The impact of artificial intelligence-powered writing assistance systems on metacognitive writing strategies

Abstract

Writing plays an important role in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context, whereasmetacognitive writing strategies help improve writing performance and selfregulation. AI-powered systems in writing may help learners manage their learning process and empower their metacognitive skills for writing. However, there has been a limited number of studies carried out on the impact of AI-powered writing assistance systems on metacognitive writing strategies. This study aims to examine the possible effects of integrating AI-powered writing tools on EFL learners'metacognitive writing strategies and to compare AI-powered tools and conventional activities regarding the use of metacognitive strategies. In a quasi-experimental design, the study was conducted with 40 EFL learners. The study used a background questionnaire and the Metacognitive Writing Strategies Scale to collect data. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference between the use of traditional activities and AI-powered systems in terms of using metacognitive writing strategies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.