Applying TTS Technology to Foreign Language Teaching

Author(s):  
Junichi Azuma

This chapter describes how the synthesized English speech sound generated by a commercial TTS engine (Pentax “VoiceText”) is utilized within a CALL room environment as well as within the Moodle-based e-Learning environment for an EFL class in an average-level Japanese private university. It also argues that a TTS synthesized speech material will open a completely new horizon in foreign language teaching, implementing a ubiquitous multimedia learning environment at a significantly low cost.

Author(s):  
Olha Datskiv ◽  
Sofia Datskiv

An integral part of the formation of the New Ukrainian School is an inclusive component, which forms a new philosophy of society based on the understanding of diversity and equality for all. Involvement in education and constant support of children with special educational needs should take place at all stages of receiving complete secondary education, especially in primary school. The paper discusses the features of inclusive foreign language teaching in primary school. Based on the research analysis, pedagogical observation of the educational process in English lessons in inclusive classes, the conclusion is made that it is important for primary school English teachers to use clear and comprehensive instructions before doing exercises and tasks, introduce and maintain the learning routine (greeting, a permanent place for writing homework, questions at the beginning and at the end of the lesson, etc.), change the types of tasks frequently, adapt previously used exercises to the new learning conditions, use scaffolding strategies. The article presents a set of exercises and tasks to use in English lessons when studying the topic “My home” in an inclusive 3rd grade of a general secondary education institution, as well as checklists for self-and peer evaluation of the inclusiveness of the learning environment for English teachers. The exercises and tasks of the set were tested in the 3rd-B grade of Ternopil schools No. 16 and No. 7. The final assessment of the educational achievements of students in English in the second semester of the 2020 / 2021 academic year confirmed the effectiveness and appropriateness of using these exercises and tasks in the English lessons. Checklists for self-and peer evaluation of the inclusiveness of the learning environment were tested and approved by English teachers and recommended for use in the educational process by foreign languages teaching methodology groups.


Author(s):  
Asep Budiman

ABSTRACT This paper aims at exploring in details about one of the left language learning theoriesnamely Behaviorism. Behaviorism, as how it is today, is gradually left behind since there are many new theories of language learning. Regarding this issue, it is very important to ensure that actually Behaviorism is still useful in certain teaching and learning activities in the classroom. This review investigates behaviorism methodology having advantages in learning a language in the classroom. This review also observes the critics of behaviorism and its weaknesses in a learning environment. This inquiry concentrates on the view point of B.F. Skinner, one of the most outspoken behaviorism psychologist and his experimentations about animals. The notion of antimentalism of behaviorism also discussed in the process. Keywords: Behaviorism Theory, Foreign Language, Teaching Methodology


Author(s):  
Наталья Александровна Глушко ◽  
Екатерина Алексеевна Карцева

Введение. Анализируется опыт внедрения дистанционных технологий на занятиях по английскому языку в вузе в условиях вынужденного перехода на удаленный формат работы. Цель – обобщение результатов анкетирования, направленного на выявление отношения студенческого и преподавательского сообществ к переводу образовательного процесса в электронный формат. Материал и методы. Материалом исследования послужили результаты анкетирования, проведенного в первые недели дистанционного обучения английскому языку и по окончании весеннего семестра 2019/20 учебного года. Для решения поставленных задач применялись следующие методы: анализ учебно-методической литературы по вопросам внедрения технологий в образовательный процесс по иностранному языку, анкетирование профессорско-преподавательского состава и студенческого контингента. Результаты и обсуждение. Впервые собраны и обобщены данные опроса об опыте использования электронной среды взамен аудиторной работы при проведении занятий по английскому языку в вузе. Рассматриваются достоинства и недостатки дистанционного обучения иностранным языкам в вузе; выявляется степень удовлетворенности участников образовательного процесса качеством преподавания иностранного языка в новом формате; описываются аспекты и особенности обучения английскому языку в онлайн-среде. Установлено, что основные сложности, с которыми столкнулись преподаватели и студенты на онлайн-занятиях, сопряжены с отсутствием живого общения, при котором задействованы как вербальные, так и невербальные каналы получения информации. В качестве несомненного преимущества удаленного способа работы перед аудиторным выступает организационно-бытовой аспект проведения занятий, что проявляется, прежде всего, в экономии временных затрат. Заключение. Проведение занятий по английскому языку в удаленном формате видится как высококачественная альтернатива традиционным занятиям в тех случаях, когда невозможна организация очной формы обучения в силу различных обстоятельств (пандемия, погодные условия и т. д.). Это обусловлено практической направленностью дисциплины «иностранный язык», при которой особую значимость приобретает живое общение, коммуникация «лицом к лицу». Introduction. The article provides the survey of distance technologies implementation experience in response to forced transition to e-learning environment at the university classes of the English language. The objective of the work is to consolidate and summarize the findings of the questionnaire aimed at identifying students and teachers’ attitude towards the educational process transition to electronic format. Material and methods. Research statistics was taken from the questionnaire conducted in the first couple of weeks of online English classes and at the end of 2019–2020 academic year spring term. In order to solve the task the authors applied the following methods: the analysis of methodological literature on technologies introduction into educational process at English language classes, questionnaire given to university students and teachers. Results and discussion. The paper combines and generalizes the replies to the questionnaire about the very first experience of using e-learning environment fully instead of in-class activities for the English language classes at the university. Advantages and drawbacks of a distance education are mentioned as well as the level of educational process participants’ satisfaction with the language teaching quality within a new format. There are also some special aspects of teaching English online shown. It was defined that during these classes students and teachers had faced the major challenge – the lack of a real-life communication with verbal and nonverbal channels of information exchange. One of the undeniable benefits of a distance education when compared to classroom sessions is organizational aspect, especially time saving. Conclusion. Remote format of the English language classes is considered as a high quality alternative to in-class learning in situations when classroom settings are impossible to be organized due to different circumstances (pandemics, weather conditions, etc.). Practical focus of a “Foreign language” as a subject determines the significance of a real-life face-to-face communication during the classes.


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