Artificial Intelligence Technology (AI-Tech) Enhanced Vocabulary Learning

Project: Internal Research Project

Project Details

Project Title (In Chinese)

AI赋能词汇学习

Fund Amount (RMB)

46380

Key findings

This project aimed to enhance academic vocabulary acquisition among EFL/ESL university students through a self-developed AI-supported learning platform. The main objectives were: (1) to create a self-developed tool that enables students to engage in independent EAP vocabulary learning; (2) to support teachers with AI-generated in-class games and quizzes; and (3) to help the school and university save budgets spent on purchasing premium accounts of vocabulary-learning platforms.
All objectives were successfully achieved. The platform was developed and implemented in two phases. Phase 1 involved a small-scale pilot to gather feedback on usability and pedagogical value. Phase 2 expanded significantly, involving 17 lecturers across 8 Year 1 and Year 2 EAP modules, covering 47 class groups. Student usage data and teacher/student feedback were collected to assess satisfaction rate and impact and thereby informing further development.
The project contributed in several ways:
• It introduced an AI-driven approach to academic vocabulary learning in EAP contexts.
• It supported instructors by integrating automatically generated quizzes into their lessons.
• It demonstrated how AI can enhance student engagement and vocabulary retention with minimal teacher workload.
We shared the project through 1 SoL symposium and 2 international conferences. Training sessions were also held in both research phases. The major research output from this project, titled "Enhancing Academic Vocabulary Learning for EFL/ESL University Students through a Self-Developed AI-Supported Learning Platform," was accepted by the International Journal of TESOL Studies in March 2025. The final manuscript will be submitted in November 2025.
Further development is underway. Based on Phase 2 feedback, we plan to refine the platform’s features, improve user experience, and broaden module participation. It will continue to benefit EAP teaching and learning practices.
Project CategoryTeaching Development Fund
AcronymTDF
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/08/2331/08/25

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