focusing on individual argument construction using the Toulmin structure, followed by integrated group discussion and reflection, with with controlled chatbot support and the guiding and evaluative role of instructors. The study contributes to affirming the potential of combining structured pedagogical approaches with chatbot support in fostering critical thinking, opening up new directions for higher education.

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Keywords:

critical thinking

Argumentation

Toulmin

chatbot

artificial intelligence

higher education.

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Journal:

No. 9, September 2025

VIETNAM JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

THE VIETNAM NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

PROPOSING A TEACHING MODEL TO COMBAT THE DECLINE OF CRITICAL THINKING IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS SUPPORTED BY AI CHATBOTS