Analyzing the effect of ChatGPT on EFL vocabulary learning

Abstract

Abstract: The study, "Analyzing the effect of ChatGPT on EFL vocabulary learning," aimed to determine whether ChatGPT effectively aids students' long-term vocabulary learning or if its use leads to significant challenges in vocabulary learning. This investigation was conducted at a private high school in the province of Loja and employed a mixed-method approach, including quantitative and qualitative analyses. The sample of this study consisted of thirty second-year senior high school students. The instruments used during the data collection stage were an initial diagnostic questionnaire, pre- and post-tests, vocabulary flash quizzes, a teacher checklist, and a students perception survey. The findings revealed that the use of ChatGPT had a positive effect on students, as they were able to make fewer errors when writing their own examples with new learned words. In addition, ChatGPT improved student interaction in the classroom, making them more engaged and motivated, and building confidence to participate in class. Moreover, with the rapid feedback, students were able to more easily understand the definitions of difficult terms and thus be able to use them correctly in different contexts.