Inn-chull Choi , Seon-yeong Park

DOI: Vol.19(No.4) 11-39, 2016

The present research is a follow-up research of an exploratory validation study of computer-based dictation tests utilizing TTS (text-to-speech) (Choi & Park, 2015). The study attempted to explore the efficacy of different scoring methods utilizing corpus linguistic techniques. To this end, the data collected from a prior study was employed in the research. 117 Korean EFL learners participated in this research and were divided into three groups depending on educational levels as well as their proficiency levels: 37 UNI (advanced), 40 HSU (intermediate), and 40 HSL (low). Participants` responses were scored using six different methods: GS (graduated scoring), AM (appropriate meaning-based scoring), EW (exact-word scoring), WM (wordlist match scoring), WML (wordlist match scoring including lemmas), and WMS (wordlist match scoring including synonyms). Comparative analysis of the efficacy of the scoring methods revealed that the four methods were highly correlated with each other and that corpus-based wordlist matching was found to be the most effective and robust scoring method. Among the three wordlist match scoring methods producing robust results, WM was proven to be the most effective semi-automated method with high practicality, requiring the least amount of time and energy for scoring.

corpus-driven scoring methods, computer-based dictation tests, TTS (text-to-speech)

Hee Yeon Kang , Chung Hyun Lee

DOI: Vol.19(No.4) 40-62, 2016

Abstracts play a significant role in providing essential information of research articles. In spite of the importance of abstracts, graduates have difficulties in organizing the structure and choosing appropriate linguistic patterns and words to express their ideas. This study aims to examine the move structures and lexico-grammatical patterns in the articles of Language Learning and Technology (LLT) and to compare them with those of Korean masters theses to find problems in their abstract writing. 130 abstracts of the journal articles and 103 abstracts of M.A. theses were collected and analyzed. To analyze the abstract texts, the corpus analyzer tools, AntConc and AntMover were used. The abstracts of LLT and M.A. theses were analyzed with Swales and Feak`s (2004) Background-Aim-Method-Result-Conclusion(BAMRC) framework. The results of the study showed that move patterns, AMR and BAMR were more frequent than BAMRC in LLT, meanwhile abstracts from M.A. theses tended to follow BAMRC. As for the lexico-grammatical patterns, the ample lexico-grammatical examples of each move in journal articles were identified. However, graduates showed limited language patterns with a small vocabulary size in abstract writing. Based on the findings, an instructional model of corpus-based genre writing is provided.

abstracts, lexico-grammatical patterns, corpus-based analysis, instructional model

Na-young Kim

DOI: Vol.19(No.4) 63-88, 2016

This study investigates the effects of voice chat on Korean EFL learners` speaking ability according to their proficiency levels. With the purpose of the study, 181 college students in Korea were recruited to participate in an English speaking program that was designed to assist their speaking ability development. Participants were divided into three proficiency levels: beginning-level, intermediate-level, and advanced-level. They were then further divided into three voice chat conditions: voice chat with peers, voice chat with chatbots, and control. During the sixteen weeks of the experiment, the participants were asked to engage in one of the different types of voice chat. Before and after the actual experiment, they were required to take pre- and post-tests based on TOEIC Speaking Test by ETS. The study found positive improvements in speaking ability for the participants at all proficiency levels as a result of participating in voice chat. All the participants demonstrated statistically significant speaking ability improvement across the different chat conditions. Furthermore, all the participants at different proficiency levels showed more positive perceptions of English language learning after engaging in voice chat. It can be suggested that voice chat provides EFL learners with ample opportunities to practice speaking, reduces negative feelings and develops positive perceptions of English language learning, and consequently, improves their speaking skills.

voice chat, voice chatbot, speaking ability, perceptions of English language learning

이제영 Lee Je-young , 전영주 Jeon Young-joo

DOI: Vol.19(No.4) 89-115, 2016

The aim of this study was to synthesize the overall effects of utilizing EBS English contents on elementary school students` language proficiency and affective domains. A meta-analysis of 115 research findings in 25 articles was conducted to calculate the mean effect sizes. This study classified and analyzed the previous studies in terms of publication types, experimental designs, grades, treatment period, regions, teaching contents, content restructuring, dependent variables, and so on. The results showed that the mean effect size of utilizing EBS English contents for primary school students was .735, which means it had beneficial effects. The specific findings of meta-analysis were as follows. First, a treatment period of more than 17 weeks was more effective than 9-16 week, and this difference was statistically significant. Second, when using EBS English contents in non-regular classes, the effect was higher. Third, restructuring the content and order of EBS English contents had less positive effects. Fourth, using EBS English contents outside the classroom had more beneficial effects. The pedagogical implications and suggestions for further research were also discussed.

EBS English, EBSe, meta-analysis, research synthesis, effect size, elementary school English