Abstract:

The technological development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more mature. As a result, AI chatbots are increasingly used as learning tools and guided learning partners in education. The use of chatbots in language learning has been the subject of much research in the field of English language teaching and learning, and AI chatbots are increasingly being identified as a potential learning tool that not only provides learners with opportunities for interactive practice in English but also enhances students' motivation and performance to achieve English language learning outcomes.

Previous research on technology or chatbots to facilitate English language learning has mostly emphasized the perception of using chatbots and the effectiveness of single-word oral and written English but less on the application to grammar learning. However, learning grammar is one of the challenges for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, so learners often experience anxiety about learning. Therefore, in order to support EFL learners on a one-to-one basis, this study designed and built an artificial intelligence chatbot grammar learning approach to provide an interactive practice English learning system to facilitate English learning and use it to support EFL students on English grammatical tenses.

To validate the AI chatbot grammar learning approach proposed in this study, the experimental group (58 students; M=43, F=15) was designed to learn grammatical tenses using the chatbot-assisted learning method, while the control group (58 students, M=22, F=36) learned using the conventional multimedia learning approach. The quantitative statistical data analysis reflected that the experimental group students showed significantly better grammar learning achievement than the control group. In addition, the AI chatbot grammar learning approach reduced their English learning anxiety. The results of this study can be used as future chatbots for EFL education research and development, and the use of chatbots as learning partners or tutors in EFL courses would be possible roles to consider.

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, chatbots, English language learning, English learning anxiety.