Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in various fields, and education is no exception. As a PhD graduate specialising in innovative instructions and second language acquisition, I’m particularly interested in how AI can bridge the gap between theory and practice in second language learning. In this article, I’ll highlight how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance personalised learning experiences, especially for students learning challenging languages like Chinese.
1. AI ChatGPT as a Speaking Buddy: Personalized Learning and Differentiation
One of the key challenges in classroom teaching is addressing the diverse learning needs of students. Differentiated instruction is vital (Tomlinson, 1999), but it can be difficult to provide personalised attention to each student in a classroom setting. This is where AI-based platforms like ChatGPT come in.
ChatGPT can act as a “speaking buddy”, offering one-on-one support and personalised interactions. This AI tool can facilitate differentiated learning by adapting to each student’s level and pace, providing tailored responses, and adjusting its complexity based on the student’s progress. For language learners, especially those studying tonal languages like Chinese, this personalised approach can be invaluable.
2. Boost Language Fluency: Relaxed environment for Interaction
Although AI is not perfect, using it as a speaking buddy can create more opportunities for meaningful interaction, aligning with Long’s Interaction Hypothesis (1981) that language acquisition is enhanced through negotiation of meaning (Li, Mackey, 2016; Long, 2019). Moreover, AI-driven output aligns with Swain’s Output Hypothesis (1985), which suggests that producing language helps learners focus on form and function, reinforcing learning and building confidence (Mackey, Oliver 2018).
In the context of learning Chinese, a language with complex tonal patterns, practising speaking is essential. AI-based speaking buddies allow students to practise without the pressure of performing perfectly. This low-stakes environment encourages more practice, leading to greater fluency over time. Here is a video example of my y10 Chinese as a Foreign Language class.
3. Non-Judgemental Buddy: Available 24/7 for support:
For many learners, especially those without an environment to practise a foreign or second language, ChatGPT offers 24/7 support and practice opportunities. Learners who are highly conscious of making mistakes or who simply feel shy or anxious about speaking in public often find classroom settings intimidating. According to Stephen Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis (1982), learners with high anxiety have a stronger “filter” that blocks language acquisition, even when they are exposed to input (Maclntyre, Clement, Dörnyei & Ushioda, 2013). AI tools like ChatGPT can help by providing a safe space to practise without fear of judgement.
The anonymous and non-judgmental nature of AI interactions allows shy learners to make mistakes and experiment with language without embarrassment. This is crucial for building confidence and transitioning from knowledge to practical speaking skills. As students gain confidence in their interactions with AI, they are more likely to engage in real-life conversations, further enhancing their language proficiency.
Conclusion
By integrating AI speaking buddies like ChatGPT into the classroom, we can create a more personalised and engaging learning experience for all students. This technology addresses the challenge of differentiated instruction, allowing students to practise at their own pace and receive tailored feedback. Furthermore, the low-stakes environment fostered by AI encourages frequent practice, which is crucial for fluency, especially in challenging languages like Chinese. Most importantly, AI provides a safe space for shy learners to overcome anxieties and experiment with the language. As students gain confidence interacting with AI, they are better equipped to transition their skills to real-world conversations, ultimately leading to a higher level of language proficiency. Looking ahead, AI has the potential to revolutionise language learning by making it more personalised, engaging, and effective for all students.
Before working with the AI speaking buddy, students practised vocabulary individually using Quizlet quizzes, then collaborated in team-based live quizzes to reinforce their foundational vocabulary for the speaking tasks.
This is an example of the commands I wrote for ChatGPT, which acts as each student’s speaking buddy to practise each question and evaluate their responses based on the provided marking criteria.
These are the examples of students working with the AI speaking buddy on their laptops with headphones.
Here is an example of another Learning Management System (LMS) platform integrating ChatGPT. This platform can transcribe speech to text and offers responses in both text and voice. It also provides clear feedback by highlighting strengths, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting necessary follow-up actions.
Written By: Dr. CK Leow (Jenny)