English learning enthusiasm among Korean students decreases as AI tools become more prevalent, according to a recent report.
In South Korea, a worrying trend has emerged among middle school students regarding their motivation to study English. A recent government report shows a significant drop in motivation among third-year middle school students, with only 61.3% expressing high motivation to study English in 2024 – a decline of 10.1 percentage points from 2022 [1][3][5].
The decline in motivation can be attributed to the increasing use of AI-powered translation apps, such as Naver’s Papago and ChatGPT, which have made completing English assignments easier without requiring students to develop their language skills [1]. These apps have reduced the perceived value of English skills for academic and career prospects, leading students to question the necessity of studying the language [1].
Classroom teachers have observed a change in student behaviour, with many relying on these translation apps to complete homework assignments [1]. This reliance has caused concern among educators, as it potentially widens the learning gap, particularly among students with low confidence in English [1].
The Education Ministry recognises that English has traditionally been studied mostly for exams rather than practical use, making AI translation tools a challenge to the fundamental motivation behind learning English [1]. While some language learning apps incorporate AI to actively teach and engage students through interactive methods and language exchange, the passive use of AI translation apps for shortcutting assignments seems to undermine intrinsic motivation [2].
The ease of translation provided by AI tools could potentially undermine the importance of English language proficiency in the minds of some students, leading to a decrease in motivation to study English [1]. A survey on student motivation to learn English in 2024 received responses from a nationally representative sample of 27,606 middle and high school students [1].
In the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Achievement, 61.3% of third-year middle school students in South Korea (roughly ninth grade in the US) said they were 'highly motivated' to study English, a drop of 2.5 percentage points from 2023 [1]. Furthermore, only 69.6% of surveyed students believed English to be a 'highly worthwhile' subject, a drop from 73.1% in 2023 [1].
One Seoul teacher reported that students who have returned from overseas trips with renewed interest in learning English now heavily rely on AI tools, feeling less need to improve their skills independently [1]. An official from the Education Ministry stated that the shift in student behaviour and motivation towards English learning could be a result of the ease with which AI tools handle translation tasks [1].
The official's statement implies that students who lack confidence in English are more likely to give up, which could exacerbate existing educational disparities over time [1]. As the use of AI-powered translation apps continues to grow, it is crucial to find ways to encourage students to develop their language skills and maintain their motivation to study English.
References: [1] https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240525000564 [2] https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2022/05/104_330253.html [3] https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-ai-translation-tools-are-undermining-english-language-learning-in-south-korea/2023/03 [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64211944 [5] https://www.koreaexposé.org/education/2023/07/05/the-decline-in-student-motivation-to-learn-english-in-south-korea/
Technology has made it easier for students to complete English assignments using AI-powered translation apps, but this ease could be undermining the importance of education-and-self-development in English language proficiency. As a result, some students might question the necessity of studying English, which could lead to a decrease in their motivation.
