Enhancing Oral Fluency and Engagement in Literature Circles: Integrating ChatGPT’s Voice Mode in an EFL Classroom

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education has opened new avenues for enhancing student engagement and oral proficiency. This study explores the effectiveness of incorporating ChatGPT’s voice mode into English Elective: Reading & Oral Training, a course designed for non-English-major college students. The course has long employed the “literature circles” instructional model, where students collaborate in small groups to present written reflections and engage in discussions based on assigned readings. While this approach fosters critical thinking and collaborative learning, students with lower English-speaking confidence often struggle to participate fully.

To address this challenge, students will be encouraged to engage with ChatGPT’s voice mode outside the classroom as a pre-discussion exercise. By interacting with AI in a low-pressure environment, they can practice articulating their thoughts, improve fluency, and gain confidence before participating in face-to-face discussions. The study will investigate whether this AI-assisted practice leads to increased participation, improved oral expression, and greater overall engagement in literature circles.

To evaluate the impact of this approach, a mixed-methods research design will be employed. Data will be collected through student worksheets, written reflections, questionnaires, and face-to-face interviews. This comprehensive data collection will provide insights into students’ perceptions of AI as a language-learning tool, their self-reported improvements in speaking fluency, and potential challenges they encounter in the process. The study will also examine the pedagogical implications of integrating AI-driven voice interactions in EFL classrooms, particularly in fostering student autonomy and motivation.

By analyzing student feedback and participation levels, this research aims to contribute to the growing body of literature on AI in language education. The findings will offer practical recommendations for educators seeking to leverage AI to enhance oral fluency and student engagement in collaborative learning settings.