How is generative AI changing the ways we assess language ability—and what do these changes mean for learners?

Join us for the inaugural webinar in the TIRF DDG Fellows Research Spotlight series, a new initiative highlighting timely research conducted by recipients of TIRF’s Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDGs). The session will be hosted on Tuesday, January 12, 2027 from 9-10am ET via Zoom.

This session features 2025 DDG awardees Inyoung Na of Iowa State University and Chia-Hsin Yin of National Cheng Kung University. Their research examines two emerging applications of generative AI in language assessment.

In her presentation, Generative AI as an Interlocutor: Rethinking Interactive Speaking Assessment, Na will introduce an AI-powered spoken dialogue system designed to assess second-language learners’ interactional competence. Drawing on its development for a university English placement test, she will explore how AI can serve as a responsive speaking partner while providing more standardized assessment conditions. She will also consider learners’ performance and perceptions of AI-mediated speaking assessment.

Yin’s presentation, Beyond the Score: Teacher and AI Assessment of Adolescent EFL Writing, will examine how generative AI and human teachers evaluate student writing. Drawing on research involving 139 Taiwanese high school students, she will highlight differences in AI and teacher assessments of grammar, vocabulary, content, and organization, as well as students’ experiences with AI-generated scores and feedback. Her findings underscore the importance of teacher judgment and responsible teacher-AI collaboration.

Together, these studies offer valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into language assessment, with important implications for learners, educators, and researchers. The webinar will include presentations from both researchers, followed by discussion and Q&A.

Click here to register for the free event. A recording will be made available to all registrants shortly after the webinar concludes and will be highlighted via TIRF communications. The featured research in this webinar was supported through TIRF-Duolingo Doctoral Dissertation Grants. Click here to learn more about TIRF’s DDG program.