Enhancing HOTS through role-playing GenAI: a case study in classical literature education

Purpose: This educational innovation introduces a customized role-playing GenAI that simulates characters from texts, operating under the premise that explicit instruction in classical literature education with an emphasis on active, learner-centered learning can cultivate students’ higher-order thinking skills (HOTS).Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected through pre- and post-surveys as well as students’ reflective journals. Further, this study employs the BERTopic model, an advanced natural language processing (NLP) technique, to conduct comprehensive topic analysis.Findings: The results demonstrated that integrating GenAI into reading activities can positively influence students’ development of HOTS. BERTopic modeling further revealed themes including intuitive immersive interaction, emotional support, assisted learning, resource access and learning convenience – reflecting students’ perceptions of applying role-playing GenAI in their reading classes.Originality/value: This study underscores the potential of role-playing GenAI to facilitate the teaching of classical literature and contributes to GenAI research in education by illustrating how teacher-tailored tools can foster HOTS within a student-centered environment. Additionally, the application of advanced topic analysis techniques provides powerful methods for understanding and exploring students’ attitudes and perceptions of GenAI in language education.