Cultivating Conceptual Understanding in Filipino 8 in the Context of Generative AI: A Qualitative Study of Students’ Experiences and Challenges

Education

This study aimed to explore and understand the experiences, perceptions, challenges, and coping strategies of Grade 8 students in using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) such as ChatGPT in the subject Filipino. The study was conducted in the context of the increasing use of GAI as a support tool for completing academic tasks and developing concepts, which may have implications for students’ critical thinking, originality, and learning processes. The study employed a qualitative research design, specifically a phenomenological approach, and gathered data through semi-structured interviews with ten (10) selected participants. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes reflecting students’ actual experiences in using GAI in Filipino. Based on the findings, students view GAI as a helpful tool for generating ideas, explaining lessons, and speeding up the completion of school tasks. However, several challenges also emerged, including overreliance on technology, weakening of independent idea generation, uncertainty regarding the accuracy of AI-generated responses, and outputs that are sometimes not appropriate to the context and language of Filipino. The study also revealed that students experience mixed emotions when using GAI, including happiness, relief, anxiety, and uncertainty. In response, they adopted various strategies such as using GAI as a guide only, extracting ideas or inspiration, adding their own explanations, and adapting responses into their own words to maintain originality and understanding. Overall, the study highlights that while GAI significantly contributes to students’ learning, proper guidance from teachers and responsible use are still necessary to maintain active thinking, academic integrity, and meaningful learning in the subject Filipino.

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