Impact of GenAI-Mediated Non-Formal Instruction on ESL Learners’ Speaking Skills, Overall Language Proficiency, Creativity, and Critical Thinking

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for enhancing language teaching and learning methods is predominant in formal and informal settings. However, its use in non-formal settings remains underexplored. This study provides a comprehensive guide for educators to effectively integrate GenAI technologies into non-formal pedagogical practices to improve the proficiency of students in English speaking. It also examines whether the designed course has influenced the creativity and critical thinking abilities of students while navigating within the GenAI tools for language learning. Thirty participants studying in higher education institutions constituted the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). The post-test results revealed that the EG students significantly outperformed their CG counterparts across the five assessed areas of English speaking: grammar and vocabulary, discourse management, pronunciation, interactive communication, and global achievement, as well as in overall language proficiency. The intervention was also effective in improving the EG members’ creativity and critical thinking.