Ming-Fen Lo (Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan)
Abstract
In this study, we explored the efficacy of immersive reader (IR) and reading progress (RP) in enhancing English pronunciation and reading comprehension and reducing pronunciation anxiety among two intact classes of Taiwanese non-English majors. One was the control group (n=34) receiving traditional instruction, and the other was the experimental group (n=30) receiving IR-assisted instruction and completing eight read-aloud tasks via RP after class. We used pre- and posttests to measure students’ improvements in reading aloud, comprehension, motivation, and pronunciation anxiety. We employed a post-experiment questionnaire and interviews to probe students’ perceptions. The results indicated that IR/RP notably benefited reading aloud and comprehension abilities and reduced pronunciation anxiety. However, there were no significant differences in students’ motivation. Most participants acknowledged the advantages of IR/RP for pronunciation and reading despite some concerns over RP’s accuracy. Future studies may compare IR/RP and other computer-assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) to provide further insights.
Research Paper (In person; 25 minutes)
Technology / Online Learning / AI / CALL / MALL
Primarily of interest to teachers of university students
About the Presenter
Dr. Ming-Fen Lo is an assistant professor at the Center for Bilingual Education at Southern Taiwan University of Science & Technology (STUST). She received her PhD in educational and applied linguistics from Newcastle University in 2017. Dr. Lo’s primary research interests include conversation analysis, bilingual education, and technology-enhanced language learning and teaching.
