Figure 1
A diagram illustrating factors shaping the safe and effective use of student-facing AI in primary classrooms. The diagram is divided into three main sections: Cognitive Development, Social-Emotional Learning, and Teacher Guidance & Scaffolding. Cognitive Development includes the Preoperational Stage (ages 5-7) and the Concrete Operational Stage (ages 8-12), highlighting concrete thinking, imagination, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and early literacy skills. Social-Emotional Learning emphasizes empathy, collaboration, communication, and self-regulation. Teacher Guidance & Scaffolding involves assessing, guiding, supporting, and encouraging students to achieve deep understanding and skill development. Classroom interaction and peer learning are also depicted. The diagram highlights opportunities for practice and feedback, personalized support, risks without guidance such as superficial engagement, misunderstanding, over-reliance, and limited social-emotional support. Primary classroom factors shaping safe and effective use of student-facing AI. Source: Authors’ conceptualisation based on literature synthesis