Empowering English Vocabulary Instruction through Generative Artificial Intelligence: The AEFC Method

In the realm of English Foreign Language (EFL) learning, the significance of vocabulary acquisition has been repeatedly underscored. Despite its paramount importance, memorizing words has remained a formidable challenge. This research, drawing on the outcomes in educational neuroscience, introduces the AEFC Method based on generative artificial intelligence (AI). The AEFC Method comprises four components, harnessing AI to generate learning materials for, 1) capturing students' attention by AI-generated content containing familiar elements for students, 2) fostering active engagement with AI supported instruction, 3) testing for feedback with personalized exercises generated by AI, and 4) utilizing mobile app for consolidation. After conducting as a quasi-experiment with 94 seventh-grade Chinese students over a 4-week, the results demonstrate significant improvement in vocabulary and English proficiency attributable to the method. We posit that the AEFC Method is a promising instructional approach deserving further dissemination.