Purwakarta, Indonesia. The Science Education Study Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), in collaboration with National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), recently held an online professional development workshop to strengthen science teachers’ instructional strategies in scientific argumentation using artificial intelligence (AI).
The workshop, titled “Enhancing Teachers’ Instructional Strategies in Scientific Argumentation via AI-Supported Professional Development: An AISI Workshop,” was conducted online on 27 and 29 October 2025 and involved 35 active science teachers, primarily members of the Biology Teachers’ Association (MGMP Biologi) in Purwakarta District.
The initiative was motivated by the rapid growth of AI across many sectors, including education. Despite this expansion, the organisers highlighted that relatively few AI tools have been developed specifically for science education, particularly tools that explicitly support scientific argumentation, such as Toulmin’s Argumentation Framework.
To address this gap, NTNU introduced AISI (Adaptive Interactive Study Interface for Next-Generation Learning), a learning-science-grounded platform that integrates generative AI to support inquiry-based learning. Rather than providing direct answers, AISI guides teachers and students through structured questioning, evidence evaluation, and reflection, encouraging self-directed learning and higher-order thinking.
“AISI is designed to keep students at the centre of learning,” explained the facilitators. “The AI functions as a guide, helping learners surface ideas, examine evidence, and refine their understanding step by step.”
On the first day, Professor Chun-Yen Chang of NTNU delivered a keynote address on the increasing importance of AI in science education. He emphasised that teachers must continuously adapt to technological developments to remain effective in modern classrooms.
The session continued with an introduction to Toulmin’s argumentation model and a hands-on overview of the AISI platform, led by Asnidar Siahaan, S.Pd., M.S. Participants then had the opportunity to explore AISI independently by designing lesson plans tailored to their classrooms.
During the second day, teachers presented their lesson plans and received feedback through guided consultation sessions. The panel included Prof. Dr. phil. Ari Widodo, M.Ed, Asnidar Siahaan, S.Pd., M.S., Ikmanda Nugraha, S.Pd., M.Pd., Ph.D, Ai Nurlaelasari Rusmana, S.Pd., M.Ed, and Riana Nurismawati, S.Pd., M.Pd as the facilitators.
One of the topics that generated strong discussion was carbon distribution in photosynthesis, alongside other core science concepts, demonstrating how AI-supported argumentation can be applied across different science topics.
Overall, the workshop received positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the practical focus and the opportunity to integrate AI meaningfully into their teaching. By combining argumentation theory with AI-supported lesson design, the workshop aimed to equip teachers with innovative strategies to foster deeper scientific reasoning among students.
The organisers hope that similar collaborations will continue to support teachers in navigating the evolving role of AI in science education while maintaining strong pedagogical foundations.
Contributor: Ikmanda Nugraha