Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative Inquiry
This qualitative study examines how students use AI tools for their research and thesis writing, anchored in Constructivist Learning Theory, which holds that learners actively construct knowledge through experience and reflection. Utilizing the 4D model of appreciative inquiry, this study investigat...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Adventist University of Africa
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.aua.ke/pajes/article/view/706 |
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| author | Dan Namanya Mennen Pearl C. Talibong |
| author_facet | Dan Namanya Mennen Pearl C. Talibong |
| author_sort | Dan Namanya |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This qualitative study examines how students use AI tools for their research and thesis writing, anchored in Constructivist Learning Theory, which holds that learners actively construct knowledge through experience and reflection. Utilizing the 4D model of appreciative inquiry, this study investigated the positive experiences of students using AI chatbots to write their theses, their ideal role in AI, methods to optimize the positive effects of AI chatbots, and approaches to promote a culture that accepts AI technology in research while upholding academic integrity. Using semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions with undergraduate students currently writing theses. The results indicated that students appreciated the productivity and efficiency increases made possible by AI tools such as instantaneous writing feedback and quick literary summarization. However, they were also worried about their potential effects on creativity and critical thinking. This study offers insightful information for academic institutions, faculty, and students. It suggests establishing clear rules and placing faculty training programs to guarantee the ethical and appropriate use of AI technologies in academic endeavors. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7de254c0b18d402f8d8ab6fd01bd40f7 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2789-0058 2789-0066 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Adventist University of Africa |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-7de254c0b18d402f8d8ab6fd01bd40f72025-08-20T02:57:30ZengAdventist University of AfricaPan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences2789-00582789-00662025-05-0161304810.56893/pajes2025v06i01.03673Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative InquiryDan Namanya0Mennen Pearl C. Talibong1https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0049-9806Adventist University of the PhilippinesMountain View College, Philippines This qualitative study examines how students use AI tools for their research and thesis writing, anchored in Constructivist Learning Theory, which holds that learners actively construct knowledge through experience and reflection. Utilizing the 4D model of appreciative inquiry, this study investigated the positive experiences of students using AI chatbots to write their theses, their ideal role in AI, methods to optimize the positive effects of AI chatbots, and approaches to promote a culture that accepts AI technology in research while upholding academic integrity. Using semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions with undergraduate students currently writing theses. The results indicated that students appreciated the productivity and efficiency increases made possible by AI tools such as instantaneous writing feedback and quick literary summarization. However, they were also worried about their potential effects on creativity and critical thinking. This study offers insightful information for academic institutions, faculty, and students. It suggests establishing clear rules and placing faculty training programs to guarantee the ethical and appropriate use of AI technologies in academic endeavors.https://journals.aua.ke/pajes/article/view/706ai toolsstudent researchappreciative inquiryacademic integrity |
| spellingShingle | Dan Namanya Mennen Pearl C. Talibong Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative Inquiry Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences ai tools student research appreciative inquiry academic integrity |
| title | Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative Inquiry |
| title_full | Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative Inquiry |
| title_fullStr | Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative Inquiry |
| title_full_unstemmed | Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative Inquiry |
| title_short | Harnessing the Potential of AI Tools for Student Thesis Research and Writing: An Appreciative Inquiry |
| title_sort | harnessing the potential of ai tools for student thesis research and writing an appreciative inquiry |
| topic | ai tools student research appreciative inquiry academic integrity |
| url | https://journals.aua.ke/pajes/article/view/706 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT dannamanya harnessingthepotentialofaitoolsforstudentthesisresearchandwritinganappreciativeinquiry AT mennenpearlctalibong harnessingthepotentialofaitoolsforstudentthesisresearchandwritinganappreciativeinquiry |