Use of ChatGPT for Language Teachers
(with relevant examples)
- Yagya Kumar Niraula
Introduction
In today’s technology-driven world, artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many aspects of education. One of the most significant advancements is the development of conversational AI tools like ChatGPT. Created by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a language model capable of understanding and generating human-like text. It offers immense potential for language teachers by enhancing instruction, supporting assessment, encouraging creativity, and saving time. This article explores the practical applications, benefits, and considerations for language teachers using ChatGPT in the classroom, along with relevant examples.
1. ChatGPT as a Teaching Assistant
ChatGPT can serve as a virtual teaching assistant, helping language teachers in several ways:
a. Lesson Planning
Teachers can use ChatGPT to generate lesson plans, grammar explanations, and vocabulary lists tailored to specific levels. For instance, if a teacher needs a lesson on past tense verbs for Grade 9 students, ChatGPT can suggest step-by-step activities and even include sample dialogues or texts.
Example: A teacher asks ChatGPT, “Create a 40-minute English lesson plan for Grade 10 on the use of modal verbs in making suggestions.”
ChatGPT responds with:
- Introduction activity (5 min)
- Explanation with examples (10 min)
- Pair work using modals (15 min)
- Group discussion and reflection (10 min)
b. Generating Practice Materials
The AI can create quizzes, fill-in-the-blank exercises, comprehension questions, and writing prompts in seconds. Teachers can modify the difficulty level or topic based on students’ needs, reducing the time spent on material preparation.
Example: A teacher types, “Make a gap-fill exercise on present perfect tense for beginners.”
ChatGPT generates:
I have ______ (eat) my lunch.
She has ______ (finish) her homework.
They have ______ (go) to the market.
c. Explaining Language Concepts
Language rules, idiomatic expressions, or cultural nuances can be explained clearly by ChatGPT. Teachers can use it to clarify complex topics for students, especially those struggling with grammar or vocabulary.
Example: Students don’t understand the difference between “say” and “tell.” The teacher asks ChatGPT:
“Explain the difference between ‘say’ and ‘tell’ with examples.”
ChatGPT replies:
- Use “say” when no object follows: She said she was tired.
- Use “tell” when there is an object: She told me she was tired.
2. Enhancing Speaking and Writing Skills
While ChatGPT is primarily a text-based tool, it can significantly contribute to improving students' speaking and writing abilities.
a. Writing Practice
Students can interact with ChatGPT to practice writing essays, reports, dialogues, or stories. The tool can provide instant feedback, help with sentence structure, suggest vocabulary, and even correct grammar mistakes.
Example: A student types: “Write a paragraph about my best friend.”
ChatGPT responds:
My best friend is Sita. She is kind, helpful, and always supports me. We study in the same class and enjoy playing together during breaks.
b. Speaking Simulations
Although ChatGPT does not speak, students can use it for written role-plays, interviews, or dialogue practice. For instance, they can simulate ordering food in a restaurant or attending a job interview by chatting with the AI. With text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools, this interaction can become oral practice.
Example: A student types: “Let’s role-play a situation where I am a tourist asking for directions.”
ChatGPT replies:
Student: Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the museum?
ChatGPT: Sure! Go straight, take the first left, and you’ll see the museum on your right.
(With speech-to-text tools, this text can be read aloud for oral practice.)
c. Brainstorming and Idea Generation
Students often struggle to come up with ideas before writing or speaking tasks. ChatGPT can help them brainstorm arguments for a debate, points for an essay, or themes for a story.
Example: A student preparing for an essay on "The Importance of Reading Books" asks ChatGPT for ideas.
ChatGPT suggests:
- Improves vocabulary
- Enhances imagination
- Reduces stress
- Builds knowledge
3. Promoting Independent Learning
ChatGPT fosters learner autonomy and motivation by allowing students to explore language independently.
a. Self-Study Partner
Students can use ChatGPT outside of class to revise topics, ask grammar questions, or practice vocabulary. It acts as an always-available tutor, enabling learners to study at their own pace.
Example: A student chats with ChatGPT after school:
“Explain the use of articles in English.”
ChatGPT responds with examples:
- “A” is used before singular, countable nouns beginning with a consonant sound: a cat
- “An” is used before a vowel sound: an apple
- “The” is used for something specific: the sun
b. Personalized Support
The AI can adapt its responses based on the user’s level and learning goals. Whether a beginner or advanced learner, students can get tailored explanations and suggestions that match their needs.
Example: A Grade 12 student preparing for TOEFL asks: “Give me a writing task and check my response.”
ChatGPT gives a prompt, the student writes a paragraph, and ChatGPT provides corrections and suggestions.
c. Confidence Building
Since the interaction is private, students feel less shy or embarrassed to make mistakes when using ChatGPT. This can be especially beneficial for shy learners or those with language anxiety.
Example: A shy student who avoids speaking in class types short answers like:
“I going school now.”
ChatGPT gently corrects: “You should say: I am going to school now.”
4. Supporting Assessment and Feedback
Assessment is a critical part of language teaching, and ChatGPT can assist teachers in evaluating and giving feedback.
a. Draft Evaluation and Editing
Teachers can use ChatGPT to check students' written work for grammar and coherence and suggest improvements. While it should not replace teacher judgment, it can be a helpful aid in proofreading.
Example: A student submits:
“My family is small. It have four people. My father, my mother, me and my brother.”
ChatGPT corrects it to:
“My family is small. It has four people: my father, my mother, my brother, and me.”
b. Rubric Design and Checklists
The AI can help design rubrics and checklists for evaluating speaking and writing tasks. Teachers can customize these tools according to learning objectives and criteria.
Example: A teacher asks: “Make a rubric for a Grade 8 speaking task on describing a festival.”
ChatGPT generates a rubric with criteria:
- Fluency (5 points)
- Vocabulary (5 points)
- Pronunciation (5 points)
- Content relevance (5 points)
c. Mock Exams and Practice Tests
ChatGPT can generate test questions, reading passages, and cloze tests that mimic the format of standardized exams, which is useful for exam preparation.
Example: ChatGPT generates a reading passage and comprehension questions for practice.
Passage about “Global Warming” followed by multiple-choice questions and true/false items.
5. Encouraging Creativity and Critical Thinking
Language learning goes beyond grammar and vocabulary; it involves using language for real communication and expression.
a. Creative Writing and Storytelling
ChatGPT can co-write stories with students, suggest plot twists, or act as a character in a narrative. These creative activities engage students in meaningful language use.
Example: A student types: “Let’s write a story about a dog who becomes a hero.”
ChatGPT replies:
Once upon a time, in a quiet village, lived a dog named Bruno. One night, he heard a cry from the river and jumped in to save a drowning child…
b. Discussions and Debates
Teachers can use ChatGPT to pose controversial or discussion-worthy topics. Students can explore different viewpoints, organize arguments, and even debate with the AI before presenting in class.
Example: Teacher gives topic: “Should students wear school uniforms?”
Students chat with ChatGPT:
- For: Uniforms promote equality
- Against: Uniforms limit personal expression
c. Cultural Exploration
ChatGPT can provide insights into different cultures, idioms, and language use in various contexts. This helps students develop intercultural competence, a key component of language education.
Example: A student asks: “Tell me about greetings in Japanese culture.”
ChatGPT explains:
People bow when greeting each other. “Konnichiwa” means “Hello,” and there are different levels of politeness depending on age and status.
6. Time and Workload Management for Teachers
Language teachers often face a heavy workload. ChatGPT helps reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing more focus on student interaction.
a. Instant Resource Generation
Whether it’s a quick warm-up activity or a last-minute grammar worksheet, ChatGPT can create it instantly, saving preparation time.
Example: Teacher types: “Make a 10-question vocabulary quiz for Grade 6 on food items.”
ChatGPT produces:
1. What is the opposite of “bitter”?
2. What do we call food made from flour and baked in an oven? (Answer: Bread)
b. Grading Assistance
While it cannot replace manual grading, ChatGPT can support teachers in reviewing students’ work, particularly in formative assessments.
Example: Teacher copies student essays and asks ChatGPT for grammar feedback.
ChatGPT highlights common errors and suggests improvements.
c. Translation and Adaptation
Teachers working with multilingual students can use ChatGPT to translate texts, simplify reading materials, or adapt content for different proficiency levels.
Example: A teacher teaching Nepali-speaking students asks:
“Translate this short passage into simple Nepali.”
ChatGPT provides a simplified version, making content more accessible to learners.
7. Ethical and Practical Considerations
Despite its benefits, using ChatGPT requires careful thought and responsible use.
a. Accuracy and Reliability
ChatGPT is not infallible. It may sometimes provide incorrect or inappropriate responses. Teachers should supervise its use and verify content before sharing it with students.
Example: ChatGPT may say, “‘Affect’ and ‘effect’ mean the same,” which is incorrect.
Teacher should cross-check and correct such errors before using it in class.
b. Academic Integrity
Over-reliance on AI tools can lead to issues like plagiarism. Students must be taught to use ChatGPT as a learning aid, not as a shortcut to complete assignments.
Example: A student submits an essay fully written by ChatGPT.
Teachers should instruct students: “Use ChatGPT for ideas or editing—not to copy entire answers.”
c. Digital Literacy and Equity
Not all students have equal access to devices or the internet. Teachers need to ensure that AI tools do not widen the digital divide and that all students benefit from their use.
Example: In rural schools without internet access, students cannot use ChatGPT.
Solution: Teachers can use it to prepare printed materials beforehand.
d. Data Privacy
Users must be cautious about sharing personal data. Teachers should guide students on how to use AI tools safely and ethically.
Example: Students should avoid typing personal data like phone numbers or school addresses into ChatGPT.
