Mobile-assisted Pronunciation Training for Children

This session presents a child-centered, technology-enhanced approach to L2 pronunciation instruction grounded in the presenter’s doctoral dissertation. The presentation focuses on how mobile-assisted High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) and automatic speech recognition (ASR)-based articulation practice can support elementary-level EFL learners’ L2 perception, L2 production, and L2 phonological working memory. Drawing on mixed-methods research with young Korean learners, the presentation examines how children engage with varied phonetic input in HVPT, the challenges they face when responding to ASR systems, and the pedagogical implications for improving intelligibility in early L2 development. The session concludes with pedagogical implications, training exanokes, and practical guidance for teachers.

Key Takeaways

Understand how mobile-assisted HVPT contributes to children’s L2 speech perception and early pronunciation development
Identify common challenges children face when using ASR-based articulation practice and how task design can mitigate them
Examine evidence linking mobile pronunciation training to gains in phonological working memory
Apply research-informed strategies for integrating HVPT and ASR tools into elementary EFL pronunciation instruction

Presenter

Dr. KyungA Lee is an elementary school teacher, pronunciation researcher, and educational technology specialist based in South Korea. She earned her PhD in English Language Education from Seoul National University. Her research focuses on L2 pronunciation, speech technology, child–AI interaction, and instructional design for early language learning. She also serves as a Board Member for Juna Accent Coach, an English pronunciation learning app. In addition, she teaches English phonetics and phonology to TESOL pre-service teachers as an adjunct university lecturer.