Talk · Procedia Computer Science · January 1, 2026

Design and Implementation of an AI Tool for Fostering Critical Thinking in Secondary Schools

Aray M. Kassenkhan, A. M. Abshukirova, Zhuldyz B. Kalpeyeva, Arman T. Sholpanbayev

Abstract

The development of critical thinking skills has come to be regarded as a primary objective of educational processes within a progressively complicated information environment. This study describes the design and initial classroom usage of an AI-based educational tool designed to facilitate the development of critical thinking skills among secondary school students. This tool employs natural language processing techniques, as well as retrieval-assisted generation with large language models, to evaluate teacher-submitted texts and generate questions that conform to Bloom’s taxonomy. Teachers have the ability to set pedagogical settings, evaluate AI-generated assessment materials, and monitor students’ progress through analytics tools. Students engage with a reading program that is customized to their needs, as well as receive real-time feedback through a mobile app. The tool also accommodates bilingual content in both Kazakh and Russian languages, as well as a microservice-based architecture. A preliminary pilot with 11- to 13-year-old students indicates both the viability and educational promise of this tool, as indicated by increased engagement and initial signs of improving comprehension and metacognitive skills. This proposed tool represents a workable, culturally appropriate approach to AI-based development of critical thinking skills among middle school students across multilingual settings.

Artificial Intelligence in EducationIntelligent Tutoring Systems and Adaptive LearningEducation and Critical Thinking Developmentcritical thinkinghigh school studentslarge language models

Design and Implementation of an AI Tool for Fostering Critical Thinking in Secondary Schools

Abstract

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