AI as a Tool for Developing Critical Thinking in thePreparation of English Language Teachers

Abstract

In an era where artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping educational landscapes, the question is no longer whether AI should be integrated into teacher education, but rather how it can be leveraged to cultivate the cognitive competencies essential for 21st-century educators. As language teacher education programs worldwide grapple with preparing future professionals capable of navigating increasingly complex information environments, the development of critical thinking skills has emerged as a pedagogical imperative that AI technologies are uniquely positioned to address.