ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): REDEFINING THE SKILLS OF TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE IN ALVAN IKOKU FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed educational practices worldwide, reshaping the traditional skills required for the effective teaching and learning of English Language and Literature. This paper examines how AI technologies, such as intelligent tutoring systems, chatbots, natural language processing tools, and automated assessment platforms, are redefining teaching competencies and instructional approaches in English education. The study adopts the Communicative Competence Theory propounded by Dell Hymes in 1972. According to Hymes, "Knowing a language involves not only knowing its grammatical rules but also understanding how, when, and where to use those rules appropriately in real communication." The study investigates the challenges associated with the effective use of AI, based on four research questions. The sample consisted of 138 final-year students and teachers from Alvan. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, while simple percentages and mean ratings were employed for data analysis. A mean score of 2.50 and above was considered a positive response. Three tables containing the responses of students and teachers were analyzed for the study. The findings reveal that teachers and students are transitioning from being mere transmitters and recipients of knowledge to active participants in interactive, learner-centered experiences supported by AI. The study further highlights that AI enhances language instruction through personalized feedback, adaptive learning, and improved engagement with literary texts. Nevertheless, it emphasizes the need for teachers to develop digital literacy, critical thinking skills, and ethical awareness to integrate AI effectively into the teaching process.The paper concludes that AI is not a replacement for teachers but a transformative tool that enhances instructional effectiveness, fosters creativity, and enriches both the teaching and learning of English Language and Literature in the twenty-first-century classroom.