Speaker
Description
Speaking is one of the most important yet challenging skills for EFL learners in Vietnam. Among various approaches to improving speaking performance, AI voice chatbots have emerged as a promising technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) tool. In particular, ChatGPT’s voice mode offers personalized learning experiences and native-like conversations, which may address common difficulties in English speaking development. While previous studies have examined the role of AI voice chatbots in language learning, few have investigated the effectiveness of ChatGPT voice mode in real classroom contexts. This study explores the impact of ChatGPT voice mode on the speaking skills of Vietnamese EFL learners at an English center and examines learners’ perceptions of this technology integration. An action research design was employed, with a 5-week intervention using ChatGPT. Quantitative data were collected from pre- and post-tests that assessed four speaking components: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Results indicated improvement across all four speaking components. Participants reported that practicing with ChatGPT voice mode supported their speaking through frequent speaking opportunities, corrective feedback, and answer modelling. They also appreciated the low-pressure, motivating environment and the human-like interaction created. However, challenges, including the need to repeat prompts and the constraints of the paid premium version, were identified. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of research on AI in language education and offers practical insights into how voice-based chatbots like ChatGPT can enhance speaking skills in Vietnamese EFL contexts.
Biography
Nguyen Phuong Chi is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in English Language Teacher Education at the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. She has a strong interest in English language teaching, with a particular focus on technology integration and classroom-based research.
For research experience, she co-authored a study on the impact of peer feedback on cohesion in argumentative writing among EFL learners in 2024. This study was presented at the 8th International Conference on Education and Social Sciences (ICEASS) in Thailand, and published in the conference proceedings (ISSN 1905-6923). This experience strengthened her passion for ELT research and motivated her to explore innovative teaching approaches.
In addition to her academic work, Chi has three years of experience teaching IELTS at an English center in Hanoi. This hands-on experience has helped her understand learners' needs more clearly and inspired her to create better speaking materials to support students in real classroom settings. This inspiration led to her most recent study, which investigates the use of ChatGPT voice mode to enhance the speaking skills of Vietnamese EFL learners. It was conducted under the supervision of MSc. Le Thuy Duong, a lecturer at the Faculty of English Language and Culture, University of Languages and International Studies, VNU-Hanoi.
