Abstract
Memorising vocabulary is an important aspect of formal foreign language learning. Advances in cognitive psychology have led to the development of adaptive learning systems that make vocabulary learning more efficient. These computer-based systems measure learning performance in real time to create optimal study strategies for individual learners. While such adaptive learning systems have been successfully applied to written word learning, they have thus far seen little application in spoken word learning. Here we present a system for adaptive, speech-based word learning. We show that it is possible to improve the efficiency of speech-based learning systems by applying a modified adaptive model that was originally developed for typing-based word learning. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the memory processes involved in speech-based word learning. Furthermore, our work provides a basis for the development of language learning applications that use real-time pronunciation assessment software to score the accuracy of the learner’s pronunciations. Speech-based learning applications are educationally relevant because they focus on what may be the most important aspect of language learning: to practice speech.
Highlights
Storing word representations in the mental lexicon is one of the most important aspects of learning a new language
Advances in cognitive psychology have led to the development of adaptive learning systems that aim to improve the process of word learning by determining optimal learning strategies for individual learners in real time
Learners typically responded faster and studied more words when typing rather than speaking, but at the cost of slightly lower accuracy. Notwithstanding these differences between the two types of learning, the results show that overall accuracy was similar for typed and spoken responses
Summary
Storing word representations in the mental lexicon is one of the most important aspects of learning a new language. Advances in cognitive psychology have led to the development of adaptive learning systems that aim to improve the process of word learning by determining optimal learning strategies for individual learners in real time These digital systems typically focus on teaching orthography (i.e., the letters that spell the word) and require the learner to respond by typing or selecting the correct words (e.g., [14],[22],[30],[33]). Several variables, such as accuracy and reaction times, are measured during the learning process and are used to determine optimal repetition schedules for individual learners. Using such adaptive learning systems results in higher learning efficiency than learning with traditional, non-adaptive methods, which translates into better retention at the end of the study sessions [30]
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