The effect of using an artificial intelligence-enhanced instructional approach on grammatical knowledge and motivation

Abstract

This study examined the impact of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced multimodal instructional approach on students' grammatical knowledge and motivation. Therefore, 70 Omani English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners were divided into a control group (in-class training and feedback) and an experimental group (AI feedback), with 35 students in each group. The researcher used grammar tests and a motivation questionnaire adapted from Li et al. (2025) to collect data. After a five-week treatment period, the posttest findings showed that both groups increased their scores, but the experimental group performed significantly better than the control group. In the delayed posttest, the control group showed no progress, but the experimental group increased their scores and significantly outperformed the control group. Additionally, the experimental group was the only group in which the motivation questionnaire was administered, and it was found that their motivation levels were considerably positive. The findings of the study are helpful for teachers, syllabus designers, students, and policymakers by suggesting that integrating an AI-enhanced multimodal instructional approach into grammar teaching could be a viable method to improve educational outcomes, enhance student engagement, provide personalized feedback, and also inform subsequent curriculum planning and the implementation of educational strategies.