Language Learning Made Easy with Chatbots

Learning a new language, like English, can be tough for many students. They often need practice to become better at speaking and understanding the language. One way to help students practice is through chatbots, which are computer programs that can have conversations with users. These chatbots can offer a fun and interactive way to learn, but many of them only engage in casual conversation without focusing on specific learning goals.

In a school setting, it is much more effective for students to practice using words and phrases from their textbooks. This article discusses a chatbot designed to help students learn English more effectively by aligning its conversations with the words and topics they are studying in school.

#How the Chatbot Works

The proposed chatbot is user-friendly and made to assist students in practicing their language skills. It focuses on Vocabulary and Grammar based on a specific curriculum created from students' textbooks. The chatbot uses a language model called BlenderBot3 as its foundation. This model is good at generating text and having conversations.

To make sure the chatbot includes the right words, it uses a method called "lexically constrained decoding." This means the chatbot is guided to use certain words and phrases that are helpful for students based on what they are learning in class. The words and phrases come from the students' textbooks and are recommended by their teachers.

#Why Chatbots are Useful for Students

Finding someone to practice speaking another language with can be difficult. Chatbots provide a solution by creating a space where students can practice whenever they want. Unlike traditional chatbots that follow a set script, the new type of chatbots can respond more naturally and engage deeply with the user.

Many students learn a new language using textbooks, and they often need to practice speaking in a way that relates to what they are studying. This is why our chatbot is designed to ask questions and provide responses that align with the curriculum that students are learning.

#Testing the Chatbot

To check how well this chatbot works, a study was conducted with 155 eighth-grade students who were learning English as their second language. The students used the chatbot to practice their English skills, and the chatbot was tailored to include the vocabulary and grammar rules that the students were supposed to be learning.

After using the chatbot, the students were tested on their understanding of the vocabulary and grammar. The results showed that students were able to better use the specific words and phrases that were introduced during their conversations with the chatbot.

#The Chatbot's Features

The chatbot has several important features that help it introduce vocabulary and grammar effectively:

1. Curriculum-Related Vocabulary: The chatbot includes specific words and phrases from students' textbooks to ensure they are practicing what they are learning in class.

2. Interactive Conversations: It provides a conversational experience where students can engage multiple times, allowing them to use target words naturally in conversation.

3. Grammar Corrections: The chatbot can point out grammar mistakes and suggest corrections, helping students learn from their errors.

4. User Feedback: Students can respond to the chatbot, which adjusts its conversations based on their input, making learning more personalized.

5. Evaluation Process: After interacting with the chatbot, students took tests to gauge their understanding of the vocabulary used during conversations.

#Results of the Study

The study revealed several important findings. First, it showed that the chatbot helped students understand and correctly use new words. Many students improved their scores on vocabulary tests after conversations with the chatbot.

The data indicated that students who engaged with the chatbot used the target words more frequently in their own speech. This highlights how important it is to practice using new vocabulary in context.

Additionally, the students reported recognizing that the chatbot was helpful in learning English. They felt more confident speaking with the chatbot and proved to be engaged in using the words they were expected to learn.

#Advantages of Using the Chatbot

There are many benefits to using the chatbot for language learning:

• Availability: The chatbot is available any time, allowing students to practice at their convenience, outside of regular classes.

• Personalized Learning: Each student can experience conversations that are tailored to their specific learning needs and goals.

• Engagement: The interactive aspect of the chatbot keeps students motivated and engaged in their learning.

• Immediate Feedback: Students can receive quick corrections and suggestions, helping them learn from their mistakes right away.

#Conclusion

In conclusion, a user-adaptive chatbot for language learning can effectively support students in practicing their English skills. By incorporating vocabulary from their curriculum and offering personalized conversations, students can improve both their understanding and their ability to use the language.

This approach is especially beneficial in classrooms where students may not have enough opportunities to practice speaking. Overall, the chatbot offers a valuable tool for language learners at all levels, helping to make learning both effective and enjoyable. The continued development of such chatbots will likely play a significant role in the future of language education, providing students with accessible and engaging ways to enhance their skills.