Artificial Intelligence Integration in English Reading Pedagogy: A Systematic Review (2019-2024)

In the education sector, numerous research studies have testified the effectiveness of using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance English language skills. Still, there are very few review studies that specifically focus on the role of AI in teaching and learning English reading skills. Therefore, this review attempts to fill this gap and conducts a systematic review of the articles published between 2019 and 2024 on the use of AI in English reading (AIER). This study identifies the integration and efficacy of AI applications in reading pedagogy; and presents direction for future exploration. The researchers followed article selection, article screening inclusion and data coding analysis steps according to the PRISMA approach for the review process. The analysis indicates that a variety of AI-supported tools and platforms are used by both educators and students to support reading instruction. These tools and platforms are mostly used to create adaptive reading assignments, offer tailored feedback, and enhance access to educational materials. Instead of taking the place of instructional decision-making in English reading pedagogy, these tools are frequently employed to promote learner autonomy and engagement. Moreover, this review also presents the issues that should be addressed to obtain the utmost result of using AI in this field. Hence, the review analysis suggests that AI, being used effectively in teaching English reading skills across the globe, has transformational prospects for institutions and educators of ESL or EFL countries to utilize the scope of employing the AI teaching tactics in improving English reading pedagogy.