A new study explores how AI tools might help English as a Lingua Franca ELF students enhance their English writing skills, resulting in more elaborate sentences. AI may thus have potential to free ELF students’ capacities to focus on content and structure.
Rationale
A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology and L.A. English Academy (Gayed et al., 2022) examined whether an AI-powered writing tool could improve English writing outcomes for students learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The tool, called AI KAKU, integrates predictive text suggestions and reverse translations to support users as they compose in English.
Methods
Ten Japanese adult users of English took part in the pilot study, writing short essays under two conditions: with a standard word processor (control) and with AI KAKU (treatment). Essays were evaluated for lexical diversity (the variety of vocabulary used) and fluency (amount and complexity of writing). Participants also rated how easy or difficult they found each writing experience.
Results
While results for vocabulary variety and total word count were not significantly different across tools, participants wrote more syntactically complex sentences when using AI KAKU. This suggests that the AI tool helped them express more nuanced ideas in English. Survey feedback also revealed that students found AI KAKU intuitive and helpful, although more practice with the tool might have further improved its effectiveness.
The tool’s standout features include a non-intrusive word suggestion system based on GPT-2 technology and a real-time reverse translation that shows students what their English sentences mean in their first language. These functions aim to reduce the mental burden of translation and sentence construction, allowing students to focus more on content, structure and clarity.
Limitations
Though the study was small, it opens the door to using AI writing tools in ELF contexts, including work and education. The authors encourage further research with larger groups to see how such technologies can be integrated meaningfully into language learning.
Relevance for diverse students:
This study highlights how AI can support diverse learners, especially those navigating writing in a second language, by reducing cognitive load and promoting better writing habits.
Reference and DOI link to paper
Gayed, J. M., Carlon, M. K. J., Oriola, A. M., & Cross, J. S. (2022). Exploring an AI-based writing assistant’s impact on English language learners. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3, 100055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100055
Other links
Try AI KAKU here: https://www.aikaku.app