WIP - Development of Critical Thinking in AEC Students Aided by Artificial Intelligence

This innovative practice WIP paper describes a pedagogical approach to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to promote critical thinking among students in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, impacting many aspects of human interaction. AEC are among the fields experiencing this rapid technological evolution. Since education in these areas is continuously improving and adapting to new technologies, the motivation behind this study is to explore how GenAI can support the development of critical thinking in AEC. The correct use of GenAI as a tool in education is crucial for ensuring that students benefit from its capabilities while retaining their own analytical skills. Recognizing the potential of this technology in the professional world, this study focuses on college-level students in architecture and civil engineering courses to promote critical thinking skills by using GenAI as a complementary tool to enhance learning experience. Harnessing GenAI to cultivate critical thinking skills among students can enhance their ability to tackle complex problems and adapt to technological advancements. The main objective of this ongoing study is to explore the integration og GenAI into the learning process to foster critical thinking skills. To achieve this, students in AEC courses at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) were introduced to a GenAI application to generate summaries points of specific themes. Then, students were instructed to engage in three rounds of answers-based questioning to further explore the topic from a critical thinking lens. The instructor provided guidance on formulating questions to encourage reflective and critical thinking. Students reported on their interactions, detailing the path of questions and answers and their viewpoints on the assigned topic at the end of the experiment. After the exercise, researchers administered an open-ended survey to gather qualitative information on student's perspective regarding the impact of the GenAI on their learning process and critical thinking development. Data were collected from students of various academic years and AEC specialties, providing insights into their critical thinking development in different contexts. The study also analyzes potential factors influencing the relationship between GenAI use, academic performance and critical thinking in AEC education.