The Impact of Using AI Chatbots in Science Learning on the Questioning Behavior of 5th Grade Students at SDN Plalangan 03 Gunungpati Semarang City

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has provided new opportunities to enhance the quality of learning, particularly in elementary science education. One form of AI utilization is chatbots, which function as interactive learning media capable of encouraging students’ active participation. In science learning, questioning behavior is an important indicator of students’ cognitive engagement; however, many elementary school students tend to be passive in asking questions. This study aimed to examine the effect of using AI chatbots in science learning on students’ questioning behavior in Grade V of SDN Plalangan 03 Gunungpati, Semarang City. This study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, and documentation. The data were analyzed to identify changes in students’ questioning behavior before and after the implementation of AI chatbots in science learning. The results indicated that the use of AI chatbots improved students’ questioning behavior in terms of frequency, confidence, and activeness in asking questions. AI chatbots provided a comfortable and flexible interaction space for students, which helped reduce psychological barriers in questioning. It can be concluded that the use of AI chatbots has a positive effect on students’ questioning behavior in elementary school science learning.