For students – AI in ELT

ChatGPT as speaking partner

Today I am going to explore one of the most useful ways language learners can benefit from Gen.AI.: having voice conversations. They don’t need a complex prompt for this. However, it is important to bear some factors in mind to make the most of these spoken interactions.

Exam practice: monologue

Today I’m going to craft a prompt that students can use to prepare for speaking tests. I am going to ask Gemini to act as if it were taking a speaking test and deliver the speech for me.

Speak like a local

Today we’re going to take a look at how students can use Gemini (or any Gen.AI tool of their choice) to collect and practice a range of useful social language that isn’t often present in the language classroom. The generated learning material for learners is incredible.

Keeping a journal

Have you ever tried having your students keep journals in the language classroom? This can be done using personal notebooks or digital tools, allowing students to record their thoughts and ideas. Journals are very useful as language learning tools because they help build the habit of writing regularly. Good habits learn the foundation for consistent progress.

Vocabulary flashcards

Vocabulary memorization, retrieval and consistent practice in diverse and meaningful ways are essential for language development and progress. Today we will look at a very practical way to create flashcards to study, memorize and revisit vocabulary using ChatGPT in combination with other digital tools.

Scaling material down

If our students are struggling with online reading material, they can simply copy and paste it into a Gen.AI tool –I will be using Claude this time- and ask for a simplified, shorter version of it.

Word makeover: from old to new

Today we are going to take a look at a highly productive activity students can do on their own to challenge themselves and play with the language. The idea is to type a sentence into a Gen.AI took –I’ll be using ChatGPT- or ask Gen.AI to generate a random sentence, and then try to replace words in it without altering its meaning.

Ask the expert

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.