UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1088

Submission information
Submission Number: 1088
Submission ID: 20036
Submission UUID: 3f0b9b03-028b-41df-8912-8b14d22af709

Created: Tue, 08/05/2025 - 08:27 PM
Completed: Tue, 08/05/2025 - 08:27 PM
Changed: Mon, 08/25/2025 - 01:42 PM

Remote IP address: 68.84.16.20
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Yixin Qian
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns Yixin Qian
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific? Ms. Qian
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) yq23@fsu.edu
Position Title Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name Dr. Mostafa Papi
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email mpapi@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable) Education, Health, and Human Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Florida State University
Headshot (optional)
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above)
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable)
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Title of the Project AI-Mediated Learning: Exploring Language Learners’ Interaction with Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Language Development
Project Keywords AI, language learning, learner perception, self-directed learning, digital education
Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): Partially Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? 6-8 hours
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work? Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description With the rapid integration of generative AI tools into everyday learning, language learners are increasingly engaging with AI for various educational purposes. This project investigates how different types of interactions with general-purpose AI influence learners’ perceptions of their language mastery, their actual language learning practices, and their attitudes toward AI-supported versus traditional in-person instruction.

Drawing on an interaction typology—from information seeking and conversational practice to emotional support and editing—this study will categorize learners’ use of AI and explore the frequency and purposes behind these engagements. The research aims to uncover how learners assess their own language proficiency in relation to their AI use, how they perceive differences between self-directed AI-supported learning and classroom-based instruction, and what role AI plays in shaping their learning motivation, autonomy, and satisfaction.

This mixed-methods study will combine survey data, user interviews, and analysis of AI-based learning artifacts (e.g., prompts, outputs, revisions) to provide a comprehensive view of AI-assisted language learning. By capturing both quantitative patterns and qualitative insights, the project seeks to inform the design of more responsive AI-based learning environments and pedagogies that align with learners' real-world behaviors and needs.
Research Tasks 1. Conduct a literature review
Investigate existing studies on the use of AI in language learning and self-directed learning, synthesizing themes, gaps, and methodological trends.

2. Co‑develop a learner survey
Design a survey instrument to capture AI interaction types, usage frequency, and learner perceptions—with mentor guidance.

3. Conduct semi-structured interviews
Facilitate interviews with language learners, alongside the mentor, to explore their experiences using AI tools in learning contexts.

4. Analyze AI-generated artifacts
Examine learner–AI interactions (e.g. prompts submitted, AI revisions, dialogue transcripts) to identify usage patterns and learning impact.

5. Code and thematically analyze interview data
Collaborate with the mentor to perform qualitative coding of interview transcripts, identifying emergent themes and insights.

6. Participate in quantitative survey analysis
Work under the mentor’s direction to analyze survey data, employing descriptive statistics and basic inferential tests as appropriate.

7. Compile findings into research outputs
Contribute to writing the research paper and preparing presentation materials—distilling insights, structuring results, and polishing language.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis (Required)

Familiarity with SPSS, R, and other statistical or data visualization tools (Required)

Experience with survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Google Forms) (Recommended)

Strong academic writing, editing, and literature synthesis skills (Recommended)

Ability to transcribe and analyze interview data with attention to detail (Recommended)
Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring philosophy centers on nurturing curiosity, supporting personal growth, and encouraging a spirit of exploration. I believe that genuine interest is the most powerful driver of meaningful learning, and I strive to help mentees identify and deepen their passions within the research process.

I aim to create a safe, respectful, and intellectually open environment where mentees feel empowered to ask questions, take risks, and pursue ideas that excite them. I see my role not as a director, but as a guide—helping mentees clarify their goals, connect with resources, and build the skills they need to explore their interests with confidence and rigor.

I value mutual respect, open dialogue, and shared learning. I support mentees in taking ownership of their work while providing structured support and constructive feedback. I also encourage reflection, both on successes and failures, as an essential part of academic and personal development.

By modeling my own enthusiasm for inquiry and lifelong learning, I hope to inspire mentees to stay curious, resilient, and self-directed in their academic journey. I believe that when learners are genuinely engaged and encouraged to explore, they develop not only competence but also joy in the process of discovery.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://research.ebsco.com/c/oavkja/ebook-viewer/pdf/qd33ybxegr/section/lp_111-2?location=https%3A%2F%2Fresearch.ebsco.com%2Fc%2Foavkja%2Fsearch%2Fdetails%2Fqd33ybxegr%3Fdb%3De000xna
Please add any additional information here (if applicable): Please read Chapter 6: Blended Foreign Language Teaching from the book:
Danesi, M. (2024). AI in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching: Theory and Practice (First edition). Nova Science Publishers.

After reading, reflect on the following question:

What benefits and concerns regarding AI-assisted language learning are discussed in this chapter?

You can access the resource through the FSU Online Library, or directly via this link:
https://research.ebsco.com/c/oavkja/ebook-viewer/pdf/qd33ybxegr/section/lp_111-2?location=https%3A%2F%2Fresearch.ebsco.com%2Fc%2Foavkja%2Fsearch%2Fdetails%2Fqd33ybxegr%3Fdb%3De000xna
Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable? Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links
Roundtable Info
Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation Yes
Materials Grant Yes
UROP Poster Presentation Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation Yes
Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series? Yes
Year 2025
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