A Critical Review of Studies on the Use of ChatGPT in English Language Teaching

The rapid development of large language models, particularly ChatGPT, has introduced new possibilities and challenges in English Language Teaching (ELT). Over the past two years, a growing body of research has examined the pedagogical value of ChatGPT in various aspects of language learning, including writing support, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and classroom interaction. This critical review analyzes existing empirical and conceptual studies to evaluate the potential benefits, limitations, and pedagogical implications of ChatGPT in ELT. Findings across the reviewed literature indicate that ChatGPT can enhance learner engagement, provide immediate feedback, facilitate idea generation in writing, and support individualized learning. However, several studies highlight important challenges, such as over-reliance on AI-generated content, concerns regarding accuracy and factual reliability, ethical considerations, and the need for teacher digital literacy. The review also identifies gaps in current research, including limited large-scale empirical studies, insufficient attention to long-term learning outcomes, and scarce investigations into teacher training for AI integration. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of existing evidence and outlines recommendations for effective and responsible use of ChatGPT in English language classrooms.

کلیدواژه ها:

Critical Learning ، Language Learning ، ChatGPT