Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of using gamification and artificial intelligence in the development of critical thinking of future English teachers in the context of digitalization of education

Abstract

In the era of digitalization of teacher education, the formation of critical thinking among future English teachers is becoming a key role, since traditional methods are ineffective for developing skills in analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The study compares the impact of gamification (game mechanics for motivation) and artificial intelligence (adaptive platforms with feedback) on these skills, identifying optimal approaches for personalized learning. The aim is to empirically evaluate the dynamics of critical thinking in experimental groups compared with the control group in order to justify the integration of technology into teacher training. The methods included an experiment with 150 third-year students of a pedagogical university, divided into three groups: gamification (quests, badges), an Al platform (adaptive trajectories, chatbots) and traditional learning. The assessment was carried out by the PTOCM test (pre- and post-test) according to the components of thinking, motivation and engagement questionnaires. Statistical analysis: Student's t-test, ANOVA, Tukey test and Pearson correlation in SPSS. The results showed an increase in critical thinking by 73,75% in the Al group, 54,72% in gamification, and 12,02% in the control group (ANOVA: F=85.43, p<0.001). Al was the leader in argumentation analysis (+7.12) and evidence assessment (+7.34), while gamification was the leader in problem identification (+6.71). Engagement correlated more strongly with gains in gamification (r=0.76) vs. Al (r=0.42). The discussion highlights the superiority of Al for analytical skills and homogeneous results, and gamification for motivation and creativity. Hybrid models are promising for synergy. The conclusions recommend Al for rational development, gamification for emotional engagement, contributing to the adaptation of education to the digital environment.