AI translated task setup for non-native English speaking students

Abstract

University classrooms are increasingly populated by students with diverse nationalities and native languages (L1). The growing number of students in English-led classrooms who speak English as a second or lower language (L2) may face added difficulties in understanding the specific task objectives or directions, as explained by native-English-speaking instructors. Emerging generative AI (genAI) technology offers new opportunities for native-English instructors to provide clear task setup in their students' L1. This single-class activity utilizes genAI software to translate English-language task setup into student L1 and enable L2 students to perform a complex and unfamiliar English comprehension task. The post-activity appraisal compares one cohort of students who performed the task with the genAI translated instructions to a cohort who performed the same task with English-language instructions. Courses English as Second Language (ESL), English Conversation, English Comprehension, and any courses in which groups of L2 students are present. Objectives L2 students will be able to perform complex, unfamiliar ESL comprehension tasks with confidence and clarity of direction. Instructors will be able to transfer this strategy to other tasks and communicate objectives and directions to their L2 students more clearly in the students' L1. This strategy may be transferred to any course with L2 learners.