Throughout my 34-year career as an English teacher, I have taught adult students from all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, farmers, the unemployed… Their interests have been just as varied, ranging from Formula 1 racing and fashion to videogames and techno music.
Most students are enthusiastic and eager to share what matters in their lives in the language classroom. We can all agree that this diversity should be embraced and celebrated. I certainly do, as it also gives me golden opportunities to explore language that is relevant to them. However, try as we might, this is a daunting task in group lessons. How can we, as teachers, meet such wide-ranging needs and interests?
The answer is by attempting to address it,to a greater or lesser extent, and also, as with other issues, by trying to offer the students tools and learning strategies to work independently.
I would suggest this learning strategy and routine to learners to make up for the “teacher’s lack of attention”: have a spoken interaction with ChatGPT and let AI know about your likes and interests by being an expert and letting the tool interview you about them. Quite obviously this couldn’t possibly replace what goes on in the classroom among real human beings, but it nevertherless provides time and attention for learners to express themselves and practice the language in very meaningful ways.
Two important considerations: chatting with ChatGPT, whether through texting or voice chat, is a transaction between a human and a database. Nothing more. Secondly, and more importantly, students should have enough common sense not to share -and therefore give away- critical personal information. The whole point is to find an environment where learners can have someone to talk to about their lives and interests. Nothing more.
So I am going to use the ChatGPT app on my phone, which allows for voice chat, and start a conversation (which can be saved and retrieved later). I will read out this prompt: Let’s have a conversation about Sporting de Gijón, a Spanish football team I have supported and followed since childhood. I am an expert on this team. You are going to ask me 5 questions about it, which I will try to answer as an expert. When you finish the interview, I want you to give me feedback on my answers and rewrite an improved version where mistakes are fixed and the language sounds more natural. You will start the interview when I say ‘ok’.
Here is the self-automated transcript of the conversation:
Great! Let’s dive into the world of Sporting de Gijón. First question: Can you tell me about a memorable match in Sporting de Gijón’s history that stands out to you, and why it was so significant?
You said:
“A memorable match would be back in 1984, where Sporting the Gijón beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a season where they almost won the league.”
That’s a great pick! Now, for the second question: Sporting de Gijón has had its ups and downs over the years. Can you share an example of a challenging period for the club and how they managed to overcome it?
You said:
“A challenging period for the club was, I don’t remember the exact season, but there was a season where Esporting de Gijón was the team with the lowest number of points in any given season in the first division. I think that was really embarrassing. What did they do to try to overcome this? Well, I mean, they tried,hard, but they just couldn’t achieve the results.”
Tough times indeed. Now, moving on to the third question: Sporting de Gijón has had some notable players throughout its history. Can you highlight one player who made a significant impact on the team and what made them stand out?
You said:
“My favorite player of all times was Stryker. His name was Ferrero. He was from Argentina and he was phenomenal.”
Ah, Ferreiro! A legendary striker indeed. For the fourth question: Can you discuss the role of the club’s youth academy in shaping Sporting de Gijón’s success? Are there any standout players who came through their youth system?
You said:
“Most of their greatest players have come through their youth system. They have this training camp, which is called Mareo, and you have players like Kundi or Mesa or Manjarin. So many great players came out from the youth academy.
Mareo is definitely renowned for producing top talent. Finally, for our fifth question: What do you think are the key factors that will determine Sporting de Gijón’s future success? Are there any areas you believe the club should focus on to ensure they stay competitive?
You said:
“It’s tough times for smaller clubs. I think you need…” Investment is crucial. Someone who can make an investment in the team.
Absolutely, finding the right investors and financial backing is key. Now, let’s go over your answers and see how we can refine them a bit.
You said:
From the answers I have given you about Sporting de Gijón, I would like you to rewrite an improved version where mistakes are fixed and the language sounds more natural
Sure! Below is an improved and polished version of your responses about Sporting de Gijón. I’ve adjusted the language for clarity and natural flow while keeping the meaning intact.
Memorable Match
One of the most unforgettable matches in Sporting de Gijón’s history was [insert match, e.g., “the 1979 game against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final”]. Although we didn’t win, the team’s incredible determination and the way they pushed one of the greatest clubs in the world to the limit left a lasting impression on fans. It showed the fighting spirit that defines the club.
Challenging Period
Sporting de Gijón has faced its fair share of challenges, especially during periods of financial difficulty and relegation battles. One of the toughest times was the drop to Segunda División in [insert year]. Despite the setbacks, the club leaned heavily on its loyal fanbase and its youth academy, Mareo, to rebuild. By focusing on homegrown talent and resilience, the team managed to rise again, proving its ability to bounce back.
Notable Player
Among Sporting’s legends, Enrique Castro “Quini” undoubtedly stands out. Known for his prolific goal-scoring and deep connection with the fans, Quini wasn’t just a brilliant striker; he was the heart of the team. His humility and loyalty made him a symbol of the club, and his legacy lives on in Gijón to this day.
Youth Academy
The Mareo Football School has been a cornerstone of Sporting de Gijón’s success. Over the years, it has produced incredible talents like David Villa, who went on to achieve international acclaim. Mareo’s emphasis on nurturing local talent not only strengthens the club but also creates a strong bond between the team and the community. It’s no wonder Mareo is considered one of the best youth academies in Spain.
Future Success
The future of Sporting de Gijón depends on a combination of financial stability, strategic management, and continued investment in its youth academy. Strengthening its scouting network and securing a strong financial backing are crucial. At the same time, maintaining the club’s identity by prioritizing homegrown talent and its connection with the fans will ensure Sporting stays competitive while preserving its rich history.
If you’d like me to tailor this even further or add details, let me know!
ChatGPT actually changed my answers when rewriting an improved version of them. This issue can be easily avoided by copying and pasting the original answers into ChatGPT and asking it to correct mistakes and improve the style of the pasted texts.
Students could save this conversation in ChatGPT’s history and revisit it later, asking ChatGPT to generate 5 additional questions for further practice. Plenty of meaningful, tailor-made language to be practiced there.
For lower-level students, or to make the activity less intimidating, a useful variation is to have ChatGPT provide the questions in advance. This allows students to prepare, think through their answers, and feel more confident.
AI in ELT 