A study highlights the usefulness of ChatGPT for language learning but urges students to use it critically

A study analyzes how Chinese students use ChatGPT to learn Spanish and finds that the vast majority do not follow up with additional questions after receiving the platform's first response. Therefore, it calls on foreign language teachers to guide students so they can make more reflective and critical use of the tool.

This is the first qualitative study conducted to examine how Chinese students use ChatGPT to learn Spanish, carried out by the Language Learning and Teaching Research Group (GR@EL) from the Department of Translation and Language Sciences at UPF. The study was prepared by Shanshan Huang, a GR@EL researcher, under the supervision of Daniel Cassany, the group’s coordinator. Both recently published an article on the topic in the Journal of China Computer-Assisted Language Learning.

For the research, the use of ChatGPT by 10 Chinese students learning Spanish over a one-week period was qualitatively examined. A total of 370 prompts (or instructions entered by each user into ChatGPT to obtain specific information) were analyzed in depth, along with the platform's responses. The study was supplemented with student questionnaires and entries from their learning journals.

CLARIFYING DOUBTS

Regarding the potential of ChatGPT for language learning, the study shows that it allows students to resolve different doubts about the foreign language from a single technological platform — in this case, Spanish. For example, they can ask about vocabulary and spelling directly, instead of consulting a dictionary and then a spell checker. The platform also adapts to the profile and needs of each user based on their interactions.

However, the study warns that most students use ChatGPT uncritically, as they typically do not ask further questions after receiving the first answer. Of the 370 interactions analyzed, 331 (89.45%) consisted of a single question-and-answer exchange. The rest consisted of 31 extended interactions in which students sought clarification and precision beyond the initial information.

VOCABULARY

Most queries concern vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing. Oral communication and grammar questions are rare.

The study also highlights the most common themes in the students’ queries. Around 90% relate to vocabulary (36.22%), reading comprehension (26.76%), and Spanish writing (26.49%). Only 1 in 10 questions pertain to grammar — mostly when dealing with complex concepts — or oral communication.

Researchers suggest that this distribution may be due to cultural and technological factors. In light of the findings, they emphasize the need not only to promote digital literacy but also to strengthen critical thinking and self-learning skills in students.