Undergraduates’ reflection on applying ChatGPT in ESP Writing skills: A case from Foreign Trade University HCMC

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automated feedback is fast becoming a norm. ChatGPT can provide meaningful writing samples, adjust the difficulty level of texts matching leaners’ proficiency level and facilitate guided writing. ChatGPT is capable of rapidly generating texts which are not only appropriate but are also error-free in terms of language. This study investigates Business students' reflection on applying ChatGPT in ESP writing skills. The study involved fifty-two undergraduates in Business who were taking an English language course during one semester at Foreign Trade University – HCMC, a public university of Vietnam. Mixed-methods design was used to investigate students' beliefs and perspectives on the effectiveness of ChatGPT application in English Teaching and Learning. Two study tools were employed: a questionnaire and a semi-free interview. Comprising ten items, the questionnaire measured undergraduate learners’ perceptions of using ChatGPT for improving their writing skills and at the same time focusing on higher-order thinking skills as they are related to effective writing. The semi-free interview, on the other hand, consisted of the pros and cons of utilizing ChatGPT-based essay writing versus self-dependent essay writing. The results revealed most respondents confirmed ChatGPT's effectiveness in saving time and enhancing their language accuracy. However, the progress one could make in acquiring writing skills and increasing higher-order thinking abilities could not be seen significant. The research paper also made some implications and recommendations for language educators in Vietnamese higher institutions.