Title: Generative Ai And The Crisis Of Critical Thinking: Implications For Student Learning And Skill Development - A Study Of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: . Enoghase Itua, . Dr. Anthony Emhenya Iyoha
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 29-37
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
The study investigated AI usage and Critical Thinking Skills of Higher National Diploma (HND) students in Auchi Polytechnic. The study was descriptive survey with the polytechnic HND I and HND II students as the population of the study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 380 respondents, and a structured questionnaire called 'Generative AI and Critical Thinking Questionnaire (GAICTQ)' was given to the respondents. The instrument was reliable with a reliability coefficient of 0.86. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to describe the data and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypotheses. The students' use of generative AI tools for academic work was frequently observed, with a grand mean of 3.31. However, students felt their own critical thinking was falling, such as their ability to analyse problems independently (3.40). The frequency of using AI was positively correlated with participants' perceptions of a reduction in critical thinking skills (r = 0.568, p = 0.001). The researchers found that generative AI has potential advantages for learning, but that its excessive use could affect the cultivation of critical thinking skills. It was recommended that among others, educators should incorporate critical thinking exercises in the assisted learning by AI.