Generative AI–mediated scaffolds for enhanced critical thinking in EFL writing

Generative AI tools present new opportunities for enhancing critical thinking (CT) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing instruction. This study investigates how the structured integration of these technologies could support the development of CT skills, particularly in vocational education contexts. An eight-week multiple-case action research design was conducted across three vocational colleges, involving 92 students engaged in iterative writing and revision cycles guided by the GenAI-CT framework. This pedagogical model draws on Bloom’s taxonomy, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, and cognitive apprenticeship theory to scaffold learners through increasingly complex reasoning tasks. Data were collected from student essays, AI interaction logs, reflective journals, and classroom observations. Mixed-methods analysis revealed statistically significant gains across all CT dimensions (p< .001). Thematic findings indicated notable increases in analytical depth, metacognitive reflection, and evaluative judgment. Variations across cases underscored the influence of disciplinary focus and instructional mediation styles. These results demonstrate that generative AI, when embedded in intentional pedagogical structures, can foster cognitive engagement rather than superficial automation. The GenAI-CT framework offers a replicable model for integrating AI in applied language and communication instruction, supporting educators in cultivating critical thinking through technology-enhanced learning environments.