The Negative Impact of AI-Enhanced Interdisciplinary STEM Curriculum on Cognitive Skills

With the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education, AI-enhanced interdisciplinary STEM curricula have garnered significant attention for their transformative potential. However, this study critically examines their negative impacts on students' cognitive skills. Drawing on Cognitive Load Theory, Constructivism, and Metacognitive Theory, the research highlights four key challenges: over-reliance on AI, which diminishes independent thinking and problem-solving abilities; information overload, leading to cognitive fatigue and reduced learning efficiency; narrowing of cognitive flexibility due to personalized algorithms that limit exposure to diverse perspectives; and disruption of conceptual understanding, which hinders the ability to connect interdisciplinary knowledge. These challenges are interconnected, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates their effects and poses risks to students' long-term cognitive development. The findings underscore the urgent need for balanced integration of AI in STEM education, offering actionable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers. This study also identifies future research directions to optimize AI's role in fostering cognitive growth while mitigating its potential drawbacks.