Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT) PanSIG 2026

The Feedback Loop: How ESL Learners Navigate Autonomy and Trust in ChatGPT Interactions

The Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT) PanSIG 2026 conference will be held on May 23–24 at Chukyo University in Nagoya, Japan. This year’s theme is “Building Language Competencies Through Community,” focusing on the vital role of collaboration, professional development, and inclusive practices in fostering effective language education. More details about the conference can be found on the official website: JALT PanSIG 2026.

Suprateek Chatterjee and Shuyi Li will be presenting a session titled “The Feedback Loop: How ESL Learners Navigate Autonomy and Trust in ChatGPT Interactions.” Drawing from our study of 87 university-level ESL students utilizing ChatGPT-4o in a medical vocabulary course, the presentation examines how learners actually experience Generative AI tools beyond standard linguistic outcomes. By comparing English-only feedback with L1-supported interactions, our findings reveal that while GenAI boosts motivation through immediate, contextualized explanations, limitations like repetitive feedback and unreliable voice recognition significantly impact learner trust. The presentation ultimately advocates for integrating GenAI within pedagogically scaffolded instruction, demonstrating how effectively guided AI tools can promote reflective learning, critical engagement, and greater learner autonomy.