Culturally Infused AI Storytelling to Enhance German Speaking Proficiency: Evidence from a Mixed-Methods Study in Indonesian Higher Education

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of Culturally Infused AI Storytelling in enhancing the German language competency of university students in Indonesia. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study involved 68 undergraduate students learning German as a foreign language. There were thirty-four students in the experimental group and another thirty-four in the control group. Students in the experimental group were taught through Culturally Infused AI storytelling, whilst the control group received instruction via conventional methods. The post-test analysis from the ninth session showed that the experimental group was better at speaking than the control group. An independent samples t-test supported this conclusion, revealing a statistically significant difference between the groups and a large effect size. Qualitative data collected via semi-structured interviews with participants from the experimental group supported the quantitative findings. Students said that they found it easier to express themselves verbally since they were familiar with the cultural narratives. They were more engaged in discussions, and AI technologies helped them improve their pronunciation and presentation quality because the technology gave them quick feedback and helped them be more creative. These results indicate that Culturally Infused AI Storytelling is an effective teaching method for enhancing student’s German speaking proficiency.