Speakers
Description
This study investigates high school students’ perceptions of using ChatGPT to support their English speaking skills, focusing on its effectiveness and the challenges they experience. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining questionnaire responses with follow-up interviews to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The participants were 80 Grade 11 students from two classes at a high school in Can Tho City. The findings show that a majority of students viewed ChatGPT as a helpful and motivating tool for improving vocabulary, sentence structure, and speaking fluency. Many appreciated the tool’s flexibility and the opportunity it provided for real-time, low-pressure speaking practice beyond classroom constraints. Over 70% of participants agreed that ChatGPT enhanced their confidence and made speaking practice more accessible. However, students also identified several limitations. These included the lack of natural human interaction, limited emotional and pronunciation feedback, and occasionally repetitive or overly formal responses. A small number of students struggled with navigating the technology due to lower digital literacy. Despite these challenges, the overall perception remained positive. Students believed that ChatGPT could serve as a useful supplement to traditional classroom instruction when guided effectively by teachers. The study highlights the potential of integrating AI tools into secondary EFL education to enhance speaking skills in a flexible and personalized manner.
Keywords: High school student’s perceptions, ChatGPT, Speaking skill, AI.
Biography
Full name: Quach Bao Nhi
Affiliation: American Collegiate Academy
Contact information: 0949.216.715
Email address: quachbaonhi99@gmail.com
Ms Quach Bao Nhi (MA candidate in TESOL) currently works as an English teacher at American Collegiate Academy Can Tho and some English Center in Can Tho City. She’s really passionate about English teaching, so she wants to keep improving her skills by trying out new teaching methods. She also hopes to share what she learns with other teachers through workshops or maybe even publications.
Full name: Nguyen Hoang Gia Khanh
Affiliation: Thoi Long High School
Contact information: 0907.930.485
Email address:
nguyenhoanggiakhanh69@gmail.com
Mr Nguyen Hoang Gia Khanh (MA in TESOL) currently works as an English teacher at Thoi Long High School and some foreign language centers in Can Tho City. He has a strong interest in the field of English teaching. As a result, he wants to enhance his teaching skills by exploring innovative methodologies in English education as well as share his knowledge and experience with fellow educators through workshops or publications.
Full name: Nguyen Lam Truc Lam
Affiliation: Alphabet English center
Contact information: 0907.784.327
Email address:
lamm1622020@gstudent.ctu.edu.vn
Nguyen Lam Truc Lam is an MA candidate in TESOL and a dedicated English teacher at Alphabet English Center in Can Tho City. She actively seeks opportunities to strengthen her professional expertise through continuous learning and engagement in innovative teaching practices. Her participation in academic and professional events reflects her commitment to enhancing instructional effectiveness and contributing to the broader English teaching community.
Full name: Cao Thanh Huyen
Affiliation: Thoi Long High School
Phone: 0337 407 310
Email: caothanhhuyen47@gmail.com
Ms. Cao Thanh Huyen (BA in English Teacher Education) is currently an English teacher at Thoi Long High School and also works at several foreign language centers in Can Tho City. She is passionate about English language teaching and constantly seeks opportunities to develop her professional skills. With a strong interest in integrating technology and innovative methodologies into language education, she aims to create engaging and effective learning environments for her students. Huyen is also committed to contributing to the broader teaching community by sharing her insights through educational workshops and academic publications.
