DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS' INDEPENDENT THINKING AND LIFE SKILLS (SOFT SKILLS) IN THE CONTEXT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Abstract
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has a significant impact on the educational process by providing opportunities for fast information processing, automation of learning, and efficient use of resources. Although AI can enhance learning outcomes, excessive reliance on it may hinder the development of essential life skills (soft skills), such as independent thinking, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and self-confidence. This study employed methods of pedagogical observation and longitudinal analysis to examine changes in these skills among 58 students of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Tashkent International University over a three-month period (October–December). Within the framework of the experiment, interactive tasks, discussion-based activities, and active use of Stella Cottrell’s book The Study Skills Handbook for developing independent learning were applied. The results showed that students’ skills were initially poorly developed; however, they improved significantly over time. The findings highlight the importance of integrating AI into the educational process as a supportive tool while maintaining pedagogical supervision to foster independent thinking and life skills.