Enhancing EFL Oral Proficiency Through a ChatGPT-Integrated BOPPPS Learning Framework

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the impact of embedding ChatGPT within the “bridge-in, objective, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment summary” (BOPPPS) framework to enhance the speaking proficiency of 89 Taiwanese university English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners. Over 18 weeks, the experimental group (n = 44) received structured, theory-aligned instruction with stage-based ChatGPT and BOPPPS integration, while the comparison group (n = 45) engaged in unstructured artificial intelligence (AI)-supported practice. Post-test results show significantly greater gains across all five speaking sub-skills for the experimental group, particularly in interactive communication (p = .004, η2 = .105) and discourse management (p = .037). Thematic analysis indicates that BOPPPS reframed ChatGPT from a static tool into a meta-cognitive dialogue partner. These findings suggest structured AI integration may reduce speaking anxiety and foster more autonomous, confident language use. The study offers a replicable framework for AI-assisted pedagogy, especially in large-scale or online EFL instruction.