The Role of Individual Differences and AI Chatbots in EFL Learners' Metadiscourse Realization in Expository Writing

This study sought to explore how personality traits (extroverts and introverts) affect EFL learners' utilization of interactional metadiscourse markers (IMMs) in expository writing when they use two AI chatbots, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Additionally, the study analyzed learners' experiences and preferences when the learners interact with these chatbots to understand their perceptions and overall satisfaction. The participants consisted of ۱۵۰ advanced language learners randomly assigned to four experimental groups: Gemini extroverted learners, Gemini introverted learners, Microsoft Copilot extroverted learners, Microsoft Copilot introverted learners, and a control group. Throughout eight sessions, the participants in the Gemini group utilized the Gemini AI platform on their computer monitors to investigate IMMs, while the Microsoft Copilot groups were exposed to IMMs through Microsoft Copilot AI companion. The control group was taught using traditional methods, which involved reading the designated instructional materials. The results of a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) procedure revealed that the introverted advanced participants in the Gemini group surpassed the other groups in the posttest focused on recognizing and identifying IMMs, with statistically significant differences among the groups. In the posttest, there was also an improvement in both Microsoft Copilot advanced introverted and extroverted learners in realizing IMMs in expository writing. The Gemini advanced extroverted group and the control group performed poorly compared to the other groups. Semi-structured interview results analyzed through MAXQDA (version ۲۰۲۲) suggested that Microsoft Copilot adeptly supports both advanced extroverted and introverted learners in refining their expository writing skills by facilitating metadiscourse development.

کلیدواژه ها:

Expository writing ، Gemini ، Metadiscourse ، Microsoft Copilot