Web-assisted instruction for teaching and learning EFL phonetics to Spanish learners: Effectiveness, perceptions and challenges

Abstract

Research has established that phonetic training is particularly challenging for learners in EFL contexts. Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT) resources have proved to enhance learners’ perceptual and productive phonetic capacities. No prior study, however, has evaluated the effectiveness of EPSSML (English Pronunciation for Speakers of Spanish Multimedia Lab) (https://www.usc.gal/multimlab/), a CAPT tool for web-assisted, blended instruction (WABI), while simultaneously examining the students’ and instructors’ perceptions in order to identify the emerging and existing needs. Statistical significance tests applied to course results from 504 Spanish university students supported the effectiveness of EPSSML, which was reported to increase students’ academic achievements and learning motivation, fostering course participation and empowering learners with the necessary capabilities and attitudes to decide not to drop the class. Additionally, questionnaires administered to 127 Post-WABI students showed that they enjoyed and were very interested in EPSSML and WABI. In the case of EFL university instructors, 128 responses revealed that most of them also rated the tool very highly, featuring specialized open web-sites with free downloadable materials and gamified learning pathways as the “ideal CAPT resources”.