ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Psychol.
Sec. Cognition
The Efficacy of AI Conversational Scaffolding in Individual Acquisition Efficiency of EFL in Tertiary Educational Context
Provisionally accepted
- Hanlin College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, China
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Abstract This study examines the cognitive mechanisms and educational efficacy of AI-conversational scaffolding in EFL(English as a Foreign Language)acquisition within English language acquisition of tertiary education . Integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), a cross-disciplinary framework explores multidimensional pathways affecting acquisition efficiency of EFL, focusing on individual's English language learning efficiency (LEF) of university students, emphasizing the mediating role of Cognitive Processing Depth (CPD) and moderating effects of Cognitive Ability (COA). Quantitative data from university students using AI-assisted conversational tools (AICT) of AI conversational scaffolding were analyzed via structural equation modeling (SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA). Results indicate perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEoU) directly predict LEF, while AI interaction frequency (AIC) exerts indirect effects through CPD. Cognitive ability strengthens the relationship between AICT use and CPD, supporting Self-Regulated Learning theory. NCA identifies critical thresholds of AIC and PeoU for achieving effective learning outcomes, offering actionable insights for real-time educational interventions. The findings emphasize the necessity of cognitive adaptation strategies, platform diversification, and learner-centric AICT design. While limited by sample homogeneity and cross-sectional data, this study underscores the value of longitudinal approaches and broader socio-cognitive investigations in future research. Collectively, Such findings based on empirical evidence, advance the optimizing of AI-enhanced, cognitively attuned language learning systems .
Keywords: AI-conversational scaffolding, English Language acquisition of tertiary education, acquisition efficiency of EFL(English as a Foreign Language), cognitive processingdepth, cognitive ability, Structural equation modeling(SEM), necessary conditionanalysis(NCA)
Received: 17 Apr 2025; Accepted: 24 Oct 2025.
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* Correspondence: YONGGANG SUN, thomas2604@163.com
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