Examining the Effectiveness of ChatGPT as A Conversational Partner for Indonesian EFL Learners

Purpose: This study evaluates the efficiency of ChatGPT as a conversational partner in enhancing English proficiency among Indonesian learners within the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. It examines ChatGPT’s potential as both a learning tool and a scalable alternative for institutions with limited instructional resources. Subjects and Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental design was adopted, employing a one-group pretest–posttest method with 40 intermediate-level university students. Over a period of four weeks, participants engaged in structured conversations with ChatGPT. Speaking performance was videotaped and assessed using a standard rubric measuring fluency, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. In addition, learner perceptions were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Results: Findings revealed statistically significant improvements across all assessed components, with the greatest gains in fluency and vocabulary. Questionnaire data indicated high levels of satisfaction, motivation, and perceived benefit, with a positive correlation between learner satisfaction and performance growth. These results suggest that ChatGPT enhances communicative competence while also increasing learner engagement. Conclusions: ChatGPT demonstrates strong potential as an instructional aid in EFL learning and as a cost-effective solution for large programs. Effective integration, however, requires careful planning, ethical oversight, and teacher preparedness to ensure sustainable adoption.