AI-Supported Writing Skill Development for First-Year English Majors at A Beginning Proficiency Level: A Case Study at A University in Hanoi

The research aims at enhancing the academic writing abilities of first-year English majors with limited proficiency at Dai Nam University by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into the instructional process. Considering that many students struggle with grammar, expression, and structuring ideas, the research will attempt to determine the efficiency of AI-based tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT in offering immediate feedback and assisting with writing. The research was conducted in the form of a mixed-method study, where 129 students were surveyed during 15 weeks, and questionnaires and the PLS-SEM model were used to analyze the data. The findings show that there is a strong positive effect of AI on the improvement of writing skills when students are positive in their attitude, regular exposure to technology, and feel confident about their writing skills. The research can be used to advance the use of AI in higher education in Vietnam and provide pedagogical advice on how to enhance writing instruction in the digital environment.