Speaker
Description
Limited opportunities for authentic interaction and sustained speaking practice remain significant challenges for Vietnamese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). This study examined the effects of AI voice chatbots on developing speaking skills for English-major students at a Vietnamese university. The research was theoretically grounded in Social Constructivism (Vygotsky, 1978) and Activity Theory (Engeström, 1987) and adopted a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design. 49 participants engaged in regular speaking practice with AI voice chatbots, including Replika, Andy, and Google Assistant, both within and beyond classroom settings over the course of one academic semester. Quantitative data were obtained through pre- and post-speaking tests and perception questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected from open-ended questionnaire responses and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in students’ overall speaking performance following the intervention, particularly in pronunciation, fluency, grammatical accuracy, and lexical use. Students were reported to hold positive perceptions towards the use of AI voice chatbot for improving their speaking skills. They perceived AI chatbots as accessible, flexible, and effective tools for enhancing not only their speaking competence but also their confidence and motivation. Specifically, students valued the immediate interaction and individualized speaking support provided by the chatbots. Nevertheless, several limitations were identified, including occasional irrelevance or repetitiveness in chatbot responses and difficulties in interpreting users’ intended meanings. Recommendations for improving the effectiveness of integrating AI voice chatbots into the teaching and learning of speaking skills in EFL higher education contexts are proposed.
Biography
Dr Uyen Nu Thuy Nguyen is a lecturer at Faculty of English, University of Foreign Language Studies, the University of Danang, Vietnam. She obtained her Master’s degree in TESOL Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia and her Doctoral degree in Education from University of Tasmania, Australia. Dr Uyen has been actively engaged in training teachers at various school levels in teaching methodology, particularly in using Information and Communication Technologies in English language teaching. Her primary areas of interest include online education, computer-assisted language learning, English language teaching methodology and teacher education. She has co-authored books, book chapters and published Scopus-indexed articles in areas of blended and online teaching and learning and teaching methodology.
| Affiliate type | University |
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