Research on the Application of Artificial Intelligence Tools in English Courses for First-Year Students in Vocational Colleges: Effects, Models, and Optimization Strategies

Wan Zhonglei

Department of General Education Jiangxi Youth Vocational College, Nanchang Jiangxi People’s Republic of China, 330045 ;

Abstract：This study focuses on the application efficacy of artificial intelligence technology in English teaching for first-year students in higher vocational colleges, employing a mixed-methods approach to systematically evaluate the impact mechanisms of AI tools on academic performance, autonomous learning ability, and learning motivation, while identifying application models suited to the characteristics of vocational education. The study selected 186 non-English major first-year students from a vocational colleges in East China as participants. The experimental group (n=86) adopted an AI-integrated teaching model for a 16-week semester, while the control group (n=100) implemented traditional instruction. Quantitative data revealed that the experimental group's final comprehensive English scores were significantly higher than the control group's (75.3±8.6 vs. 71.8±9.2, t=2.68, p<0.01, Cohen's d=0.39), autonomous learning ability scores increased by 15.7% (F=12.34, p<0.001), and intrinsic learning motivation was significantly enhanced (ΔM=0.58, p<0.01). Drawing on a "technology-teaching-learner" three-dimensional framework, this study constructs an AI Application Ecosystem Model for vocational college English and proposes stratified and categorized integration strategies from three levels: teaching management, teacher development, and technology adaptation. The research provides empirical evidence for the digital transformation of vocational education while revealing practical pathways to avoid technological alienation.

Keywords: artificial intelligence tools; vocational college English; first-year students; application effectiveness; application models

References

[1] Sharadgah, T. A., & Sa'di, R. A. (2022). A systematic review of research on the use of artificial intelligence in English language teaching and learning (2015-2021): What are the current effects? Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 21, 1-20.

[2] Liang, Y. (2020). Research on the application of artificial intelligence technology in higher vocational English teaching[J]. Digital Technology and Application, 2020(1), 41-42. DOI: 10.19695/j.cnki.cn12-1369.2020.01.24

[3]Xia, M. (2022). Empirical analysis of the application effect of artificial intelligence in higher vocational English auxiliary teaching[J]. Campus English, 2022(25), 43-45.

[4] Xiang, Y., & Fang, C. (2024). Exploration of AI-powered multimodal college English reading teaching models[J]. Anhui Education Research, 2024(30), 76-78.

[5] Xing, Q. (2024). Research on innovative application of AI speech technology in higher vocational English listening teaching under the background of new quality productive forces[J]. Journal of China Multimedia & Network Teaching, 2024(10), 5-8.

[6] Shen, L. (2024). Analysis of AI writing quality from the perspective of discourse cohesion theory: A case study of ChatGPT application in higher vocational English composition[J]. Overseas English, 2024(24), 224-226.

[7] Fan, Y. (2024). Research on higher vocational English teaching reform based on artificial intelligence[J]. Public Relations World, 2024(8), 148-150.

[8] Liu, X. (2024). Research on project-based blended teaching models for higher vocational English speaking[J]. Theory and Practice of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2024, 7(13), 134-136.

[9] Gao, S. (2025). Application of artificial intelligence technology in higher vocational English teaching: A case study of iFLYTEK Spark online platform[J]. Contemporary Education Practice and Teaching Research, 2025(3).

[10] Zhang, T. (2024). Empowering business English translation teaching: Application exploration of artificial intelligence and large language models[J]. Overseas English, 2024(22), 138-140.

[11] Fitria, T. N. (2021). The use of technology based on artificial intelligence in English teaching and learning[J]. ELT Echo: The Journal of English Language Teaching in Foreign Language Context, 6(2), 213-223.

[12] Zheng, Y., Luo, C., & Jiang, H. (2025). Exploration of artificial intelligence advancing foreign language education reform[J]. Foreign Language World, 2025(1), 8-12.

[13] Wang, H., et al. (2023). Meta-analysis of AI applications in L2 writing: Effects and moderators. System, 115, 103014.

[14] Ministry of Education. (2020). Vocational education quality improvement and excellence cultivation action plan (2020-2023)[Z]. Vocational Education [2020] No. 7.

[15] Cyberspace Administration of China. (2024). Regulations on the administration of generative artificial intelligence services[Z].