Exploring Tertiary Vietnamese EFL Students’ Engagement in Vocabulary Learning through the Use of an AI Tool

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.23410

Keywords:

AI tools, POE, repeated-measure ANOVA, digital vocabulary learning

Abstract

The utilization of AI tools in language teaching is increasingly popular worldwide. Existing literature suggests that educators have integrated AI tools into their teaching methodologies to enhance student learning. Among the tools, POE is currently being used by several Vietnamese ESL teachers. Nonetheless, students’ engagement in and their perception of the effectiveness of the tool still needs to be explored. Hence, this research was carried out to assess student engagement in utilizing this AI chatbot for students’ vocabulary learning and their perceived usefulness and benefits. With a mixed-method approach, the study was conducted at a public university in Vietnam with a sample of 31 English-majored students. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed with the use of repeated-measures ANOVA (RMA), while the qualitative data were analyzed following thematic analysis guidelines. The findings revealed that most of the participants found the tool useful, and they were actively engaged in learning vocabulary using this tool. The research outcomes propose valuable insights for university EFL teachers regarding the integration of AI tools like POE into curricula to optimize students’ learning experiences with innovative language instruction.

Author Biographies

Pham Thi Thu, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Thu-Thi Pham is currently working as a lecturer at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City. She has also taught part-time at other universities and English centers for almost ten years. Her research direction involves language teaching, language assessment, task-based language teaching, and technology-enhanced language teaching and learning.

Nguyen Lam Anh Duong, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Anh-Duong Nguyen has obtained ten years of teaching the language to a diverse population of learners in a number of academic contexts (universities, businesses, and language centers). Her research interests are using technologies in teaching English, curriculum designs, and methods in teaching English skills.

Dang Hoang Mai, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hoang-Mai Dang is currently working as a lecturer in the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She has been teaching English since 2013. Her research interests are teaching methodology and applying information technology in teaching.

Le Thi Thien Phuoc, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Thien-Phuoc Le is an English lecturer at the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She has more than fifteen years of teaching experience in linguistics and language skills. Her research interests include lifelong learning, student engagement, project-based learning, and technology for sustainable learning. 



References

Alsadoon, R. (2021). Chatting with AI Bot: Vocabulary Learning Assistant for Saudi EFL Learners. English Language Teaching, 14(6), 135-157.

Alm, A., & Nkomo, L. M. (2022). Chatbot experiences of informal language learners: A sentiment analysis. In Research Anthology on Implementing Sentiment Analysis Across Multiple Disciplines (pp. 933-948). IGI Global.

Alsadoon, R. (2021). Chatting with AI Bot: Vocabulary Learning Assistant for Saudi EFL Learners. English Language Teaching, 14(6), 135-157.

Ayedoun, E., Hayashi, Y., & Seta, K. (2015). A conversational agent to encourage willingness to communicate in the context of English as a foreign language. Procedia Computer Science, 60, 1433-1442.

Awuah, L. J. (2015). Supporting 21st-Century Teaching and Learning: The Role of Google Apps for Education (GAFE). Journal of Instructional Research, 4, 12-22.

Bell, S. (2010). Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 83(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415

Brewster, C., & Fager, J. (2000). Increasing student engagement and motivation: From time on task to homework. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Retrieved June 25, 2002, from http://www.nwrel.org/request/oct00/index.html

Camilleri, M. A., & Camilleri, A. C. (2019). Student-centred learning through serious games. INTED2019 Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2019.0578

Carroll, M., Lindsey, S., Chaparro, M., & Winslow, B. (2019). An applied model of learner engagement and strategies for increasing learner engagement in the modern educational environment. Interactive Learning Environments, 29(5), 757–771. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2019.1636083

Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project. (1999). Why do project-based learning? San Mateo, CA: San Mateo County Office of Education. Retrieved June 25, 2002, from http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide/WhyPBL.html

Cheng, W., & Warren, M. (1997). Having second thoughts: Student perceptions before and after a peer assessment exercise. Studies in Higher Education, 22(2), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079712331381064

Chiablaem, P. (2021). Enhancing English Communication Skills of Thai University Students through Google Apps for Education (GAFE) in a Digital Era during COVID-19 Pandemic. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 9(3), 91-98.

Cheng, A., Yang, L., & Andersen, E. (2017). Teaching language and culture with a virtual reality game. Proceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. https://doi.org/10.1145/3025453.3025857

Coleman, T. E., & Money, A. G. (2019). Student-centred digital game–based learning: A conceptual framework and survey of the state of the art. Higher Education, 79(3), 415–457. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-019-00417-0

Coniam, D. (2008). Evaluating the language resources of chatbots for their potential in English as a second language. ReCALL, 20(1), 98-116.

Cresswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage.

Christenson, S.L., Reschly, A.L. and Wylie, C. (eds) (2012) Handbook of Research on Student Engagement. New York: Springer.

David, J., & Liss, R. (2006). Effective academic writing 3 (1st ed.). USA: Oxford University Press.

Dao, P. (2019). Effects of task goal orientation on learner engagement in Task Performance. International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 59(3), 315–334. https://doi.org/10.1515/iral-2018-0188

Demirci, N., & Yavuz, G. (2009). The effect of constructivist teaching approach on pupils’ science achievement in buoyancy force. e-Journal of New World Sciences Academy, 4(2), 508–519.

De Vivo, K. (2022). A new research base for rigorous project-based learning. Phi Delta Kappan, 103(5), 36–41. https://doi.org/10.1177/00317217221079977

Divekar, R. R., Drozdal, J. Chabot, S., Zhou, Y., Su, H., Chen, Y., Zhu, H., Hendler, J. A., & Braasch, J. (2021). Foreign Language Acquisition via Artificial Intelligence and extended reality: Design and evaluation. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(9), 2332–2360. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2021.1879162

Dinh, B. T., Ung, T. L., Nguyen, N. H., & Nguyen, T. H. T. (2023). Study on students’ satisfaction with using Chatbot on Facebook’s messenger platform to learn Chinese vocabulary. Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference, 1, 115–130. https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2318

Dörnyei, Z., & Kormos, J. (2000). The role of individual and social variables in oral task performance. Language Teaching Research, 4(3), 275–300. https://doi.org/10.1191/136216800125096

Fishman, B., Marx, R. W., Blumenfeld, P., Krajcik, J., & Soloway, E. (2004). Creating a framework for research on systemic technology innovations. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13(1), 43–76.

Fredricks, J. A., Reschly, A. L., & Christenson, S. L. (2019). Interventions for student engagement: Overview and state of the field. Handbook of Student Engagement Interventions, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-813413-9.00001-2

Fryer, L., & Carpenter, R. (2006). Bots as language learning tools. Language Learning & Technology, 10(3), 8–14.

Gallacher, A., Thompson, A., Howarth, M., Taalas, P., Jalkanen, J., Bradley, L., & Thouësny, S. (2018). “My robot is an idiot!”–Students’ perceptions of AI in the L2 classroom. Future-proof CALL: language learning as exploration and encounters–short papers from EUROCALL, 70-76.

Ginting, D. (2021). Student engagement and factors affecting active learning in English language teaching. VELES Voices of English Language Education Society, 5(2), 215–228. https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v5i2.3968

Hanney, R., & Savin-Baden, M. (2013). The problem of projects: Understanding the theoretical underpinnings of Project-led PBL. London Review of Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/14748460.2012.761816

Harless, W. G., Zier, M. A., & Duncan, R. C. (2013). Virtual dialogues with native speakers. CALICO Journal, 16(3), 313–337. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v16i3.313-337

Gülen, K. (2023, July 25). “Poe AI offers multiple LLMs in the same interface”. IEPA. https://dataconomy.com/2023/07/25/what-is-poe-ai-and-how-to-use-it/

Hassani, K., Nahvi, A., & Ahmadi, A. (2016). Design and implementation of an intelligent virtual environment for improving speaking and listening skills. Interactive Learning Environments, 24(1), 252-271.

Henry, A., & Thorsen, C. (2018). Disaffection and agentic engagement: ‘redesigning’ activities to enable authentic self-expression. Language Teaching Research, 24(4), 456–475. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168818795976

Hiver, P., Al-Hoorie, A. H., Vitta, J. P., & Wu, J. (2021). Engagement in language learning: A systematic review of 20 years of research methods and definitions. Language Teaching Research, 136216882110012. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211001289

Huang, J. X., Lee, K. S., Kwon, O. W., & Kim, Y. K. (2017). A chatbot for a dialogue-based second language learning system. CALL in a climate of change: adapting to turbulent global conditions–short papers from EUROCALL, 151-156.

Jeon, J. (2022). Exploring ai chatbot affordances in The efl classroom: Young learners’ experiences and Perspectives. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2021.2021241

Jia, J. (2004). CSIEC (Computer simulator in educational communication): an intelligent web-based teaching system for foreign language learning. In Edmedia+ innovate learning (pp. 4147-4152). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).

Jia, J., & Ruan, M. (2008, June). Use chatbot to facilitate individual learning in English instruction: A case study. In International conference on intelligent tutoring systems (pp. 706-708). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Kim, H. S., Cha, Y., & Kim, N. Y. (2020). Impact of mobile interactions with AI on writing performance. 현대영어교육, 21(2), 1-13.

Kohnke, L. (2023). L2 learners' perceptions of a chatbot as a potential independent language learning tool. International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 17(1-2), 214-226.

Lambert, C., Kormos, J. and Minn, D. (2016) Task repetition and second language speech processing. Studies in Second Language Acquisition 39, 167–196.

Lambert C, Philp, J., & Nakamura, S. (2017). Learner-generated content and engagement in second language task performance. Language Teaching Research 21(6): 665-680.

Laufer, B., & Hill, M. (2000). What Lexical Information Do L2 Learners Select in a CALL Dictionary and How Does It Affect Word Retention?.

Lee, L. (2007). Fostering Second Language Oral Communication through Constructivist interaction in desktop videoconferencing. Foreign Language Annals, 40(4), 635–649. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.2007.tb02885.x

Legault, J., Zhao, J., Chi, Y. A., Chen, W., Klippel, A., & Li, P. (2019). Immersive virtual reality as an effective tool for second language vocabulary learning. Languages, 4(1), 13.

Liu, C.-C., Liao, M.-G., Chang, C.-H., & Lin, H.-M. (2022). An analysis of children's interaction with an AI chatbot and its impact on their interest in reading. Computers & Education, 189, 104576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104576

Mahmoud, R. H. (2022). Implementing AI-based conversational chatbots in EFL speaking classes: an evolutionary perspective. Res. Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1911791/v1

Mazur, E. (1997). Peer instruction (pp. 9-18). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Muniasamy, A., & Alasiry, A. (2020). Deep learning: The impact on future eLearning. International Journal of Emerging.Technologies in Learning, 15(1), 188–199. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i01.11435

Gutiérrez Salvatierra, S. M (2014). What Kinds of Digital Tools Do ESL Students Use to Improve Their English Language?

Gutiérrez, S., (2014). What kinds of digital tools do ESL students use in order to improve their English language? [Andrews University]. https: //renati.sunedu.gob.pe/handle/sunedu/3032860

Mercer, S. (2019). Language learner engagement: Setting the scene. Second Handbook of English Language Teaching, 643–660. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02899-2_40

Mercer, S., Dornyei Z. (2020). Engaging Language Learners in Contemporary Classrooms. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Newmann, F.M. Student Engagement and Achievement in American Secondary Schools; ERIC: New York, NY, USA, 1992.

Nguyễn, T. (2023, September 22). The Influence of ChatGPT and AI Tools on Vietnamese Education. https://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/bx9ft

Oga-Baldwin, W. L. Q. (2019). Acting, thinking, feeling, making, collaborating: The engagement process in foreign language learning. System. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2019.102128

Otake, M., Fukano, R., Sako, S., Sugi, M., Kotani, K., Hayashi, J., Noguchi, H., Yoneda, R., Taura, K., Otsu, N., & Sato, T. (2009). Autonomous Collaborative Environment for Project-Based Learning. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 57(2), 134–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2007.06.003

Ho, P. V., Phung, L. T., Oanh, T. T., & Giao, N. Q. (2020). Should peer e-comments replace traditional peer comments? International Journal of Instruction, 13(1), 295–314. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13120a

Phan, T. N. L. (2023). Students’ Perceptions of the AI Technology Application in English Writing Classes. Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference, 4, 45–62. https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2344

Philp, J., & Duchesne, S. (2016). Exploring engagement in tasks in the language classroom. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 36, 50–72. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0267190515000094

Reeve, J. (2012). A self-determination theory perspective on student engagement. In Christenson, S.L., Reschly, A.L., & C. Wylie (Eds.), Handbook of research on student engagement (pp. 149–172). New York: Springer.

Salvatierra, S. M. (2014). What kinds of digital tools do ESL students use in order to improve their English language? Andrews University. https://purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#6.02.02

Sinatra, G.M., Heddy, B.C., & Lombardi, D. (2015). The challenges of defining and measuring student engagement in science. Educational Psychology, 50, 1–13.

Skinner, E.A., Kindermann, T.A., Connell, J.P. and Wellborn, J.G. (2009) Engagement and disaffection as organizational constructs in the dynamics of motivational development. In Wentzel, K. R., & Wigfield, A. (2009). Handbook of motivation at school. Routledge.

Smutny, P., & Schreiberova, P. (2020). Chatbots for Learning: A Review of Educational Chatbots for the facebook messenger. Computers & Education, 151, 103862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103862

South, J. B., Gabbitas, B., & Merrill, P. F. (2008). Designing video narratives to contextualize content for ESL learners: A design process case study. Interactive Learning Environments, 16(3), 231–243. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820802114044

Stauffacher, M., A. Walter, et al. (2006). "Learning to research environmental problems from a functional socio-cultural constructivism perspective: the transdisciplinary case study approach." International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education 7(3): Pp. 252- 275.

Sumakul, D. T. (2019). When robots enter the classrooms: Implications for teachers. In E-proceeding of the international conference on embedding artificial intelligence (AI) in education policy and practice for Southeast Asia (pp. 42-48). SEAMEO SEAMOLEC.

Svalberg, A.M.L. (2009) Engagement with language: Interrogating a construct. Language Awareness 18, 242–258

Taylor, S. (2019) Chatbots in language learning: A review of the research.

Tran, T. N., & Tran, H. P. (2023). Exploring the Role of ChatGPT in Developing Critical Digital Literacies in Language Learning: A Qualitative Study. Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference, 4, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2341

Zhou, L., Gao, J., Li, D., & Shum, H. Y. (2020). The design and implementation of xiaoice, an empathetic social chatbot. Computational Linguistics, 46(1), 53–93. https://doi.org/10.1162/coli_a_00368

Yildiz, Y. (2021). Teaching English as a foreign language to 4th grade students by using technology. Canadian Journal of Language and Literature Studies, 1(2), 38-54.

Downloads

Published

2024-01-16

How to Cite

Pham, T. T., Nguyen , L. A. D., Dang, H. M., & Le, T. T. P. (2024). Exploring Tertiary Vietnamese EFL Students’ Engagement in Vocabulary Learning through the Use of an AI Tool. Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference, 4, 129–149. https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.23410

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.