EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GENERATIVE AI TOOLS IN ENHANCING ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS AMONG NON-ENGLISH MAJOR STUDENTS AT NGHE AN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study examines the use of generative AI (GenAI) tools in enhancing English speaking skills among non-English major students at Nghe An university. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test with interviews and classroom observations. Participants were divided into control and experimental groups, the latter using GenAI tools for speaking tasks over eight weeks. Quantitative results showed significant improvement in fluency and lexical resource (p < .01) in the experimental group. Quantitative results showed significant improvement in fluency and lexical resource (p < .01) in the experimental group. Qualitative data indicated reduced speaking anxiety, increased learner engagement, and perceived usefulness of AI-based practice. Challenges included limited contextual nuance and overreliance on AI-generated responses. Findings suggest that GenAI tools can effectively support speaking skill development in English contexts when integrated with appropriate pedagogical scaffolding.