Empowering ELSA Speak: AI-Powered Pronunciation Mastery for EFL Learners

These flashcards cover core concepts, findings, benefits, challenges, and research details about using the AI-powered ELSA Speak application to enhance EFL learners’ speaking and pronunciation skills.

What primary communication skills are EFL learners often challenged by, according to the lecture?

Speaking and pronunciation.

Which AI-powered mobile application is the focus of the study for improving EFL speaking and pronunciation?

ELSA Speak.

Who founded ELSA Speak and in what year?

Xavier Anguera in 2015.

Roughly how many downloads has ELSA Speak achieved worldwide?

More than 40 million downloads.

What two main types of pronunciation does ELSA Speak help improve?

Segmental (individual sounds) and suprasegmental (intonation, stress, rhythm).

What average percentage range of pronunciation improvement do studies report for ELSA Speak users?

Approximately 15–27 % improvement on post-test scores compared with traditional instruction.

Name two common barriers EFL students face that ELSA Speak aims to overcome.

Limited exposure to authentic English and speaking anxiety (also acceptable: persistent pronunciation difficulties).

Which technological feature enables ELSA Speak to provide instant corrections to learners?

Advanced speech-recognition technology with real-time, adaptive feedback.

List two motivational benefits reported by ELSA Speak users.

Increased motivation and greater confidence to communicate.

How does ELSA Speak’s interface make learning more engaging?

Through gamified activities and an intuitive, user-friendly design.

What research approach did the study adopt to examine ELSA Speak’s impact?

A qualitative literature review.

Between which years were the peer-reviewed sources for the literature review published?

Between 2015 and 2024.

Which two databases were primarily used to collect literature for the review?

Google Scholar and Connected Papers.

Give one inclusion criterion used for selecting studies in the literature review.

Articles published from 2015-2024, focusing on EFL learners, peer-reviewed research on ELSA Speak or similar AI tools, etc.

What is a key accessibility advantage of ELSA Speak for learners?

It allows flexible, independent practice anytime and anywhere on mobile devices.

Identify one significant challenge that may limit the broader adoption of ELSA Speak.

The need for sufficient digital literacy and access to compatible devices/technology.

How does ELSA Speak help reduce learners’ speaking anxiety?

By providing a safe, judgment-free environment with immediate AI feedback instead of peer or teacher criticism.

Which learner habit is strengthened by ELSA Speak’s progress-tracking and feedback system?

Autonomous and sustained learning habits.

What gap in current research about ELSA Speak does the lecture highlight?

A lack of long-term studies on its pedagogical impact across diverse contexts.

State one recommendation for future research mentioned in the lecture.

Investigate long-term effects of AI tools, explore localization/cultural adaptation, or integrate ELSA Speak with broader pedagogical frameworks.

Why is technology competence considered crucial for today’s students, according to the lecture?

Because modern workplaces demand technological adeptness alongside English proficiency.

Which pronunciation features (name two) does ELSA Speak specifically target for feedback?

Consonants, vowels, intonation, or stress.