The Effect of ChatGPT on Enhancing University Students’ Self-Directed Learning: Implications for English Language Learning and Assessment

The Effect of ChatGPT on Enhancing University Students’ Self-Directed Learning: Implications for English Language Learning and Assessment

This study explored the impact of ChatGPT on university students’ self-directed learning (SDL) and its implications for English language learning and assessment. Through a survey of 58 undergraduate students, this study examined how students use ChatGPT to set goals, manage resources, monitor progress, and reflect on their learning. The findings revealed that while ChatGPT usage did not significantly influence specific components of SDL, students’ perceptions of ChatGPT had a notable impact on their overall SDL ability. Students with a positive perception of ChatGPT demonstrated stronger self-regulation skills, suggesting that fostering awareness of AI tools’ potential can enhance learning autonomy. Additionally, ChatGPT’s ability to provide personalized feedback and real-time support highlights its potential to enhance English learning and evaluation processes, particularly by fostering autonomous learning environments and reducing biases in assessment. The study contributes to the understanding of AI’s influence in educational contexts and highlights the need for further research on how AI tools like ChatGPT can support personalized learning strategies in diverse educational contexts.