Implementing the communicative approach to English language learning at a non-linguistic university through group work based on artificial intelligence tools

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate and develop a methodology for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into a Foreign Language for Specific Purposes course for students of non-linguistic majors based on communicative group work tasks. The article summarizes the experience of organizing group work in the process of teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to non-linguistic students and analyzes the potential of modern AI tools (ChatGPT, YandexGPT, GigaChat, Quizizz) for organizing interactive forms of educational activity. The scientific novelty lies in the development of a three-stage technology for integrating AI tools into group work within the framework of the communicative approach, the experimental demonstration of its effectiveness in an ESP course, and the description and testing of communicative tasks that ensure a significant improvement in foreign-language communicative competence metrics. As a result of an experiment involving 32 students, it was proven that the proposed methodology contributes to a 60% increase in spontaneous speech time, a reduction in speaking anxiety for 81% of students, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter for 76% of participants. The obtained results indicate that the systematic implementation of AI, when accompanied by sound pedagogical support, increases students’ motivation and speech activity and can be recommended for foreign language instruction at non-linguistic universities.