Innovation in Language Learning
Talking with AI: Strengthening Oral Skills in Beginner Learners
Anke Berns, University of Cádiz (Spain)
Abstract
Developing oral communication skills at beginner levels of foreign language learning can be particularly challenging. For students of German at A1 level, limited classroom time and few opportunities to interact in the target language outside the classroom often result in insufficient exposure and practice. In addition, fear of making mistakes or being judged by others may increase communication anxiety and hinder oral participation [1], [2].
This teaching innovation project explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly conversational chatbots, to create additional opportunities for meaningful oral interaction beyond the classroom [3]. Building on previous projects that focused mainly on digital resources for written comprehension and production, the present project shifts the focus towards spoken interaction and oral skills development [4].
AI-supported activities have been designed specifically for beginner learners of German and integrated into an A1 course to encourage flexible and autonomous practice outside the classroom. Through guided conversations with AI, students can interact in the target language at their own pace and without the time and social constraints of face-to-face interaction. This creates a low-stakes environment in which learners can experiment with German, make mistakes, receive feedback, and gradually build confidence.
The project aims to increase learners’ exposure to and use of German beyond the classroom, foster learner autonomy, and provide additional opportunities for oral practice. The presentation will introduce the pedagogical rationale and design of the AI-supported activities, together with initial observations from their implementation with beginner learners. Particular attention will be paid to the opportunities and challenges of using conversational AI to support oral interaction at A1 level and to extend language learning beyond the classroom.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Higher Education; Beginner Learners; Oral skills, Engagement
REFERENCES
[1] Belda-Medina, J., & Calvo-Ferrer, J. R. (2022). Using Chatbots as AI Conversational Partners in Language Learning. Applied Sciences, 12(17), 8427. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12178427
[2] Kizil, A. S., Klímová, B., Pikhart, M., & Parmaxi, A. (2025). A systematic review of the recent research on the usefulness of chatbots for language education. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.70001
[3] Pérez-Marín, D. (2021). A review of the practical applications of pedagogic conversational agents to be used in school and university classrooms. Digital, 1(1), 18–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/digital1010002
[4] Valero-Franco, C., & Berns, A. (2024). Development of virtual and augmented reality apps for language teaching: A case study. RIED-Revista Iberoamericana de Educación a Distancia, 27(1), 163–185. https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.27.1.37668
