Oral assessment in language learning has received increasing attention among second language acquisition (SLA) researchers. This growing interest is likely a product of the increased interpretability of test scores and potential validity of the scores when linked to real-world criteria (Bonk & Ockey, 2003). However, assessing speaking skill can be more challenging than assessing other skills be...

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA)-based supplement for maternal Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) and to explore Spanish-speaking mothers' experiences with it. METHODS Mothers (n = 197) of children with newly diagnosed cancer were randomized to traditional PSST or PSST + PDA 8-week programs. Participants completed the Socia...

Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses are meant to prepare international students their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in an English-speaking academic environment. Prospective university candidates whom is not the first language required complete a pre-sessional EAP course if IELTS score lower than admissions requirements. Even though, terms of requirement, lack p...

A computer-based Spoken Spanish Test (SST) was developed to provide an accurate and convenient assessment of speaking and listening for learners of Spanish. The SST is intended to measure a candidate’s receptive familiarity with a variety of forms of Spanish and the candidate’s facility in speaking Spanish. The SST test takes between 15 and 20 minutes to complete, all the items are presented in...

Previous studies have shown that children’s speech is more difficult to recognize by machine than adults’ speech. This paper presents the results of experiments which investigate recognition performance variation within a small population of children. Results suggest that recogniser performance on a child’s speech is well correlated with a teacher’s assessment of the child’s speaking proficienc...

The development of English language learners (ELLs) was explored from kindergarten through eighth grade within a nationally representative sample of first-time kindergartners (N = 19,890). Growth curve analyses indicated that, compared to native English speakers, ELLs were rated by teachers more favorably on approaches to learning, self control, and externalizing behaviors in kindergarten and g...

Technology development and the COVID-19 pandemic altered teaching learning processes. TikTok, a social media platform that integrates short videos, became medium of instruction to help students master communication skills, in particular listening speaking skills. This study, using mixed-methods research, investigated effects TikTok application on EFL students’ skills perceptions toward use impr...

This study investigated the relationship between language anxiety and English speaking performance among Taiwanese college students. The participants were 59 students attending a one-semester course entitled Speaking Communication at university in central Taiwan. They underwent computer-based oral proficiency tests completed Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale. Data analyzed using descript...

This article reports the results of a small-scale study examining role English language proficiency in adaptation Ukrainian immigrant children and youth to life Saskatchewan, Canada. The main objective was describe issues related as Second Language (ESL) they are perceived by their parents. second explore following factors process: age, gender, duration stay Canada, age upon arrival ESL class a...

PURPOSE To examine how age of immersion and proficiency in a 2nd language influence speech movement variability and speaking rate in both a 1st language and a 2nd language. METHOD A group of 21 Bengali-English bilingual speakers participated. Lip and jaw movements were recorded. For all 21 speakers, lip movement variability was assessed based on productions of Bengali (L1; 1st language) and E...