ZT: An Adaptive Learning Tool for Chinese L2 Learners

Abstract

Chinese language has the reputation of being difficult to learn because it has thousands of characters to memorize, four different tones, so a word can be pronounced four different ways with each pronunciation has a different meaning. On top of that, there are the homophones where words with the same pronunciations have different meanings. These difficulties do not stop thousands of hopefulChinese as second language learners (L2 learners) from trying. In this paper, ZT - an adaptive learning tool that is designed specifically to help Chinese L2 learners is proposed. ZT'S simple algorithm is based on the Leitner system and spaced repetition. The goal is to create a system that takes learner to gradually master new words and phrases along with its use in the sentence by daily practice and keep track of the progress. In an initial test using the System Usability Scale (SUS), ZT obtained a score of 76 which means it has a good usability, further tests are still needed to check on its effectiveness and robustness.