A Systematic Scoping Review of Self‐Regulated Learning With AI in Language Education

ABSTRACT The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought new opportunities for second/foreign language (L2) education while also raising concerns about the use of AI tools. This systematic scoping review provides a snapshot of the current state of research situated at the intersection of self‐regulated learning (SRL) and AI in L2 education. The review is restricted to empirical studies. It focuses on the current nature and extent of AI research in relation to SRL, the relationship between SRL and the use of AI, as well as a new understanding on the conceptualization of SRL in AI research. The review identified severe imbalances in the geographical distribution, language skills, and research designs that feature in extant AI‐related SRL research. Three key relationships between SRL and the use of AI were identified: (1) SRL as a learning outcome from the use of AI tools, (2) SRL as a guiding framework for AI‐related pedagogical designs, and (3) SRL as a strategic process when using AI tools. Furthermore, three themes related to L2 learners, self‐regulated behaviors, and AI‐mediated environments emerged. These themes suggest a need to view AI as a ‘capable peer’ and broaden SRL research to explore co‐regulated learning between learners and AI to capture the dynamic interactions through processes such as iterative prompting.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Published
2025-10-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/ijal.70030
Primary Topic
Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Systematic Scoping Review of Self‐Regulated Learning With AI in Language Education

Barry Bai, Sihan Zhou, Zhang Zheng
International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
article

A Systematic Scoping Review of Self‐Regulated Learning With AI in Language Education

Barry Bai, Sihan Zhou, Zhang Zheng
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought new opportunities for second/foreign language (L2) education while also raising concerns about the use of AI tools. This systematic scoping review provides a snapshot of the current state of research situated at the intersection of self‐regulated learning (SRL) and AI in L2 education. The review is restricted to empirical studies. It focuses on the current nature and extent of AI research in relation to SRL, the relationship between SRL and the use of AI, as well as a new understanding on the conceptualization of SRL in AI research. The review identified severe imbalances in the geographical distribution, language skills, and research designs that feature in extant AI‐related SRL research. Three key relationships between SRL and the use of AI were identified: (1) SRL as a learning outcome from the use of AI tools, (2) SRL as a guiding framework for AI‐related pedagogical designs, and (3) SRL as a strategic process when using AI tools. Furthermore, three themes related to L2 learners, self‐regulated behaviors, and AI‐mediated environments emerged. These themes suggest a need to view AI as a ‘capable peer’ and broaden SRL research to explore co‐regulated learning between learners and AI to capture the dynamic interactions through processes such as iterative prompting.

International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Chinese University of Hong Kong (HK)
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
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