Critical Thinking and Learning Interest in Academic Achievement: The Mediating Role of ChatGPT

Wahyu Indriyani; Harsono Harsono

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i1.1375

Authors

Wahyu Indriyani Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1502-3959
Harsono Harsono Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i1.1375

Keywords:

Academic Achievement , Artificial Intelligence in Education , ChatGPT , Critical Thinking Skills , Learning Interest

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of critical thinking skills and learning interest on students' academic achievement in Surakarta, with ChatGPT serving as a mediating variable. The research employed a quantitative, explanatory survey method. Data were collected from 140 university students who had used ChatGPT in their academic activities, selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire with a four-point Likert scale that had been tested for validity and reliability. The results revealed that critical thinking skills and learning interest significantly affect academic achievement, both directly and indirectly through ChatGPT's mediating role. The research model demonstrated strong explanatory power with an R² value of 0.719. These findings highlight that integrating artificial intelligence-based technologies, such as ChatGPT, can enhance learning outcomes when combined with the development of critical thinking skills. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of implementing adaptive educational strategies that integrate technological use with cognitive skill development to prepare students for the challenges of the digital era.

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Author Biographies

Wahyu Indriyani, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

Was born in Karanganyar on May 13, 2001. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting Education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta.

Harsono Harsono, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

Was born in Boyolali on February 20, 1960. He is a Professor in the Accounting Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. He earned his bachelor’s degree from IKIP Yogyakarta, his master’s degree from Gadjah Mada University, and his doctoral degree from Universitas Negeri Malang in Educational Management. He actively contributes to educational development at national and local levels and has participated in international seminars, with publications in SINTA- and Scopus-indexed journals.

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