Brainstorming language learning topics with Chat GPT (video)

This video begins at the end – showing you the final result of asking a series of iterative prompting questions from basically getting started, to study ideas, to study goals, to writing in a foreign language. Join me on a 10 minute journey to see how I just brainstormed ideas for my own language learning study.

Full transcript
Today, I’d like to share a conversation I had with ChatGPT about creating language learning journals. The initial prompt centered around the challenge of writing in a language you’re still learning. I explored various approaches, starting with the idea of starting simple and gradually introducing more complex sentence structures as you progress. The suggestion was to expand your vocabulary, use different resources, and periodically revisit your writing to check for grammar.

I then delved into a multi-pass operation, where I considered the concept of jotting down everything in a brainstorming session, then returning later to refine and check for grammar. I began by asking ChatGPT to explain how one could spend time learning a new language, which led to some standard advice like setting clear goals, selecting resources, and immersing oneself. Seeking a more organized approach, I requested the creation of a table, enabling me to add, remove, and target specific rows or columns. This resulted in a table featuring language learning goals and corresponding supporting research.

Attempting a different technique known as ELI5 (explain it like I’m five), I aimed to simplify the advice. However, it didn’t yield the desired results, prompting me to backtrack and reintroduce the research column. I explored the idea of setting conversational proficiency goals and received valuable advice, such as engaging in language exchanges, joining meetups, and using language exchange apps.

To further organize this information, I converted it into a table and inquired about CEFR levels (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This led to a discussion about language proficiency levels and their descriptions, helping me understand the expected difficulty levels for conversational proficiency.

Taking it a step further, I requested a column on practice activities for each language goal. This resulted in a list of activities, including language exchanges, meetups, and language exchange apps, providing clear steps to support language learning goals.

Transitioning to the concept of keeping a language journal, I asked ChatGPT for tips on writing in a foreign language. The advice included starting simple, gradually increasing complexity, and revisiting and checking the writing for improvement.

Finally, I summarized the conversation, emphasizing the importance of starting simple, gradually adding complexity, and periodically revisiting and checking one’s writing. I acknowledged the potential risk of spending too much time on planning rather than language learning but highlighted the utility of such tools for exploration and brainstorming.