Speakers
Description
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in language learning has sparked interest in their potential use in supporting the improvement of speaking skills, especially in high-stakes tests such as IELTS. However, research about how learners perceive the usefulness of AI-generated feedback in IELTS Speaking Part 3 practice remains limited. Therefore, this study employed a qualitative approach to explore students’ perceptions of using ChatGPT for IELTS Speaking Part 3 practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight English-major undergraduates with IELTS band scores ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 who had experience using ChatGPT to practice IELTS speaking part 3 and receive feedback. Both positive and negative perceptions were revealed using qualitative data analysis. On the one hand, ChatGPT was perceived as useful in providing a secure environment to practice speaking, giving immediate feedback, expanding lexical and grammatical resources, and improving the organization, cohesion, and coherence of the speech. On the other hand, participants reported drawbacks in speech recognition and prompt quality. Such limitations were found to influence learners’ trust in the system and shape their overall perception of its usefulness. The findings indicate potential applications of ChatGPT in facilitating IELTS Speaking Part 3 practice and, at the same time, highlight the need to provide training or guidance on creating efficient prompts and follow-ups, as well as to raise learners’ awareness of critical evaluation of AI-generated responses.
