The Influence of AI ChatGPT on Improving Teachers' Creative Thinking

Abstract

The latest technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), have emerged as pivotal tools for fostering creativity, aiding in the development of novel and interactive pedagogical methods, and catalysing innovation within the educational process. The integration of technology into education opens avenues for creative expression and the cultivation of creative skills among students. Investigating the cognitive styles of educators is imperative for adapting instructional strategies, as divergent modes of thinking can impact the efficacy of teaching and facilitate the customization of approaches in pedagogy. In this article, the predominant type of thinking among student teachers is investigated, the average level of creativity is determined, and the potential influence of employing an innovative method - ChatGPT - on the creative abilities of future educators is explored. The study sample consisted of (450) university teachers at three universities, Udmurt State University (Izhevsk, Russia), Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (Moscow, Russia), and Beijing Institute of Technology (Beijing, China). Participants were invited to participate in two assessments: J. Bruner's test on thinking styles, and a proprietary questionnaire designed to gather additional insights into the perception and influence of ChatGPT on creative potential. This research employed a quantitative approach. The study revealed that 70% of the surveyed student teachers exhibited a sign-oriented type of thinking. The experimental findings indicated a moderate level of creativity among these students. Only 28% of the participants demonstrated a high degree of creativity. In contrast, educators who utilized the developed programme exhibited a higher level of creative ability and better performance compared to teachers in the control group. This suggests that the incorporation of ChatGPT in education exerts a positive influence on enhancing educators' outcomes when compared to conventional teaching methods. The practical significance of this study lies in its contribution to expanding knowledge about the impact of ChatGPT on the development of creative potential. It underscores the importance of employing contemporary information and communication technologies in the preparation of future teachers.