EFL Students' Perception and Attitude towards the Use of ChatGPT to Promote English Speaking Skills in the Saudi Context

Abstract

This study aims to investigate English as a Foreign Language students' perceptions and attitudes towards using ChatGPT to enhance their English-speaking skills in English as a foreign language classroom. The study is significant as it contributes to the body of research on Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning in English as a foreign language context in general and Saudi higher educational institutions in particular. 74 students from three public universities in Saudi Arabia participated by completing a five-point Likert scale questionnaire after carrying out oral tasks for six weeks using ChatGPT. The purpose of students' responses is to answer the research questions: What are students' perceptions and attitudes towards the use of ChatGPT to promote their English speaking skills? The Participants in the study were all female students majoring in English language in their departments at their educational facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the questionnaire data. Results generally indicated a high-level of perception and a positive attitude toward using ChatGPT in English-speaking classes. The findings of this study will hopefully further the understanding of students' beliefs about ChatGPT and how this technology can be best employed for the advancement of English learning and teaching.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, English as a Foreign Language, English speaking skills, Saudi context, EFL Students' Perception