AI for World Languages Teaching

Personalization, Immersion, and Conversation

Language learning in classrooms often features two-dimensional and stagnant materials, such as textbooks, grammar exercises, and vocabulary sheets. Meanwhile, recent research has highlighted the potential of large language models and other AI tools to enhance language instruction beyond static materials. Studies have found that AI-enabled tools can provide a wide range of advancements in world language instruction by providing students with the instruction, guidance, and support they need to develop their language proficiency and cultural competence.

AI advancements have improved accessibility and interactivity, and are allowing learners to practice anytime, anywhere, and, in an engaging manner. AI and machine learning can analyze student proficiency levels, identify strengths and weaknesses, and create customized learning materials. And with the related advancement in Virtual Reality (VR) students can travel to another country and communicate with native speakers in real time.

Six Strategies for AI in World Language Instruction

The following recommendations are based on the integration of AI tools found on my AI Tools for Spanish Teachers and AI Tools for French Teachers section.

  1. Vocabulary games. Incorporate Drops into your lesson plans as a fun, visual way to introduce and reinforce new vocabulary. Use the app's engaging mini-games and exercises to help students associate words with images and context, making it easier for them to recall and use the Spanish subjunctive vocabulary in real-world situations.

  2. Immersive Speaking Practice: Leverage Talkpal's conversational AI capabilities to provide students with authentic, immersive speaking practice outside of the classroom. Assign specific conversation topics or scenarios that align with your curriculum, such as discussing hypothetical situations using the Spanish subjunctive, and have students engage in regular chat sessions with the AI tutor.

  3. Contextualized language: Assign Glossarie's story-based lessons as homework or in-class reading activities to expose students to authentic, contextualized language use. Encourage students to pay attention to instances of descriptive adjectives in the stories and discuss how its use affects the meaning and tone of the narrative.

  4. Situational Conversations: Leverage Talkpal's conversational AI capabilities to provide students with authentic, immersive speaking practice outside of the classroom. Assign specific conversation topics or scenarios that align with your curriculum, such as discussing hypothetical situations using the Spanish subjunctive, and have students engage in regular chat sessions with the AI tutor.

  5. Personalized Grammar: Leverage ChatGPT's vast knowledge base to create personalized grammar explanations and examples for students who need additional support. For instance, if a student is struggling to understand when to use the Spanish subjunctive, you can ask ChatGPT to provide a concise, student-friendly explanation and generate multiple example sentences that demonstrate its use in various contexts.

  6. Interactive Stories: Use Boukili's AI-powered reading program to support young French learners' literacy development and help them build a strong foundation in the language. Integrate Boukili's interactive stories and personalized recommendations into your reading curriculum, using the app's progress tracking features to monitor each student's growth and identify areas for improvement.

    From personalized tutoring platforms like Duolingo and Talkpal to immersive, adaptive apps like Mondly and Glossarie, AI-powered tools offer a wealth of possibilities for creating engaging, effective, and equitable learning experiences for all students. AI can play a crucial role in fostering language proficiency, cultural competence, and communicative skills among learners.

    • Tom Daccord