LINH NGUYEN (ROI ET RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY)

SHAPING ENGLISH SPEAKING LESSONS: INTEGRATING SOFT SKILLS THROUGH LEARNING ACTIVITIES WITH CHATGPT : GLOBAL ISSUES IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Soft skills are essential in every aspect of life and work, recognized as vital complements to language learning. This study investigates the integration of soft skills, including communication, active listening, presentation skills, confidence building, and cultural awareness, into English speaking lessons for university students. This paper proposes an innovative approach to shaping English speaking lessons by integrating soft skills through learning activities facilitated by ChatGPT, an AI language model. Soft skills, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and adaptability, are integral to effective communication and are increasingly recognized as essential components of language learning. Through a combination of theoretical framework development and practical application, this study explores how ChatGPT can serve as a dynamic tool for integrating soft skills into English speaking lessons. Drawing on established pedagogical principles and the affordances of ChatGPT technology, this study designs learning activities that target specific soft skills while also advancing language proficiency. These activities include interactive conversations, role-playing simulations, collaborative problem-solving tasks, and cultural exchange scenarios, all mediated by ChatGPT. By engaging in these activities, learners not only practice speaking in English but also develop a range of soft skills crucial for effective communication in diverse contexts. This study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the potential of ChatGPT as an educational tool for shaping English speaking lessons that prioritize the integration of soft skills. By harnessing the capabilities of ChatGPT to facilitate interactive and engaging learning activities, educators can create immersive learning experiences that not only enhance language proficiency but also foster the holistic development of learners' communication abilities and interpersonal competencies.

NGUYEN, Duy Linh obtained his doctoral degree from Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand. He is a full time lecturer, and program coordinator of MA in ELT at Roi Et Rajabhat University, Thailand, HUTECH University, Vietnam. He serves as track director of abstract reviewing for VietTESOL Convention from 2018 to 2023, a reviewer for several Scopus-indexed journals. His academic interests include language teaching and learning, technology based language teaching and learning, teaching and learning of language skills and academic skills, soft skills in ELT.