In-Depth Interviews: Students' Perspectives on The Application of AI in Studying English-Speaking

Abstract

This study explores students’ perspectives on applying artificial intelligence (AI) in developing English speaking skills. AI tools like chatbots and speech recognition software have gained traction in language education, but students’ experiences and views remain underexplored. Using in-depth qualitative interviews, this study collected data from students to assess the effectiveness of AI, its challenges, and their overall experience using AI for speaking practice. The findings revealed that students perceived AI as a valuable tool for improving pronunciation, fluency, and confidence. Many participants noted that AI provided immediate feedback, allowing for real-time correction, which encouraged more frequent practice and encouraged self-directed learning. The flexibility offered by AI, allowing students to practice speaking anytime and anywhere, was another significant benefit. However, students also highlighted several challenges, including AI’s difficulty in recognizing different accents and understanding the emotional and contextual nuances of human conversation. Some students expressed concerns about the impersonal and mechanical nature of AI feedback, which lacked the depth and personalization offered by a human instructor. Additionally, some participants mentioned that they feared becoming too reliant on AI and missing out on more nuanced, human-driven feedback. Despite these limitations, students agreed that AI could complement traditional teaching methods by providing additional speaking practice, especially when direct access to a teacher is not available. Overall, the study concluded that while AI can improve speaking skills, it is most effective when combined with human instruction to overcome its limitations in understanding the intricacies of human communication.