ERIC Number: EJ868632
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Oct
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1094-3501
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Readings on ESL Learners' Use of Pausing, Stress, Intonation, and Overall Comprehensibility
Tanner, Mark W.; Landon, Melissa M.
Language Learning & Technology, v13 n3 p51-65 Oct 2009
With research showing the benefits of pronunciation instruction aimed at suprasegmentals (Derwing, Munro, & Wiebe, 1997, 1998; Derwing & Rossiter, 2003; Hahn, 2004; McNerney and Mendelsohn, 1992), more materials are needed to provide learners opportunities for self-directed practice. A 13-week experimental study was performed with 75 ESL learners divided into control and treatment groups. The treatment group was exposed to 11 weeks of self-directed computer-assisted practice using Cued Pronunciation Readings (CPRs). In the quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, speech perception and production samples were collected at Time 1 (week one of the study) and Time 2 (week 13). Researchers analyzed the treatment's effect on the learners' perception and production of key suprasegmental features (pausing, word stress, and sentence-final intonation), and the learners' level of perceived comprehensibility. Results from the statistical tests revealed that the treatment had a significant effect on learners' perception of pausing and word stress and controlled production of stress, even with limited time spent practicing CPRs in a self-directed environment. (Contains 4 tables.)
Descriptors: Intonation, Auditory Perception, Pronunciation Instruction, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Suprasegmentals, Control Groups, Computer Assisted Instruction, Cues, Phonology, Statistical Analysis, Teaching Methods, Second Language Instruction, Instructional Effectiveness
University of Hawaii National Foreign Language Resource Center. 1859 East-West Road #106, Honolulu, HI 96822. Tel: 808-956-9424; Fax: 808-956-5983; e-mail: llt@hawaii.edu; Web site: http://llt.msu.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A