VietTESOL International Convention 2026

As English is increasingly used as a communication tool rather than simply a foreign language, listening competence has become essential for secondary students. This study explored the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing listening skills among gifted Grade 9 EFL students at a lower secondary school in central Vietnam. The study involved 10 students selected for the school English gifted team during the 2025–2026 academic year and adopted a classroom-based action research approach. AI-assisted listening practices were integrated through personalized listening materials, adaptive tasks, and structured pre-listening, while-listening, and post-listening activities. Various AI tools were used to generate audio materials, adjust speech speed, diversify accents, and provide immediate feedback. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests, classroom observations, listening logs, student reflections, and questionnaires. The findings showed clear improvements in students’ listening performance, especially in identifying key information and understanding different accents and speaking speeds. Students also became more confident, motivated, and autonomous in their learning. The study suggests that AI-assisted learning can be an innovative and practical approach to supporting listening development for gifted lower secondary EFL learners in the context of educational digital transformation.