Citation

Indriati, Lisa and Mai, Neo and Tan, Heidi Yeen Ju (2026) Authentic Project-Based Learning with Generative AI: Fostering Creative and Critical Thinking in Design Education. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research. p. 289. ISSN 1694-2493

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Abstract

The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into creative practices raises discussion about how design education can continue to develop creative and critical thinking skills. Project-based learning (PBL) grounded in Herrington’s Authentic Learning framework helps design students’ experience real-world contexts that mirror professional creative practice. However, effectiveness when supported by AI tools remains underexplored. This study investigates how AIintegrated authentic project-based learning, scaffolded through a structured AI dialogue approach based on the Devil’s Advocate Reflective Thinking Framework (D.A.R.T. Framework). A convergent mixed-methods design was employed to 53 undergraduate students enrolled in a Design Management course in Indonesia. Drawing on a validated Likert-scale survey, individual reflection papers, and peer assessment scores, the 17-item AI-Integrated Authentic Learning Scale (AI-ALS) demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.949); students rated AI scaffolding and autonomy highest (D4, M = 4.29) and real-world AI application lowest (D1, M = 3.68). Qualitative analysis of reflection papers identified communication as the dominant coding category (366 occurrences), while conflict management was the least represented (32 occurrences), indicating a significant tendency toward conflict avoidance. Peer assessment scores were uniformly positive (all items M > 4.20), supporting the survey finding that AI functioned as a creative scaffold rather than a replacement for student agency, provided that lecturer scaffolding guided students’ engagement with AI and prevented uncritical reliance on AI-generated outputs. These findings offer practical implications for design educators and curriculum developers seeking to integrate generative AI as a pedagogical scaffold that supports, rather than replaces, students’ creative agency and higherorder thinking skills in preparation for professional practice.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Authentic learning, project-based learning
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1060 Learning
Divisions:	Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM)
Depositing User:	Ms Rosnani Abd Wahab
Date Deposited:	01 Oct 2026 04:52
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2026 04:52
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/16777

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