HARNESSING AI IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ENHANCING CRITICAL READING AND ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING THROUGH MAGICSCHOOL AI

Authors

  • Abdeghni Dahman Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco orcid.org/0000-0003-0041-2841
  • Boutouil Salah Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles, CPGE, Taza, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejoe.v11i1.6684

Keywords:

AI, EFL, MagicSchool, PICRAT model, critical reading, argumentative writing

Abstract

This paper investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in EFL classrooms, focusing on its potential to enhance critical reading and argumentative writing skills. As AI-powered tools increasingly provide personalized feedback, adaptive learning pathways, and support for higher-order thinking skills (HOT), they also help reduce teachers’ workload by facilitating routine tasks such as lesson planning and assessment. Drawing on the PICRAT model, this study examines the pedagogical potential of MagicSchool AI in fostering active, creative, and reflective engagement among EFL learners. It highlights how AI can support subskills, including text interpretation, critical evaluation, argument development, and revision, while also addressing the practical and ethical challenges of its adoption. Ultimately, the paper argues for a transformative rather than passive use of AI to improve learners’ linguistic, analytical, and evaluative capacities.

Author Biographies

  • Abdeghni Dahman, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco orcid.org/0000-0003-0041-2841

    Abdeghni Dahman holds a PhD in Language and Cultural Studies from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Fez, Morocco. His research interests include Moroccan, African, and transnational cinemas, cultural studies, media studies, travel narratives, postcolonial literature, gender studies, and language education. He has published articles in the Journal of African Cinemas, the Quarterly Review of Film and Video, the International Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Translation, and the Open Journal of Social Sciences.

  • Boutouil Salah, Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles, CPGE, Taza, Morocco

    Salah Boutouil is a recent Fulbright alumnus of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers (Fulbright DAI) in EFL. He is also an EFL teacher at the Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles (CPGE) Taza. His research interests include AI in education, media literacy, and professional development.

References

Abdullah, N., Niazi, J., Idris, R., and Muhammad, N. (2022). Socratic questioning: a philosophical approach in developing critical thinking skills. Al Hikmah International Journal of Islamic Studies and Human Sciencies 5, 143–161. https://doi: 10.46722/hikmah.v5i4g

Ahmadi, M. R. (2018). The use of technology in English language learning: A literature review. International Journal of Research in English Education, 3(2), 115–125. https://doi.org/10.29252/ijree.3.2.115

Bower, M., & Sturman, D. (2015). What are the educational affordances of wearable technologies? Computers & Education, 88, 343–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2015.07.013

Cahyani, H., de Courcy, M., & Barnett, J. (2023). Exploring the impact of AI on English language learning and teaching: A systematic review. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 14(2), 243–257.

Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008

Goodman, K. (1967). Reading: A psycholinguistic guessing game. Journal of the Reading Specialist, 6(4), 126–135. Retrieved from https://scispace.com/pdf/reading-a-psycholinguistic-guessing-game-50vaodt7qe.pdf

Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332180327_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Education_Promise_and_Implications_for_Teaching_and_Learning

Jones, R. (2023, July 21). What’s the deal with PIC/RAT– the Edtech model? EdTechReview. Retrieved from https://www.edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/whats-the-deal-with-pic-rat-the-edtech-model/

Kasirzadeh, A., & Gabriel, I. (2022). In conversation with artificial intelligence: Aligning language models with human values. Philosophy & Technology, 35(4), 94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13347-022-00595-2

Khamkhong, A. (2018). Developing English learners’ critical thinking skills through reading. International Journal of Education, 10(1), 1–12.

Kimmons, R. (2016). PICRAT: An essential technology integration model. TechTrends, 60(5), 504–509. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0098-4

Krashen, S. D. (2004). The power of reading: Insights from the research (2nd ed.). Heinemann. Retrieved from https://www.sdkrashen.com/content/books/the_power_of_reading.pdf

Langreo, L. (2025, February 14). ‘I don’t get burnt out as much:’ How these teachers use AI in their daily work. Education Week. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/technology/i-dont-get-burnt-out-as-much-how-these-teachers-use-ai-in-their-daily-work/2025/02

Le, T. T., Tran, H. N., & Nguyen, P. L. (2024). Enhancing critical reading among EFL learners through metacognitive strategy instruction. Asian EFL Journal, 26(3), 54–78.

Lee, J. J., Garton, S., & Fang, F. (2025). Generative AI and English language teaching: A Global Englishes perspective. ELT Journal, 79(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccae003

Magicschool AI. (2024). MagicSchool AI: AI tools for teachers. Retrieved from https://www.magicschool.ai

Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A new framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00684.x

Moore, M. G. (1980). The theory of transactional distance. In D. Keegan (Ed.), Theoretical principles of distance education (pp. 22–38). London, UK: Routledge. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262488021_The_Theory_of_Transactional_Distance

Norris, C., & Soloway, E. (2011). The PICRAT model for technology integration. In D. A. Ifenthaler & P. Isaias (Eds.), The Future of Learning: Proceedings of the SITE International Conference on Educational Technology (pp. 236–243). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2008). The miniature guide to critical thinking: Concepts and tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking Press. Retrieved from https://www.criticalthinking.org/files/Concepts_Tools.pdf

Puentedura, R. R. (2006). Transformation, technology, and education. Hippasus Blog. Retrieved from http://hippasus.com/resources/tte/

Richey, R. C., & Klein, J. D. (2007). Design and Development Research: Methods, Strategies, and Issues. New York, NY: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203826034

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York, NY: Free Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/Diffusion_of_Innovations_5th_Edition.html?id=9U1K5LjUOwEC&redir_esc=y

Thongsana, N. C., & Anderson, N. J. (2025). From passive answers to active inquiry: How AI supports critical reading in EFL classrooms. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 18(2), 1–18. Language Institute, Thammasat University. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LEARN/index

Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The processes of technological innovation. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books/about/The_Processes_of_Technological_Innovatio.html?id=EotRAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

Usta, M. E., & Gündoğdu, A. (2018). Reading strategies used by EFL learners and their relation to reading proficiency. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 14(2), 120–135.

Warschauer, M., & Liaw, M. L. (2022). Emerging technologies for language learning: Artificial intelligence and beyond. Language Learning & Technology, 26(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.10125/73423

Yakut, A. D., & Aydın, S. (2017). An experimental study on the effects of extensive reading on writing performance. Reading in a Foreign Language, 29(2), 183–202.

Yılmaz, Ö. K., & Aydın, S. (2025). The impact of the use of artificial intelligence–generated materials on reading motivation among EFL learners. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 18(2), 19–36. Language Institute, Thammasat University. https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LEARN/index

Downloads

Published

2026-04-28

Issue

Section

Articles