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Strengthening oral competence through computer assisted pronunciation training, a preliminary study

Abstract:

Oral skills development is a critical aspect when learning English since it is a complex process which involves much more than simply pronouncing isolated words. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of the software My English Tutor and the oral skill competence. This research was applied to 18 pupils from third semester and 11 pupils from fourth semester in the English Teacher Training Program at Technical University of Ambato. This preliminary study was carried out using both a control and experimental group design, pre-tests and post-tests were applied as well. Pupils from the experimental group took active part in the practice of MyET Software activities, and the employment of a t-test was used to proof the hypothesis. Furthermore, surveys were used to determine the degree of acceptance and usefulness of this software. The results revealed that the improvement in pronunciation was the same for both control and experimental groups. Additional testing should be done to validate the scores obtained by students with the use of this tool. Pupils showed a positive attitude about using this technological tool.