2026-10-06T07:58:10Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/33980569 2026-10-01T05:37:12Z category_32816 category_32885 category_35549 category_35789 portal_1009 item_type_6 month_year_10_2026

Promoting deeper thinking through artificial intelligence supported argumentation in Saudi English classrooms Syed Naeem Ahmed (25102693) Shafiq ur Rehman (21430457) Shazia Hamid (24521936) Education Education systems Information and computing sciences Human-centred computing Artificial intelligence Formative assessment Responsible AI Deep thinking EAP learners <p dir="ltr">As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into higher education, a key concern is whether it can foster deep reasoning rather than automate routine tasks. Addressing gaps in evidence on the sustained impact of AI on learner autonomy, this study examines argumentation quality among 54 male learners of English for Academic Purposes in a Saudi Foundation Year Program. Using a quasi-experimental mixed-methods design, students engaged with ArgueBot and DebateAI over 15 weeks. Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant improvement in empirical reasoning and rebuttal quality, while qualitative analysis revealed a shift from surface-level responses to critical perspective-taking. Evidence of cross-linguistic strategy transfer and increased affective engagement further supported these outcomes. The findings suggest that pedagogically aligned, responsibly implemented AI tools can be associated with improvements in learner agency in formative assessment contexts. Further research is needed to examine the socio-cognitive mechanisms shaping AI-mediated reasoning across diverse educational settings.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Other Information</h2><p dir="ltr">Published in: Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice<br>License: <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a><br>See article on publisher's website: <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0969594x.2026.2736621" target="_blank">https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0969594x.2026.2736621</a></p> 2026-09-23T00:00:00Z Text Journal contribution 10.1080/0969594x.2026.2736621 https://figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Promoting_deeper_thinking_through_artificial_intelligence_supported_argumentation_in_Saudi_English_classrooms/33980569 CC BY 4.0