Enhancing Students' Learning Experience Through Personalized Assessments in Foreign Language Education Using AI Tools

About this project

This project aims to enhance students’ learning experiences in foreign language education by integrating AI-driven personalised assessments into classroom practices. Traditional standardised assessments often fail to address the diverse learning needs, preferences, and progression of students. In contrast, personalised assessments powered by AI have the potential to revolutionise language learning by tailoring evaluation methods to individual student profiles.

The study will explore the effectiveness of AI-based tools, such as adaptive quizzes, automated writing feedback systems, and speaking proficiency analysers, in improving language proficiency and engagement. It will evaluate students’ perceptions and experiences of personalised assessments compared to traditional methods and identify the challenges educators and institutions face when implementing AI-based solutions.

Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research will analyse pre- and post-assessment scores, conduct surveys and focus groups, and leverage usage analytics from AI tools. These methods aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact and feasibility of personalised assessments in foreign language classrooms.

What you’ll do

This project anticipates several key outcomes that will contribute to the advancement of foreign language education through the use of AI-driven personalised assessments. These include:

1. Improved Learning Outcomes. Students using AI-based personalised assessments are expected to demonstrate greater improvements in language proficiency and engagement compared to those using traditional evaluation methods.

2. Enhanced Student Experiences. Personalised assessments will provide tailored feedback and evaluation that align with individual learning needs, promoting higher student satisfaction and motivation.

3. Actionable Insights for Educators. The research will generate practical recommendations for educators and institutions on best practices for integrating AI tools, addressing challenges, and optimizing their use in classrooms.

The project will produce several tangible outputs, including:

- Research publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

- Workshops for educators to share findings and demonstrate AI-based tools.

- Guidelines for integrating AI-driven assessments into foreign language education, supported by case studies and usage analytics.

The project will engage with key stakeholders, including educators, students, and institutional leaders, through surveys, focus groups, and workshops. Collaboration with AI developers will ensure the tools used in the study meet the needs of language learners. Dissemination activities, such as conference presentations and community discussions, will broaden the reach and impact of the findings.

This research will modernise assessment practices in foreign language education, providing a replicable model that can be extended to other educational contexts. It will support institutions in adopting innovative and inclusive teaching methods. Additionally, the project will contribute to the global discourse on personalised learning, enhancing the role of AI in creating equitable educational environments.

Where you’ll be based

This PhD project, situated within C3L's research on human-AI collaboration, seeks to address the ethical dimensions of AI in education by aligning with regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between ethical considerations and technological advancements in EdTech sector. By dissecting and leveraging insights from the EU AI Act and other regulatory efforts worldwide, the project intends to underscore the importance of privacy, fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI applications within the educational sector.

The research will involve a thorough analysis of current AI practices and regulatory landscapes, with a focus on enhancing the governance of AI technologies to foster ethical innovation. By advocating for a balance between innovation and ethical considerations, the research aspires to drive the development of AI systems that are both technologically advanced and ethically grounded, ultimately benefiting the broader educational landscape.

Associate Professor Srecko Joksimovic brings his expertise in learning sciences, AI in education and learning analytics, offering a wealth of knowledge that will significantly enhance the research's foundation in cutting-edge educational methodologies. His proficiency in these areas is expected to provide invaluable insights into the development of adaptive learning systems and data-driven strategies to personalise the educational experience. His track record includes three successful PhD completions, and he is currently mentoring five doctoral candidates, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field through rigorous scholarship and mentorship.

Prof Shane Dawson will also engage as a co-supervisor. In this role, his leadership at the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L) will provide opportunities to connect with aligned academic research and generate practical outcomes in education. Prof. Dawson’s extensive expertise in learning analytics, personalised feedback systems, and AI in education will provide invaluable guidance, ensuring the project integrates data-driven insights with ethical and scalable solutions. Prof. Dawson’s ability to translate theoretical advancements into real-world impact will ensure that the project is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned to the needs of educators and students. Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. A fee offset for the standard term of the program is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders.  Additionally, any Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant who holds an offer of admission without a living allowance will be eligible for the Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship. This scholarship is to the value of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). Any Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship recipient will also receive a fee waiver. Where an international applicant holds an external scholarship or sponsorship a full or partial fee waiver may apply in some circumstances for exceptional applicants.  Other international applicants will be required to pay full tuition fees of approximately $34,400 per annum (2025 rates).  

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from both Domestic and International applicants. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 
All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.
The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West in the heart of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Friday 14 February 2025.