The challenge of integrating GenAI in language education in a pedagogically grounded, ethically responsible, and learner-centered manner

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the recommendations and inline gaps and future-work section and stated challenges of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2025 and 2026, spanning 5 journals. Those papers have been cited 3 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 5 representative gaps

• Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies (2026) · Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists · doi

  This review highlights several directions for future research. First, more geographically diverse studies are needed, as current research remains concentrated in Asian contexts. Expanding research across different educational systems would provide a more comprehensive understanding of how GenAI is integrated in teacher education globally. Second, future research should move beyond perception-based studies toward more practice-oriented and longitudinal investigations. In particular, classroom-based and practicum-focused studies could provide deeper insights into how GenAI influences instructional decision-making and teaching effectiveness over time. Greater use of process- oriented data, such as AI interaction data, teaching artifacts, and performance-based measures, would also strengthen the empirical evidence base. Third, future studies should explore a wider range of GenAI tools beyond dominant large language models, including multimodal tools that may better support diverse language teaching needs. Comparative studies may also help clarify how different GenAI tools shape pre-service teachers’ instructional practices. Finally, regarding research themes and teacher development (RQ3), future research should further examine how engagement with GenAI shapes pre-service teachers’ cognition, pedagogical practices, and professional development in more integrated ways. Greater attention to these interconnections may help develop a more holistic understanding of teacher learning with GenAI.

  generalrecommendations
  Keywords: genai future teacher based teaching tools diverse different provide understanding integrated beyond oriented instructional greater
• Mediation in AI-Assisted Experiential Language Learning: Extending TPACK Through the TPAEK Framework for Vietnamese as a Foreign Language Education (2026) · Journal of Language Teaching and Research · doi

  Future research could examine real- JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE TEACHING AND RESEARCH1767© 2026 ACADEMY PUBLICATIONtime classroom discourse, test the framework in other low-resource language contexts, or develop more formal instruments across larger and longitudinal samples. CONCLUSION GenAI was generally perceived as pedagogically useful in experiential VFL education, yet culturally unstable when fluent outputs were insufficiently grounded in Vietnamese language and culture.

  generalinline gaps
  Keywords: language future examine real journal teaching academy publication time classroom discourse test framework resource contexts
• How Does GenAI Agency Drive Academic Engagement Among Second Language Learners? An Empirical Study Based on Self-Determination Theory (2026) · Language Teaching and Educational Research · doi

  Future studies can investigate the long-term effects of GenAI-enhanced learning environments on students' academic engagement. Research can explore the impact of GenAI on different aspects of student learning, such as cognitive strategies and learning depth. The development of GenAI-enhanced learning environments that prioritize student agency and basic psychological needs can be a direction for future research.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: future studies investigate long-term effects genai-enhanced learning environments
• Pre-Service EFL Primary Teachers Adopting GenAI-Powered Game-Based Instruction: A Practicum Intervention (2025) · Education Sciences · cited 3× · doi

  further studies can investigate the long-term effects of GenAI-powered instruction, - research can explore the effectiveness of GenAI-powered instruction in different educational settings, - studies can examine the impact of GenAI-powered instruction on other language skills, - research can investigate the role of teacher training and support in the effective implementation of GenAI-powered instruction

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: further studies investigate long-term effects genai-powered instruction research
• The impact of generative artificial intelligence on language teaching and learning (2026) · Quality & Quantity · doi

  The paper identifies the challenge of integrating GenAI in language education in a pedagogically grounded, ethically responsible, and learner-centered manner. It highlights the need for technical familiarity, pedagogical expertise, and content knowledge for effective integration of GenAI. The study also mentions the challenge of balancing the benefits of GenAI with the potential risks and limitations.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: paper identifies challenge integrating genai language education pedagogically

Questions about this gap