Yuan Ze Student Wins BESTEP English Progress Award – AI Enhances Language Learning Trends

Liu Cheng-En, a third-year student in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Yuan Ze University, recently received the BESTEP English Progress Award from the Language Training and Testing Center (LTTC), showcasing his significant improvement in language learning. With the support of university-provided scholarships and learning resources, he successfully improved his English writing proficiency from B1 to B2 in a short period, encouraging more students to challenge themselves.

In 2021, the Ministry of Education launched the Bilingual Education for Students in College (BEST) program, aimed at establishing a bilingual learning environment, enhancing university students' English proficiency, and promoting English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) to boost the international competitiveness of higher education. In response to this initiative, Yuan Ze University's International Language and Culture Center designed the "EMI Practical Workshop", integrating AI technology with language learning to help students improve their English skills.

The first EMI Practical Workshop was held on March 19, with Professor Kao Chien-Wen as the keynote speaker, attracting over a hundred students and faculty members. Professor Kao has been dedicated to English language teaching and, in recent years, has focused on the application of AI technology in self-directed language learning. During the workshop, he introduced various AI tools, including Napkin, which enhanced listening and summarization skills through speech transcription and note-taking; ElevenLabs, which used AI-generated speech to help students practice pronunciation and intonation; and ProWritingAid, which assisted students in automatically correcting their writing, improving their English writing skills. Additionally, he introduced the "Six-Step Vocabulary Learning Method," which utilized AI-generated contexts and practice exercises to effectively strengthen vocabulary retention and application, improving language learning efficiency.

On the same day, Yuan Ze University also held the Third Annual BESTEP Elite Award Ceremony, recognizing students who had performed exceptionally in the exam. Vice President Hsu Tse-Chih attended the event to congratulate the winners, stating, "Language learning should be enjoyable. When language becomes a part of daily life, proficiency naturally improves. AI tools not only enhance learning efficiency but also make language a gateway to the world."

One of the award recipients, Liu Hsiang-Ning from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, shared her learning journey. She had self-studied English since childhood, developing a passion for watching Discovery Channel, which gradually helped her incorporate English into her daily life and refine her language skills. Liu Cheng-En, who won the English Progress Award, recalled that he had been inspired to learn English after struggling to understand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech as a child. Now able to express his thoughts fluently, he hoped to continue improving his language skills, participate in international exchanges, and broaden his horizons.

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI applications in language learning have become increasingly widespread. Through AI tools and EMI Practical Workshops, Yuan Ze University has been committed to providing diverse language learning resources, cultivating globally competitive talents, and promoting the development of bilingual education.