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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on Artificial Intelligence 2025 Pp.234-250
The English Unit, College of Applied Studies, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.
2Department of Languages and Translation, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Department of Languages and Translation, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Department of Languages and Translation, Faculty of Arts and Science-Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Department of Languages and Translation, Faculty of Arts and Science-Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Department of English, Applied College Rafha, Faculty of Education and Arts, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
Department of Languages and Translation, Faculty of Arts and Science-Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technologies, Northern Border University (NBU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
This study investigates the impact of integrating ChatGPT, an Artificial Intelligence-powered language model, into English for Specific Purposes (ESP) writing courses for EFL students at Saudi Arabian universities. The main research question examines how ChatGPT can enhance students’ writing performance, engagement, and autonomous learning. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT in improving ESP writing skills and to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with its use in classroom settings. It also explores how Saudi university instructors can strategically create exams and courses using generative AI. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the growing field of AI-assisted language learning, offering valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers amid the digital transformation of education. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including surveys, interviews, pre- and post-tests, and document analysis to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The findings reveal significant improvements in students’ writing proficiency, particularly in grammar accuracy, vocabulary enrichment, creativity, and critical thinking. Nevertheless, challenges such as technical barriers, ethical concerns, and teachers’ limited training in AI tools were identified. The study recommends providing professional development programs for teachers, establishing ethical guidelines for AI use, enhancing technical support, and continuously evaluating AI tools to ensure effective implementation. This research provides a foundation for future studies on integrating AI technologies in language education and highlights the potential of ChatGPT to foster autonomous and effective language learning.
Elmotri, B., Abdelwahab, W., Al-humari, M., Amri, F., Elyasa, Y., Malik, F., Garrouri, S., & Hassanein, O. (2025). Possibilities for Improving ESP Curriculum Design and Assessment Strategies for Saudi Universities with ChatGPT. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on Artificial Intelligence: 234-250
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Dr. Bilel Elmotri holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Tunisia and is a faculty member at Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia. His research focuses on EMI, ESP, EFL, artificial Intelligence, and technology’s role in language learning, mainly through Automated Writing Corrective Feedback tools. Elmotri has published articles and presented papers at conferences.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5744-0224.
Waleed Abd Elwahab Abd Elmajid Osman Waleed Abd Elwahab, assistant professor at Northern Border University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Languages and Translation, KSA. He obtained a Ph.D. in English Language (Applied Linguistics), from Sudan University of Sciences & Technology. In 2014 he worked as Project coordinator, Al-Khaleej for Training & Education, KSA, besides his work as head of the translation committee. Email: waleedw364@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2540-2474
Mustafa Ahmed Al-humari is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Languages and Translation, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Arar, Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia. His primary research areas include morphosyntactic and syntax-semantic interface issues in languages focusing on English and Arabic. He has also researched English language learning and acquisition. Email: mustafa4008@gmail.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1054-4752
Farid Amri teaches in the Department of Languages and Translation at Northern Border University, KSA. He received a PhD from the University of Mannuba, Tunisia. His research centers on discourse analysis, second-language acquisition, and the role of artificial intelligence in language learning. Email:ferid9002@yahoo.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3745-3479
Yasir M. Elyasa is a teaching staff member of the Department of Languages and Translation, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Northern Border University, KSA. He holds a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Khartoum, Sudan. His research revolves around topics related to literature and applied linguistics, as evidenced by some published articles.
Email: Yasir.Elyasa@nbu.edu.sa ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3415-9306
Dr. Fakhar Malik has PhD in Interpersonal Linguistics. He specializes in Linguistics, applied Linguistics, and TESOL. He has diverse experience at the universities of NUML, UIIT, IU, AIOU, and NBU. His research interests include Linguistics and applied Linguistics. He works in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, NBU. Email: awanhassnain@gmail.com
ORCID: http://Orcid.org/0000.0001-7501-4325
Sihem Garrouri is an Assistant Professor of English at Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia. She studied at the University of Caen Normandy, France. Her research interests include Renaissance studies, the Elizabethan era, and the history of thoughts and politics. Garrouri’s recent publications include “Queen Elizabeth I: The Rhetoric of a Unique Paradoxical Image”, “Mythologizing the Memory of Gloriana”, and “Elizabeth I’s Royal Progresses: A Study of Formal Orations and Poetic Recitations”.
Email: sihem.garrouri@gmail.com ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6600-4870
Prof. Osama H. S. Hassanein is a professor of applied linguistics and foreign language pedagogy in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technologies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Northern Border University, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His research focuses on developing foreign language skills, pragmatics, psycholinguistics (motivation), EFL instructional design, and competency-based learning. E-mail: osama.hassanein@nbu.edu.sa ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8171-0642