Abstract:
This study investigates the impact of incorporating an AI-powered chatbot
pertaining to ChatGPT in a simulated shopping role-play environment aimed at
enhancing English as Foreign Language competencies. In this experiment, EFL
adult learners at a private language school English used the chatbot, focusing
on shopping and bargaining communication, participated in roleplay simulations
where ChatGPT acted as a virtual party of the conversation, a client, or a
salesperson. This trial spanned over a period of 2 weeks. The simulation scenario
required students to communicate with the chatbot involving elements such as
prices, service agreements, timelines, and terms of trade. This AI-enhanced
environment enabled students to engage dynamically in a simulating real-world
conversation. Our findings suggest that integrating ChatGPT as a conversational
AI Chatbot in role-play simulations offers multiple pedagogical benefits. First,
students gained increased fluency in handling shopping and bargaining
conversations, as ChatGPT provided instant feedback, adaptable responses, and
a non-judgmental space to practice high-stakes communication. Additionally,
ChatGPT’s diverse response patterns encouraged the learners to think critically
and adjust their participation in real-time, offering authentic interactions. The
participants expressed content as they praised ChatGPT’s competence in
building shopping-specific language patterns, such as using persuasive
vocabulary and responding to objections, arguing that AI tools can be integrated
in EFL teaching environment. Overall, the inclusion of ChatGPT in EFL
simulations fostered an interactive, and realistic environment that enhanced the
learners’ shopping abilities and confidence, boosting their functional English
skills, entailing the potential of AI chatbots as effective tools in role-based EFL
training.
