This study sets out to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on Moroccan university students' academic assertiveness within the context of academic writing. Drawing on the theoretical framework of cognitive and emotional assertiveness, as well as behavioral autonomy in academic tasks, this research examines how AI tools (grammar checkers and sophisticated writing assistants) affect students' capacity for independent thought, argumentation, and the expression of their academic voice. Academic assertiveness is operationalized across three dimensions: cognitive assertiveness (confidence in generating original arguments), emotional assertiveness (confidence in presenting ideas despite potential critique), and behavioral assertiveness (engagement in the writing process without undue reliance on external aids). The study makes use of a mixed-methods approach integrating a questionnaire, interviews, and analysis of students' writing samples to explore the frequency, types, and dependency on AI tools. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that AI tool usage significantly predicted writing confidence (β = 0.45, p < 0.01), indicating that more frequent use of AI tools was associated with higher levels of confidence in academic writing. However, the degree of dependence on AI for idea generation negatively predicted academic independence (β = -0.30, p < 0.05), suggesting that over-reliance on AI may reduce students' ability to engage independently with writing tasks. The findings suggest that moderate use of AI tools tends to foster cognitive and emotional assertiveness by alleviating the mechanical burdens of writing and boosting students' confidence. However, excessive reliance on AI, particularly for content generation or structural organization, undermines behavioral assertiveness, leading to diminished academic independence and critical engagement.

Authors:
Nafiaa Bouanani, Abdelmalek Essadi University, Morocco

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Nafiaa Bouanani PhD in Cognitive and Educational Sciences and currently Professor at the Faculty of Humanities, English Department, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco.

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