Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills: Exploring Generative AI-enabled Cognitive Offload Instruction in English Essay Writing

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Generative AI technology for cognitive offloading in the context of English essay writing, with the aim of promoting inclusive and equitable quality education. Focusing on how AI-assisted cognitive offload instruction enhances students' critical thinking skills, the research adopts a quantitative approach, collecting data from 240 first-year English majors across four colleges through purposive sampling. Statistical analysis reveals that the implementation of Generative AI-enabled Cognitive Offload instruction significantly improves students' critical thinking skills in essay writing. This instructional strategies and specific practices fosters the development of analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, creating an educational environment that supports originality, critical thought, and responsible writing practices. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on the role of AI in educational settings, highlighting the potential of AI-assisted cognitive offloading to advance critical thinking and writing skills through structured instructional design.