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Yukie Saito, Chuo University, JapanAbstract
This study examined whether speaking practice with AI-driven avatars in a virtual reality (VR) environment was associated with changes in foreign language anxiety (FLA) among Japanese university students preparing for a short-term study abroad program. Using a quantitative pre-experimental pre-test/post-test design, 10 of 12 participants provided complete matched questionnaire data. During one month prior to departure, students completed structured, self-directed speaking practice in Immerse VR by interacting with AI avatars. FLA was assessed before and after the intervention using a 24-item measure adapted from the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz et al., 1986) rated on a 5-point Likert scale (higher scores indicating greater anxiety). Mean FLA decreased from pre-test (M = 3.304, SD = 0.594) to post-test (M = 2.471, SD = 0.880), corresponding to a mean difference of 0.833 points. The pre–post change was statistically significant (p = .001) and the estimated effect size was large (Cohen’s d = 1.518, direction indicating lower post-test anxiety). Internal consistency was high at both time points (α = .922 pre; α = .967 post). Exploratory analyses did not show a clear association between time spent in Immerse VR and anxiety change. Because there was no control group and the sample was small, it is difficult to determine whether the observed effects were truly caused by the intervention, and the findings cannot generalize widely. Future studies with larger, controlled designs could clarify whether AI-mediated VR speaking practice helps reduce anxiety before a study abroad program.
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Conference: IICE2026Stream: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics (including ESL/TESL/TEFL)
This paper is part of the IICE2026 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Saito Y. (2026) The Impact of AI-Driven Speaking Practice in VR on Foreign Language Anxiety Among Japanese EFL Learners ISSN: 2189-1036 – The IAFOR International Conference on Education – Hawaii 2026 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 319-329) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-1036.2026.30
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-1036.2026.30
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