Effects of GenAI-assisted reading activities on EFL learner’s reading comprehension, reading motivation and reading anxiety

This study investigates the efficacy of Generative AI (GenAI)-assisted reading activities in enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ reading comprehension, motivation, and anxiety over a 16-week semester. A mixed-methods approach compared an experimental group (n = 65) using GenAI-generated texts and feedback with a control group (n = 65) engaged in traditional reading tasks. Pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, and interviews revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in reading comprehension, exhibited higher intrinsic motivation and reading efficacy, and reported lower comprehension and vocabulary anxiety.

These findings suggest that GenAI’s tailored content and interactive feedback foster cognitive and affective gains in EFL reading. The study underscores GenAI’s potential to innovate EFL pedagogy by supporting personalized learning, though further research is needed to optimize its cognitive impact. This work was supported by Sichuan Education and Scientific Research Grant Project (JG2021-1412), Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Support Program (2021YFN0130), and Sichuan Foreign Language and Literature Research Center (SCWYH22-26).

Chengdu Technological University, Chengdu, China The authors declare no competing interests. This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the School of Foreign Languages of Chengdu Technological University (No. 20240918) on September 18, 2024.

All procedures involving human participants were performed in compliance with relevant institutional and national guidelines. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants on September 23, 2024, prior to their inclusion in this study. Participants were fully informed about the study’s purpose, procedures, data usage, and their rights, including the right to withdraw at any time without consequences.

They were explicitly informed that all data would be collected and processed in an anonymized manner and that no identifying details, such as names or personal information, would be disclosed in the manuscript. All participants were adults capable of providing informed consent. No vulnerable populations (including minors) were involved in this study.

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