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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 17. Number 1, March 2026 Pp. 437-468
School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence tools into higher education is reshaping how university students develop academic writing and publishing skills. However, empirical evidence from science disciplines in under-researched contexts remains limited. This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence–enhanced writing tools on the academic writing development of Vietnamese undergraduate biotechnology students. The study aims to examine (1) whether sustained use of these tools improves academic writing performance, (2) how students’ perceptions change over time, and (3) which challenges remain unresolved. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, instructor-rated writing tasks, and thematic analysis of reflective responses. Quantitative findings revealed statistically significant improvements in self-reported writing confidence and moderate gains in instructor-assessed writing quality. Students reported improvements in grammatical accuracy, clarity, and citation management. However, higher-order skills, including thesis development and disciplinary argumentation, showed limited improvement. Qualitative findings also highlighted concerns regarding over-reliance and ethical boundaries in assessed writing. The study concludes that artificial intelligence tools are most effective when embedded within structured pedagogy that integrates explicit instruction, human feedback, and critical digital literacy training.
Nguyen, P. B. T. & Tran, N. B. C. (2026). AI-supported tools for English Academic Writing and Publishing: A Case Study of Vietnamese Biotechnology Undergraduates. Arab World English Journal, 17(1): 437-468
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Dr. Phuong Bao Tran Nguyen is a lecturer in English Language Studies at the School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Vietnam. Her research interests include English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), second language acquisition, academic writing, and artificial intelligence in language education. She has published in international journals on topics related to EFL pedagogy and technology-enhanced language learning. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2927-0632
M.A Ngoc Bao Chau Tran is a lecturer in the School of Foreign Languages at Can Tho University, Vietnam. Her research interests center on English-medium instruction (EMI), translanguaging, and TESOL pedagogical methods. Her published research covers a range of topics, including TESOL, language pedagogy, linguistics, assessment, and professional development for teachers.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4704-2628