Speakers
Description
As the integration of AI tools in language education is getting more popular, understanding their impact on descriptive writing tasks is essential for EFL educators. This study addresses the limited research on the use of AI in enhancing idea generation, specifically within the Vietnamese high school context. Grounded in the frameworks of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), this mixed-method study investigates the effects of ChatGPT on the writing skills of 30 tenth-grade students through a Wilcoxon signed-rank test methodology.
Participants had to complete a pre-test writing assessment, utilize ChatGPT for brainstorming, and finish with a post-test to measure improvements in their descriptive writing abilities. Complementing the quantitative data, qualitative interviews were used to explore students’ experiences and perceptions regarding the efficacy of AI in their writing processes. Results included insights into the factors influencing student engagement and creativity when using AI tools, highlighting the cultural and contextual elements that shape their learning experiences.
These findings will offer valuable implications for EFL educators, facilitating a deeper understanding of how technology can support L2 writing development and enhance student engagement in descriptive tasks. Ultimately, the study aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of ELT by promoting effective practices that prepare students for a globalized world.
Keywords: ChatGPT, descriptive writing, English language teaching, idea generation, Vietnamese high school students
Biography
Chau Minh Thuan is a teacher of English at Experimental High School at Ho Chi Minh city University of Education. He mainly teaches English based on the National curriculum. He received his Master’s degree in TESOL from Edith Cowan University (Australia). His research interests include teaching methodology, second language acquisition and pedagogical principles.
Ho Thi My Van is an English teacher at Experimental High School, affiliated with Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. She primarily teaches English following the National Curriculum of Vietnam. Ms. Van holds a Master’s degree in TESOL from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM. Her academic and professional interest focuses on teaching methodology, second language acquisition, and pedagogical principles. Additionally, she is deeply committed to the assessment and continual enhancement of English teaching and learning practices.
Tran Thi Ngoc Anh holds a Bachelor’s degree of Psychology from RMIT University and is currently undertaking an Honours program in Psychology at RMIT Melbourne. Anh’s focus is on experimental psychology and cognitive science, especially drawing on the link between visuomotor perception, social cognition, and developmental disorders. Anh has had experience conducting literature reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials, and is familiar with statistical methods for such analyses.
