ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INNOVATIVE ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR EVALUATING CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS IN MATHEMATICS: IMPLICATIONSFOR SUSTAINABLE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized educational assessment. introducing innovative methods that go beyond traditional assessments, which often fall short in capturing these higher-order cognitive skills, which are essential for 21st-century learning and global competitiveness. The integration of AI in educational assessments aligns with global goals for sustainable development by promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education through personalized learning and enhanced teaching strategies. This study explores the role of AI-driven 
tools in innovative assessment techniques in the evaluation of critical thinking and problem-solving skills of adolescents in mathematics within Education District 2 of Lagos State. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design, with the population comprising all Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students in public secondary schools in Education District 2 of Lagos State. A sample of 180 students was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using a self-developed questionnaire titled "Role of Artificial Intelligence in Innovative Assessment Methods for Evaluating Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in Mathematics" (RAIIAMECTPSM). Two hypotheses were formulated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance to guide the study. The findings  from the study revealed that AI-driven innovative assessment methods significantly influence the evaluation of adolescents' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The study's findings suggest that AI-driven assessments provide a more dynamic, accurate, and equitable evaluation of students' mathematical competencies, fostering a shift toward a student-centered learning environment. The study recommends that teachers integrate AI into the educational assessment frameworks of their students in order to enhance their mathematics critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The study positions that AI is not only a technological tool but also a catalyst for sustainable educational innovation in sub-Saharan Africa