New publication from AERC researcher
The AERC proudly celebrates the publication of a journal article co-authored by our McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Samantha-Kaye Johnston, together with Dr Mireia Vendrell.
Vendrell, M., & Johnston, S.-K. (2026). Scaffolding critical thinking with Generative AI: Design principles for integrating large language models in higher education. Computer & Education: Artificial Intelligence, 100572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2026.100572
This paper examines how the growing use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in higher education can both support and undermine critical thinking. It proposes a design-oriented pedagogical framework, grounded in cognitive psychology, educational theory, and AI ethics, that identifies key processes and principles for integrating LLMs in ways that promote critical engagement, metacognitive regulation, and epistemic responsibility. The framework translates these ideas into practical design principles and classroom scenarios to help educators structure AI use to strengthen higher-order thinking.
A full list of publications by AERC staff is available on our website via the Publications page.
