Foreign Languages and Machine Learning in Schools (FLAMES) for Cycle 3: Research and development project for foreign language teaching with AI in cycle 3
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Profile
- Project leadership
- Stefan Daniel Keller (PHZH), Bernadette Spieler (PHZH)
- Project team
- Larissa Meyer-Baron (PHZH), Christine Rast (PHZH), Janine Trütsch (PHZH)
- Organisational unit
- F-FD (Fachdidaktische Forschung)
- Project phase
- In progress (1.10.2024 – 31.12.2028)
- Project type
- Research & development project
- Funding
- PH Zurich
Description
The aim of the project is to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) can be meaningfully applied in foreign language teaching to provide targeted support for teachers and students. The focus is on the needs of teachers, who are to receive practical training and innovative teaching materials. The project develops concrete scenarios that are tested and evaluated in close collaboration with teachers. The aim is to create a practical approach that optimises both the planning and implementation of teaching and the learning processes of students.
One focus is on supporting language teachers with AI tools. Tools can be used, for example, to create sample texts, provide differentiated practice materials, or provide personalised feedback and automated assessment. At the same time, the project is investigating how students can use AI tools independently as learning tools, e.g., to support writing processes, research work, or through personalised feedback.
The project is designed to encourage critical reflection. Teachers and students should go beyond simply learning to use the tools; they should also gain an understanding of how these tools function, evaluate their potential applications in various learning contexts, and critically assess their limitations from both scientific and practical perspectives. To support this, targeted workshops and teaching units are being developed, aiming to foster both practical implementation skills and foundational knowledge about AI.
Research questions
The central question is: How can teachers and students use AI tools in foreign language teaching in a meaningful and critical way? To answer this, the following sub-questions will be examined:
- What are the professional development needs of teachers in using AI tools for foreign language instruction?
- What specific applications and potential do AI tools like Chat-GPT offer for foreign language teaching?
- How do AI tools impact exam formats and scenarios in foreign language education?
Expected results
- Development of practical, user-friendly materials for foreign language teaching.
- Insights into the specific requirements of teachers for the productive use of AI tools.
- Critical reflection and improvement of teaching quality through the use of AI.
- Publication of the results and development of a further training course for teachers.
Relevance
The project makes an important contribution to the design of modern, digitally supported teaching models. It helps to prepare teachers for the increasing integration of AI in education and to offer learners innovative opportunities to support their language development. In addition, it promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and systematic reflection on the role of AI in the educational context.