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School of Languages at XJTLU Conference 2024
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We find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the role of generative AI and other technological tools is reshaping the way we teach and learn languages. The question that lies before us is not whether these innovations will shape the future, but rather how we, as educators, will harness their potential to create meaningful and effective language instruction.
 
The title of our conference, No Fate: The Future is Not Set, underscores our belief that the future is not predetermined. We hope that our conference will serve both as a platform for collaboration and a catalyst for change as it is via the collective effort of educators, researchers, and innovators that the trajectory of language teaching and learning will be determined. By fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we can shape the future of language education.
 

Saturday, June 1 • 10:30 - 11:00
Examining the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) assignments among undergraduates at a Transnational Educational partnership college in China

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English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules play an important role on Transnational Educational programmes – especially in China – by preparing students to study through the medium of English. Research essays and reports are common EAP assignments, emulating tasks students will be set in discipline-specific modules. However, developments in generative AI have disrupted assessment practices in Higher Education (Moorhouse, et al. 2023). This is a particular challenge for language-based assessments, since AI presents possibilities for bypassing parts of the writing process. There is a need to establish when and how AI usage may be considered acceptable (or unacceptable).

This study investigates Chinese undergraduates’ use of AI for written EAP assignments, as well as their motivation for using it. It employs a mixed-method approach involving both quantitative and qualitative data (in the form of questionnaires and focus group interviews) to address the following research questions:

1. Do students use AI? If so, what kinds of AI do they use?
2. What are their motivations for employing AI?
3. At what stages of the writing process do they employ AI?

Preliminary findings will be discussed, with a view to clarifying if and how AI is integrated into students’ writing processes. A recent Russell Group statement of principles (2023) has noted the need to ensure that students and staff become AI-literate while at the same time maintaining the integrity of assessment principles. It is hoped that, as a case study into AI usage in one specific context, this study will contribute to understanding the issues.

References

Moorhouse, B. L, Yeo, M. A, and Wan, Y. (2023). Generative AI tools and assessment: Guidelines of the world’s top ranking universities. Computers and Education Open 5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2023.100151

Russell Group (2023). Russell Group Principles on the use of generative AI tools in education.. https://russellgroup.ac.uk/media/6137/rg_ai_principles-final.pdf
Speakers
avatar for Sam Brown

Sam Brown

EAP Teacher, Beijing-Dublin International College (BDIC)
I will be presenting at 10.30 on Saturday 1st June on how our students are integrating AI into their academic assignments, their motivations for doing so, and their attitudes towards using AI for their EAP classes. I have been working as an EAP teacher for two years. Prior to this... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2024 10:30 - 11:00 CST
IA 121
  EAP/ESP, Presentation

Attendees (13)