?? How Does AI Impact Critical Thinking Among Students?

Critical thinking is one of the most essential skills for success in both academia and everyday life. It enables individuals to analyse information, evaluate different perspectives, solve problems, and make well-informed decisions. In higher education, critical thinking goes beyond memorising facts. It involves questioning assumptions, constructing logical arguments, and engaging in deep discussions.

AI’s Dual Role in Critical Thinking Development

AI-powered tools can personalise learning and provide instant feedback, helping students engage in problem-solving. However, some studies suggest that excessive reliance on AI may lead to cognitive offloading, where students depend on AI to solve problems instead of engaging in their own analytical thinking (Gerlich, 2025). In addition, some students who frequently use AI tools without proper guidance may struggle with deeper critical thinking tasks.

Key Concerns About AI and Critical Thinking

Recent research highlights several risks associated with students’ over-reliance on AI:

? Cognitive Offloading: Frequent use of AI can lead to diminished critical thinking abilities, as students outsource complex reasoning to technology rather than engaging their own cognitive faculties (Gerlich, 2025).

? Dependency and Superficial Understanding: Over-reliance on AI often results in a shallow grasp of concepts, as students may bypass the effort needed for true comprehension, treating AI as a shortcut (Panit, 2025; Octaberlina et al., 2024).

? Threats to Originality and Intellectual Integrity: AI-generated content can reduce students’ engagement with their own ideas, leading to ethical concerns such as plagiarism and diminished intellectual creativity(Octaberlina et al., 2024).

The Unique Challenge for International Students

For many international students, critical thinking is an unfamiliar concept. In numerous education systems worldwide, critical thinking is not explicitly taught—instead, learning is often memorisation-based and focused on absorbing information rather than questioning it. When international students arrive in countries where critical thinking is an expectation, they may struggle to understand what it truly entails.

Why This Leads to a Greater Reliance on AI

Because AI tools can generate structured arguments and analyse information, international students may turn to them as a substitute for their own analytical reasoning. The problem is that instead of sharpening their critical thinking skills, they are outsourcing thinking to AI. This creates a false sense of intellectual engagement, as they are not critically evaluating AI-generated content but merely presenting it as their own.

Furthermore, AI itself has limitations—it operates on existing datasets and cannot replace the nuanced reasoning required for real-world decision-making. Relying too heavily on AI may prevent students from developing independent thought, a crucial skill for both academia and professional life.

Comparing the Challenges of Domestic Students

While domestic students generally have more exposure to critical thinking from an early age, they are not immune to similar risks:

? Overreliance on AI: With easy access to AI tools, some students default to accepting AI-generated responses without questioning them.

? Complacency: Being familiar with the educational system, domestic students may not feel the need to actively engage with critical analysis, assuming they already "know" how to think critically.

How to Foster Critical Thinking in an AI-Driven World

To ensure that AI remains a tool for enhancement rather than a replacement for thinking, educators must:

1. Teach Critical Thinking Explicitly – Especially for international students, institutions should provide courses or workshops that define and practice critical thinking.
2. Promote Responsible AI Use – Students should be encouraged to critically evaluate AI-generated content rather than taking it at face value.
3. Encourage Inquiry-Based Learning – Instead of focusing solely on content absorption, assignments should push students to analyse, critique, and create.
4. Support International Students with Additional Resources – Providing targeted academic support can help international students bridge the gap between different educational traditions.

By addressing these challenges, we can ensure that all students—whether domestic or international—develop the critical thinking skills needed for success in academia and beyond. And this is what we do at Oxford Academy of English.

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