The use of neural networks in teaching academic writing skills in English to non-linguistic graduate students (case study of the LexiBot platform)

The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve foreign language academic writing skills in professional communication among non-linguistic graduate students (using English as an example). The article describes a pedagogical model for applying the LexiBot neural network to develop academic writing skills, including critical thinking, logical coherence, structured expression of ideas, and argumentation. The work also focuses on enhancing skills related to fulfilling communicative tasks, using a formal writing style, and applying vocabulary, grammatical, and syntactic structures appropriate to the required register. The scientific novelty lies in detailing the didactic potential of the LexiBot neural network tools for developing academic writing skills within the framework of the Foreign Language in Professional Communication course for non-linguistic graduate students. The results substantiate the effectiveness of AI technologies in expanding students’ vocabulary, activating syntactic and grammatical structures typical of academic writing, and refining the structural and substantive components of the text. A survey conducted among graduate students indicated that the LexiBot neural network can be effectively integrated as a component of independent study to achieve these goals. However, the author argues that the potential of neural networks should not be used for idea generation in essays and other written assignments, as this may lead to a decline in critical thinking, creativity, and autonomy in task performance.