Fostering Intellectual Autonomy in AI-Mediated Postgraduate Supervision: A Gamified Approach

Abstract

This chapter examines how gamification strategies facilitate self-directed learning, intellectual autonomy, and academic growth within AI-mediated postgraduate supervision. Employing a systematic literature review methodology in accordance with PRISMA 2020 standards, the chapter synthesises research that investigates the integration of gamification and artificial intelligence in postgraduate education. Key strategies, including milestone-based progression, collaborative problem-solving, and interactive feedback, are analysed as mechanisms for fostering autonomy and intrinsic motivation among postgraduate students. The review indicates that structured challenges and rewards enhance engagement, reduce over-reliance on AI tools, and support the development of complex research skills. Furthermore, gamification serves as a catalyst for professional growth, with collaborative and reflective practices enhancing critical thinking and resilience. Ethical considerations, such as algorithmic bias, fairness, and the necessity of maintaining human-centred mentorship, are also examined. The chapter concludes that the integration of gamification into AI-mediated supervision frameworks promotes creativity, independence, and intellectual rigour, providing valuable insights for educators and institutions seeking to align technological innovation with the enduring values of postgraduate mentorship.