Challenging Traditional EFL Writing Classroom Using Al Mediated Tool: A Paradigm Shift

Abstract

Students usually find the traditional writing classroom cumbersome due to its teacher centered approach that hardly allows learners take charge of their own learning. As a result of not being actively engaged in the classroom and nature of writing requiring a rigorous practice, students lag behind in developing writing skills including the paraphrasing ones. In order to deal with this situation, this study employs QuillBot, an AI-mediated and learner-centered tool, in a group pre/post quasi-experimental research to mend EFL students' writing and paraphrase skillsSpecific focus areas include summarization, grammar and spelling, rewriting sentences, sequencing sentences, identifying correct sentences, and matching phrasal verbs. 25 EFL students enrolled in the Technical Report Writing course and using QuillBot, an AI-mediated tool, comprised the research sample. Through pre- and post-experimental assessments, researchers assessed how well the students' writing skills performed both before and after the experiment. The dependent-sample t-test affected the post-test results. It was shown that the AI-mediated tool QuillBot significantly enhanced the writing skills of EFL students. Furthermore, a semi-structured interview was carried out to cross-validate the information gathered from the written samples. The semi-structured interview included questions about the students' observations and experiences using the instrument. The researchers suggested using QuillBot in a writing class to help students master writing and paraphrasing techniques in light of the findings. The results of the present research into the AI-mediated tool QuillBot may have ramifications for addressing other EFL teaching and learning issues.