How Does GenAI Impact EFL Learners' Motivation, Emotion, and Self-Efficacy: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: AI-Mediated Teaching and Learning Across Educational Contexts

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on the motivation, emotion, and self-efficacy of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Using a meta-analysis of 34 experimental studies with 70 effect sizes, the research quantified the impact of GenAI interventions on EFL learners' psychological factors and provided insights into the moderating factors influencing these effects. Results reveal that GenAI significantly enhances learners' motivation, emotion, and self-efficacy. Notably, the effectiveness of these interventions varies across factors such as country, educational level and intervention duration. These findings provide valuable implications for the design and implementation of GenAI in language learning settings, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of how GenAI can be optimized to support EFL learners.

Authors

• Yanyang Shen, East China Normal University

• Shuzhen Chen, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Yuzhuo CHEN, East China Normal University