The Effect of Brainstorming on AI-Assisted L۲ Writing: A Systematic Review of Literature

This systematic review synthesizes empirical research on the intersection of brainstorming strategies and AI-assisted second language (L۲) writing, addressing a critical gap at the nexus of traditional pre-writing pedagogy and emerging generative AI technologies. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review examines ۱۹ studies spanning traditional brainstorming approaches and AI-integrated frameworks, drawn from comprehensive searches across Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC among others. The analysis addresses three research questions concerning: (۱) the conceptualization and operationalization of brainstorming in AI-assisted L۲ writing contexts; (۲) the effects of AI-facilitated brainstorming on L۲ writing performance, creativity, and learner motivation; and (۳) reported challenges, limitations, and pedagogical implications. Findings reveal a fundamental paradigm shift from brainstorming as a human-centered cognitive strategy to a distributed human-AI collaborative process. AI-facilitated brainstorming demonstrates consistent positive effects on writing quality and anxiety reduction, yet reveals paradoxical outcomes for creativity and mixed evidence regarding durable motivational gains. Critical challenges include cognitive offloading, diminished authorial agency, and the dissociation between immediate performance improvement and sustained learning.

Keywords:

AI-assisted writing , brainstorming , L۲ writing , human-AI collaboration , generative AI , systematic review