Abstract:
In the digital era, the deployment of AI in education, from material preparation to evaluation, has become increasingly common. This study explores the efficacy of optimizing artificial intelligence (AI) for curated reading approaches to enhance access to educational resources among 2nd-year Arts students. A cohort of 45 students participated in a comprehensive study aimed at promoting language skills through cultivating reading habits. After obtaining ethical consent from the participants, the study began with a pretest to assess the students' baseline language proficiency. Over a period of three weeks, a diverse array of ‘comprehensible’ reading materials including news articles, essays, and AI-generated contents, were distributed to students daily via Google Forms along with AI-generated questions, answers, and feedback provided by ChatGPT and Jenny English Teacher, ensuring an interactive and tailored reading experience. During weeks four to six, students received additional reading materials without questions and provided with guidance on intentional reading strategies. Additionally, students were encouraged to use 'Natural Reader' to reinforce correct pronunciation and were directed to analyze sentence structures, explore new words, and utilise AI chatbots for meaning clarification. Subsequently, a post-test was conducted to evaluate the impact of the curated reading approach. An informal discussion and questionnaire were also employed to gather students' perceptions. Data were analyzed using mixed methods. The results, while demonstrating significant progress in reading skills, also encompass improvements in vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. Notably, a majority of participants showed enhanced post-test marks and the cultivation of a sustained reading habit. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the integration of AI in educational settings, emphasizing its potential to optimize curated reading approaches for enhanced learning outcomes through effective material preparation. The findings underscore the role of AI-driven strategies in fostering a positive shift in students' reading habits and language proficiency.
