EFFECTIVENESS OF USING PRONUNCIATION SOFTWARE IN TEACHING PRONUNCIATION FOR EFL LEARNERS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The use of technology in language teaching has been a topic of special interest for researchers all over the globe for many years. This research investigates the effectiveness of integrating a commercial software named Pronunciation Power in teaching pronunciation for EFL learners. Adopting a true-experimental research approach, this study involved the participation of53 university students, making up two groups. Both groups experienced a six-week pronunciation training course with the same content, but one group were trained using pronunciation software while the other group received instruction in the traditional method. Pretest and posttest were employed to investigate the progress of each group after training. The result was that both groups’ pronunciation ability improved significantly after six weeks, and the group that studied with Pronunciation Power made remarkably better progress than the other group. The post-course interview showed students’ positive evaluation of computer assisted pronunciation training and their wish to integrate computer software in traditional training class.