The Role of Mobile Language Learning Apps in Improving Pronunciation for Ecuadorian High School Students

Abstract

Abstract: This study evaluated a mobile application called ELSA Speak to see how successful it was at improving English pronunciation in Ecuadorian high school students. The research employed mixed-method approach. On the one hand, a quantitative section based on statistical data (which were obtained from a pretest-posttest of 32 students), and, on the other hand, a quantitative section based on surveys and interviews were used to analyze user feedback, feelings about pronunciation improvement, among others. The results showed general improvement, in particular, students have achieved prominent progress in their fluency and confidence. This indicates that real-time feedback and gamified features have played a role in increasing learner engagement and autonomy. The students gave favorable assessments of the app s user-orientation and effectiveness. The results showed that assisted pronunciation training with a smartphone can complement traditional instruction, particularly in large classes where students have few chances to speak. The results obtained in this study prove that the ELSA Speak app assists Ecuadorian school students in improving their English pronunciation.