I am in the process of developing CTRL+Think, a developmentally scaffolded behavioral intervention toolkit designed to preserve critical thinking skills as students increasingly integrate AI tools into their learning processes. The project addresses a critical challenge: how to interrupt emerging patterns of cognitive offloading and cultivate reflexive thinking habits that preserve intellectual engagement alongside AI use. Drawing on research in developmental psychology and behavioral science, the toolkit targets the critical developmental window when metacognitive skills are still forming and most adaptable.

The intervention uses simple behavioral nudges and age-appropriate activities to help students develop the cognitive architecture needed to use AI as a complement to, rather than replacement for, their own thinking. The approach focuses on building automatic questioning habits through practical tools like 'Pause Before You Prompt' cards, cross-curricular integration guides, and social norming materials. By addressing root behavioral patterns rather than just technology symptoms, the toolkit aims to shape lifelong thinking habits during the narrow window before passive AI consumption becomes the default pattern for an entire generation.

Key outcomes: Develop comprehensive behavioral intervention framework for educational settings, created age-appropriate tools for preserving critical thinking skills, addressed cognitive offloading patterns through evidence-based behavioral science.

• Links: [CTRL+Think Project] | [CTRL+Think GPT Coach]

• Skills demonstrated: Behavioral intervention design, developmental psychology application, educational framework development, cross-curricular integration, evidence-based methodology