Exploring EFL university teachers’ beliefs in integrating ChatGPT and other large language models in language education: a study in China

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the prevalence of ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLMs) has posed significant challenges into the education field, particularly in English education. In response, this study aimed to investigate the beliefs of 95 EFL university teachers from Chinese universities regarding the integration of LLMs in language education, as well as the relationships between their beliefs and other factors. The study yielded several findings: (1) According to the quantitative and qualitative results, we revealed several concerns among Chinese EFL university teachers regarding LLMs integration, such as neglection of traditional learning resources, academic integrity, and excessive reliance. (2) Previous experiences with LLMs, frequency of LLMs use, and self-evaluation on stages of LLMs integration all played vital roles in shaping university teachers’ beliefs in integrating LLMs in language education. (3) No significant correlation was observed between university teachers’ beliefs in integrating LLMs in language education and the availability of IT personnel. (4) No significant correlation was observed between university teachers’ beliefs in integrating LLMs in language education their evaluation on IT infrastructure. This research has provided some insights into university teachers’ beliefs in ChatGPT and other LLMs to promote effective policies and strategies in the digital era.

KEYWORDS:

• Teachers’ beliefs
• ChatGPT
• technology integration
• univeristy EFL teachers
• technology support

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the National Social Science Fund of China [grant#23XYY005].

Notes on contributors

Yang Gao

Dr. Yang Gao is currently an associate professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he supervises Ph.D. students in foreign language education. His research interests include educational policy, language teacher beliefs and practices, and sociolinguistics. He is the associate editor for the MEXTESOL Journal and leads a few special issues in different journals. The submitted manuscript is the primary findings in his research project on language teacher beliefs, emotions, and practices.

Qikai Wang

Qikai Wang earned his Master’s degree from Dalian Maritime University. His research interests encompass language education and the integration of technology in educational practices.

Xiaochen Wang

Xiaochen Wang is currently pursuing a PhD degree at Xi’an Jiaotong University. He is interested in educational policy and planning, translation studies, and language teacher education.