Use a genAI agent to introduce controversial viewpoints in newly formed collaborative PBL teams¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 design), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article recommends utilizing this instructional approach — introducing a genAI agent that supplies controversial viewpoints into small-group processes of newly formed student teams — and calls for further research on it. The authors state the findings are "reported and discussed alongside recommendations for further research and utilization of this instructional approach". The strategy targets the groupthink risks of rapid team formation in virtual interprofessional problem-based learning.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A genAI agent integrated into each student team's small-group processes
• A virtual interprofessional education problem-based learning session

Constraints¶

• The article frames the approach as needing further research

Target Learners¶

• Newly formed interprofessional student teams in health professions education

Target Learning Goals¶

• Countering groupthink
• Promoting critical discussion in team problem solving

Claims¶

• The genAI tool's integration into each student team was an intentional pedagogical technique targeting factors contributing to groupthink in rapidly formed teams [+W]
• The study examined student perceptions of the genAI agent and its integration into team processes [+W]

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Wiss, A., Showstark, M., Dobbeck, K., Pattershall-Geide, J., Zschaebitz, E., Joosten-Hagye, D., … Embry, E. (2025). Utilizing Generative AI to Counter Learner Groupthink by Introducing Controversy in Collaborative Problem-Based Learning Settings. Online Learning, 29(3), 39–65. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v29i3.5096