Integrating ChatGPT in EFL Writing: Perceptions and Challenges of Islamic Senior High School Students

Musaqqaf, Bunayya Izzani Fathi and Bisriyah, Maslihatul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8649-5969 (2026) Integrating ChatGPT in EFL Writing: Perceptions and Challenges of Islamic Senior High School Students. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning (JETLe), 7 (2). pp. 165-173. ISSN 2686-665X

Text 42005-117654-1-PB.pdf - Published Version Download (366kB)

Abstract

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in EFL writing highlights the urgent need to understand their impact on students’ learning and writing development. This study aims to explore students’ experiences of using ChatGPT and to identify the challenges they encountered. Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, the study involved 23 students from eight working groups. Data were collected through classroom observations during writing activities and semi-structured interviews with six students representing different academic levels. The findings indicate that students generally perceive ChatGPT as a supportive tool that facilitates idea generation, improves sentence organization, and enhances language use. Many students reported increased confidence in writing when using ChatGPT as a reference and scaffolding resource. However, several challenges were also identified, including technical issues such as unstable internet access and cognitive challenges such as limited prompt literacy, overreliance on AI-generated responses, reduced creativity, and diminished critical thinking. Students with higher motivation and stronger language proficiency demonstrated more critical and selective use of ChatGPT, while others tended to depend on it as a shortcut. This study highlights that the effectiveness of ChatGPT depends not only on technological access but also on students’ readiness and teacher guidance to promote critical, ethical, and reflective use.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	AI-assisted writing, ChatGPT, EFL writing, literacy skills, secondary education
Subjects:	13 EDUCATION > 1301 Education Systems > 130106 Secondary Education 13 EDUCATION > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130207 LOTE, ESL and TESOL Curriculum and Pedagogy 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2003 Language Studies > 200302 English Language 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2004 Linguistics > 200401 Applied Linguistics and Educational Linguistics
Divisions:	Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teaching Training > Department of English Language Education
Depositing User:	Maslihatul Bisriyah
Date Deposited:	19 May 2026 14:03

Downloads

Origin of downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item