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Improving Language Learning Through the Use of Natural Language Processing : Improving Language Learning Through the Use of Natural Language Processing

Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: This paper examines how Natural Language Processing (NLP) could bring improvement to language learning of primary school students who live in rural areas. NLP has been used in many ways to improve human way of life. Nowadays, in the cities of Thailand many teachers and students already take advantage of the various NLP systems available to aid language learning in their schools. However, in rural areas it is difficult for students and teachers to implement these technological systems. The paper aims to address how NLP could improve language learning in the rural area of Khao Kho district, Phetchabun Province. The study focuses on how the researcher introduced the NLP application to the school in order for it to be used as a tool to improve English language learning in the area of correct pronunciation of English words. The study follows qualitative approach and focuses on primary school students from grades 4 to 6 from Nong Mae Na school. The data was collected from the primary resources in order to identify problems faced by the students in understanding the correct method of pronunciation as well as the obstacles Thai elementary students face in language learning. The population of this study consisted of 60 students categorized into three groups. The DetectMeEnglish application was used for the study, processing the attempts of the sample group and forming correct English pronunciations during the pre-test. Moreover, it was used in various activities though out the course of two days. The learning activities targeted developing the students’ pronunciation ability and included teaching related to the English Phonics rules, the English final sounds with “s” and “ed” etc. The NLP application was then used again for the post-test to record the improvement of the sample groups English pronunciation. The words used were carefully selected from the English Standard Curriculum set up by the office of Basic Education Commission according to the grades represented in the tests. Nevertheless, each sample group was tested with all the selected words in order to gauge and compare the initial level of understanding and the overall improvement of each group. The results show the effectiveness of the NLP application as a productive resource in language learning for primary school students who lived in rural areas.
Language: Thai
Subfield: Education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7215420323
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