Chapter published in:
English Pronunciation Instruction: Research-based insightsEdited by Anastazija Kirkova-Naskova, Alice Henderson and Jonás Fouz-González
[AILA Applied Linguistics Series 19] 2021
► pp. 358–384
Mobile apps for pronunciation training
Exploring learner engagement and retention
Beata Walesiak | University of Warsaw
This chapter explores adult learners’
perceptions towards using apps for pronunciation training and the
engagement and retention rates of mobile technologies for
pronunciation practice. The study focuses on five apps that address
different areas of pronunciation selected by the teacher-researcher.
The findings show that learners are keen on using pronunciation apps
to learn pronunciation, but the frequency of self-reported mobile
app use and time devoted to their use dwindle without the teacher’s
guidance. A discussion of the learners’ engagement with and
retention of the apps is offered, together with a number of
recommendations to facilitate the integration of apps into
pronunciation instruction.
Keywords: mobile apps, mobile-assisted pronunciation training (MAPT), computer-assisted pronunciation training (CAPT), technologies, pronunciation training, pronunciation apps, lifelong learning, learner retention, app retention, app engagement
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