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In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education has significantly reshaped instructional methodologies, offering novel tools that support personalized and adaptive learning experiences. AI-enhanced educational technology, particularly in blended learning environments, presents unique opportunities for learners to receive real-time feedback, improve motivation, and increase engagement, especially in complex tasks such as writing (Radif & Hameed, 2024). While prior studies on AI in language learning have predominantly focused on general proficiency and comprehension skills, the role of AI in enhancing specific psychological factors, such as writing self-efficacy and resilience, remains under explored (Seo et al., 2021). This gap is particularly relevant for lower intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, who face unique challenges in writing that can benefit from AI’s potential to foster not only skill improvement but also psychological growth.
Writing, as a cognitively demanding skill, often challenges lower intermediate EFL learners who grapple with both technical aspects and self-perceptions related to their competence. Studies on writing motivation underscore that self-efficacy—students’ belief in their ability to succeed in writing tasks—plays a critical role in shaping their engagement and persistence in writing activities (Ling et al., 2021). For EFL learners at the lower intermediate level, writing self-efficacy can influence not only task performance but also the resilience needed to persevere through linguistic challenges, anxiety, and potential setbacks (Philippakos et al., 2021). These psychological factors align with findings in positive psychology, suggesting that resilience—learners’ ability to maintain and recover motivation in adverse learning conditions—is essential for sustained progress in language acquisition (Yang & Wang, 2022).
Blended learning frameworks that incorporate AI present new avenues for developing writing skills and fostering resilience. AI-enhanced tools, such as intelligent tutoring systems, provide personalized, immediate feedback that allows learners to practice at their own pace, adjust their learning strategies, and improve their writing with guided support. This AI-driven personalization can facilitate self-regulation, reducing anxiety and promoting a growth mindset in writing (Sanders & Mukhari, 2024). However, the specific effects of AI on writing self-efficacy and learning resilience remain under explored, particularly for EFL learners at lower proficiency levels, who may experience unique psychological and linguistic challenges (Zhai et al., 2024).
This study seeks to address this gap by investigating how AI-assisted learning within a blended environment influences writing self-efficacy and resilience among lower intermediate EFL learners. Through analyzing these impacts, the findings can contribute insights into the potential of AI to enhance both cognitive and affective outcomes in language learning. By developing evidence-based strategies, this research aims to support curriculum designers and educators in integrating AI tools that not only improve writing skills but also build the resilience and confidence necessary for long-term language acquisition.