Enhancing Primary Students' Oral Proficiency with AI-Powered Chatbots: Introducing learn

Author : Dr. Suryani Binte Atan

Abstract :AI-powered chatbots are gaining traction as effective tools for enhancing children's speaking skills, offering real-time feedback and addressing challenges such as language apprehension and limited speaking practice. Research indicates that AI chatbots can significantly improve learners' oral proficiency by simulating conversational interactions fostering confidence and fluency (Kim, Hea Suk, 2021). This presentation introduces LEARN (Language automated Evaluation by generating Answers/questions from caRtooNs), an AI-powered chatbot designed to improve the oral proficiency of primary school students’ mother tongue languages such as Malay Language. Jointly developed by the National Institute of Education (NIE) – Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), LEARN engages students in interactive conversations based on picture-based prompts. Data from more than 1000 Primary 1 and Primary 2 students across ten primary schools in Singapore were collected to train and optimise the chatbot. This presentation will discuss LEARN's design principles, key affordances, and its potential to transform language learning for young learners.

Keywords :oral proficiency, AI-powered chatbot, speaking skills, Malay Language, mother tongue languages.

Conference Name :International Conference on Teaching, Education & Learning (IC-TEL-25)

Conference Place Tokyo, Japan

Conference Date 12th Jun 2025