The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into English as a foreign language (EFL) writing has primarily focused on revision stages, with limited attention to prewriting. This study introduces GenAI-assisted collaborative prewriting (GACP)—a novel approach combining GenAI support with peer collaboration—and compares it to GenAI-assisted individual prewriting (GAIP). Focusing on the prewriting stage, the research examines differences in (1) human-GenAI interactive behaviors, (2) outline quality, and (3) task motivation among university EFL learners. Employing a within-subjects counterbalanced design, 69 second-year Business English students completed outline tasks for routine claim letters under both conditions using Wenxin Yiyan. Data comprised chat histories between students and GenAI, writing outlines, and post-task questionnaires. Thematic analysis of prompts showed brainstorming dominated both modes, yet collaborative mode produced fewer total prompts, zero instances of ghostwriting, fewer revision requests, and proportionally higher focus on specifying details. Paired-samples t-tests revealed significantly stronger content quality in collaborative outlines, with non-significant gains in organization and language. Among task motivation dimensions, only result assessment was significantly higher in GACP; enjoyment, effort, relevance, and overall motivation showed no significant differences. Findings indicate that GACP fosters more efficient and purposeful GenAI engagement, richer content development through peer–GenAI synergy, reduced over-reliance, and greater outcome satisfaction. The approach offers a balanced pedagogical framework for integrating GenAI into EFL prewriting while preserving critical collaboration and learner agency.

Authors:
Kai Guo, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Jun Wang, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, China

About the Presenter(s)
Kai Guo is an RGC Junior Research Fellow and a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kai-Guo-4

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