AI Tools for TOEFL Speaking: A Path to Self-Learning and Resilience

In this episode, we explore how AI-powered tools like MySpeakingScore are revolutionizing TOEFL speaking prep, providing language learners with personalized feedback and support to boost confidence and performance.

Discover how AI-driven features help reduce test anxiety, foster resilience, and promote self-directed learning—creating a more engaging, less stressful test prep experience.
Join us as we dive into how MySpeakingScore, using advanced SpeechRater technology, empowers learners to become active participants in their education, making language learning accessible and tailored to individual needs.

Source

Free TOEFL Speaking practice:

• My Speaking Score

Free resources:

• TOEFL Speaking Course
• SpeechRater Blog
• SpeechRater Knowledge Base

Social:

• Follow us on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube

My Speaking Score serves 000s of users across the globe by helping them data-power their TOEFL Speaking prep.

Transcript

And this is where it gets really interesting. The learners who got feedback from Chad2PT, they said they felt less anxious. Wait, less anxious? Yeah, less anxious.

(0:13 - 0:24)
But with a machine? Like, how is that even possible? This is the TOEFL Speaking Prep Podcast for the AI Era. Hey, everyone. Welcome back.

(0:25 - 0:36)
You know, sometimes language learning can feel kind of, like, overwhelming, right? Yeah, for sure. Like, you're juggling textbooks and looking for tutors, and then the test anxiety hits. Oh, I know that feeling.

(0:37 - 0:46)
But what if there was a way to make it all, I don't know, a bit easier, more personalized? More enjoyable, even. Yeah, exactly. That's what we're going to dive into today.

(0:47 - 1:02)
Sounds good. So how AI is, like, changing things up, you know, for language learners, especially those getting ready for the TOEFL. It's pretty amazing, actually, how AI is making these really advanced learning tools, you know, accessible to pretty much everyone.

(1:02 - 1:10)
Yeah. We're talking about personalized feedback, practice resources. These things used to be, like, only for people who could afford expensive tutors or programs, right? Yeah, totally.

(1:10 - 1:15)
It's like leveling the playing field, wouldn't you say? Yeah. For language learners everywhere. Absolutely.

(1:15 - 1:20)
And the tool we're focusing on today is MySpeakingScore. Okay. Which is a TOEFL Speaking Prep tool.

(1:20 - 1:27)
Yeah. And it uses this speech reader technology, and it's being used by over 100,000 students already. Wow.

(1:27 - 1:32)
And there's some really cool research that shows how effective it is. Oh, cool. There's research on this.

(1:32 - 1:33)
Yeah. I'd love to hear about that. We will.

(1:33 - 1:45)
Okay, great. But first, can you quickly explain what the TOEFL Speaking Test is and, like, why it's so important? Sure. So the TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language.

(1:45 - 1:52)
Right. It's a standardized test, and it measures how well non-native speakers can speak English. Makes sense.

(1:52 - 2:03)
A lot of universities, especially in English-speaking countries, they require TOEFL scores for admission. Yeah, yeah. And the speaking section, that's like the most challenging part for a lot of people.

(2:04 - 2:10)
I bet. Because it's testing you on how well you can communicate in real time. Right, right.

(2:10 - 2:12)
So pretty high stakes for a lot of people. Definitely. High stakes.

(2:12 - 2:25)
Okay, so there's a study published in Language Testing in Asia. Okay. It looked at the effects of AI-powered tools on English as a foreign language learners.

(2:25 - 2:28)
Okay. Or EFL learners for short. Sure.

(2:28 - 2:32)
And get this. They actually used ChatGPT. Oh, wow.

(2:32 - 2:35)
ChatGPT. Yeah. Everyone's talking about that these days.

(2:35 - 2:41)
Okay. So what did they use it for? To score and give feedback on TOEFL Speaking Tests. Fascinating.

(2:41 - 2:47)
So what did they find? Well, they found that students' speaking skills got way better. Oh, wow. That's great.

(2:47 - 2:50)
Yeah. From their pre-test to their post-test. Yeah.

(2:50 - 2:56)
After using, you know, ChatGPT for feedback and practice. So they improved because of the AI. That's interesting.

(2:56 - 2:59)
Yeah. And it wasn't just like a quick boost. They actually saw improvement weeks later.

(3:00 - 3:02)
Oh, wow. So it's like a long-term thing. Yeah.

(3:02 - 3:12)
So it seems like AI feedback can actually have, like, a lasting impact. That's really cool. But, you know, speaking tests can be, like, totally nerve-wracking.

(3:12 - 3:18)
Oh, tell me about it. I remember when I took the TOEFL, I was so anxious, I completely blinked. Oh, no.

(3:18 - 3:23)
Yeah. It was awful. Did the study, like, look into test anxiety at all? You know, they did.

(3:23 - 3:34)
Really? And this is where it gets really interesting. The learners who got feedback from ChatGPT, they said they felt less anxious. Wait, less anxious? Yeah.

(3:34 - 3:38)
Less anxious. But with a machine. Like, how is that even possible? Right.

(3:38 - 3:52)
It's kind of counterintuitive, but one of the participants actually said, and I quote, I felt more relaxed knowing that a machine, not a person, was evaluating my speaking. Oh, wow. It lessened my anxiety and increased my eagerness to attempt speaking.

(3:53 - 3:57)
That's amazing. So it's like taking the pressure off of being judged by another person. Exactly.

(3:58 - 4:01)
Creates a more relaxed environment. Right. And more productive, I bet.

(4:01 - 4:07)
Yeah. Yeah. So that's one key advantage of these AI-powered tools like MySpeakingScore.

(4:07 - 4:13)
Right. You get the good feedback without that added pressure of a human evaluator. So it's not just about getting better at speaking.

(4:14 - 4:19)
Right. It's also about creating a more supportive and less stressful environment for learning. Totally.

(4:19 - 4:26)
And that can lead to better performance and a more positive experience overall. It's kind of like having a personal coach available all the time. I like that.

(4:27 - 4:29)
But without the intimidation factor. Yeah. Exactly.

(4:29 - 4:39)
So how does MySpeakingScore actually help people improve their speaking skills? Well, it's all about SpeechRater. That's the AI engine behind it. Okay.

(4:39 - 4:50)
It analyzes your speech across lots of different dimensions. Like what? Like pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, grammar, the works. So it's really thorough.

(4:50 - 5:01)
Oh, yeah. And unlike a person, it can pick up on these subtle nuances and it can give incredibly specific feedback. So you're not just getting like a general score.

(5:01 - 5:06)
Nope. You're getting like a detailed breakdown of what you're good at and what you need to work on. Exactly.

(5:06 - 5:14)
That's where the personalization comes in. Okay. So based on your score report, what happens? MySpeakingScore will actually suggest activities.

(5:14 - 5:19)
Oh, wow. To address, you know, specific areas for improvement. It's like a custom learning plan.

(5:20 - 5:21)
Yeah. Pretty much. Just for you.

(5:21 - 5:25)
That's pretty neat. Yeah. So, for example, if you're having trouble with pronunciation.

(5:25 - 5:31)
Right. It would actually figure out which sounds or intonation patterns are giving you problems. Oh, wow.

(5:32 - 5:38)
And then it offers practice materials to help you get better. Okay. So it's like having a pronunciation coach in your pocket.

(5:38 - 5:42)
Pretty much. That's awesome. And you can access all of this whenever you want.

(5:42 - 5:44)
Yep. Whenever it's convenient for you. Okay.

(5:44 - 5:56)
So I'm starting to see how this can be like a game changer for TOEFL Prep. It covers the accessibility, the personalized feedback, even the test anxiety thing. Exactly.

(5:56 - 6:01)
It tackles those key challenges. But there's this other concept you mentioned before. Academic buoyancy.

(6:01 - 6:05)
Yeah. That's a good one. Can you remind me what that is again? Of course.

(6:05 - 6:19)
So academic buoyancy refers to a learner's ability to kind of bounce back from setbacks and stay motivated, especially when things get tough. Right. So, like when you're learning a language and you hit a wall, it's that ability to keep going.

(6:19 - 6:24)
Exactly. Think of it like training for a marathon. You know you're going to hit some rough patches.

(6:24 - 6:28)
Right. But if you have that mental resilience, you can push through. Yeah.

(6:28 - 6:44)
So how does AI fit into all of this? Well, the study found that AI tools, like ChatGPT, can actually help foster this resilience in learners. Yeah. By giving them that regular feedback, helping them track their progress, it boosts their motivation and confidence.

(6:45 - 6:55)
So it's like having a supportive coach in your corner, cheering you on and helping you stay focused. Exactly. Remember that quote from the participant? The one who felt more eager to speak after using ChatGPT.

(6:55 - 6:58)
Yes. That's academic buoyancy in action. Okay.

(6:59 - 7:24)
So is my speaking score specifically designed to build that academic buoyancy? Well, it might not be the main focus, but it definitely helps in a few ways. Like how? First, by giving that personalized feedback and targeted practice, it helps learners experience a sense of progress and mastery, which is like super important for staying motivated. So it's not just about pointing out what you're doing wrong.

(7:24 - 7:30)
Right. It's also about highlighting what you're doing well and like celebrating those little wins along the way. Exactly.

(7:30 - 7:42)
And that sense of achievement can be incredibly motivating, wouldn't you say? For sure. For sure. What else? Well, second, my speaking score is available on demand, so learners can practice whenever they want at their own pace.

(7:42 - 7:49)
Right. So instead of feeling pressured to keep up with a strict schedule, you can learn at a pace that works for you. Exactly.

(7:49 - 7:57)
And that flexibility can really reduce stress and make the whole learning experience so much more positive. I like that. Okay.

(7:57 - 8:09)
So we've talked about how my speaking score helps you get better at speaking, reduces anxiety and encourages learners to take charge of their learning. Yeah, we've covered a lot. But I want to make sure we're connecting all of this back to our listeners.

(8:09 - 8:21)
Of course. So for anyone out there getting ready for the TOEFL, especially the speaking section, my speaking score is a really powerful alternative to those traditional ways of prepping. It really is.

(8:21 - 8:35)
It uses AI to give personalized feedback, reduce anxiety and create this like more flexible and engaging experience. It really is like having a virtual speaking coach right there in your pocket. Yeah, that's a great way to put it.

(8:35 - 8:44)
Ready to help you improve your skills and boost your confidence. And it's not just about passing a test, right? It's about developing these really important life skills. Right.

(8:44 - 8:54)
Like being able to embrace feedback, practicing consistently, keeping a positive attitude. These are all things that will help you in any language learning journey and even beyond that. Absolutely.

(8:55 - 9:05)
It's about so much more than just the TOEFL. Totally. But speaking of the TOEFL, I'm wondering how my speaking score compares to actual human examiners.

(9:05 - 9:14)
Yeah, that's a good question. Is the feedback as good? Is it reliable? Well, the people who developed my speaking score, they took that question very seriously. I bet.

(9:14 - 9:32)
They've done a ton of research to make sure that speech raters scoring, you know, the feedback aligns really closely with what human evaluators would say. And actually, studies have shown there's a very high correlation between the scores from speech rater and the scores given by, you know, certified TOEFL examiners. So it's pretty accurate.

(9:33 - 9:42)
Very accurate. So learners can trust that the feedback they get from my speaking score is a good indication of how they would do on the actual test. It's reassuring.

(9:42 - 9:48)
So it's not just a random score. It's a reliable way to gauge your progress. Exactly.

(9:48 - 9:54)
And that can really help reduce the anxiety around the test. You're not left wondering what those examiners are looking for. Right.

(9:55 - 9:59)
You have clear and specific feedback. Yeah. That you can actually use to improve.

(9:59 - 10:02)
So it takes the mystery out of it. Totally. It gives you the tools you need.

(10:02 - 10:11)
Exactly. It's about demystifying the process and empowering those learners. I think that's been like a recurring theme throughout our conversation.

(10:11 - 10:28)
It really has. We've talked about how my speaking score with this really cool AI engine speech rater tackles those big challenges of learning a language the traditional way, like making it more accessible, giving personalized feedback, reducing anxiety, all of that. Yeah.

(10:28 - 10:38)
It's about fostering that learner autonomy and helping to build academic buoyancy. Exactly. It's amazing how far we've come with using technology to make education better.

(10:38 - 10:49)
Oh, absolutely. And this is really just the start. As AI keeps getting better, we can expect even more amazing tools and resources to come out, which is going to change how we learn languages.

(10:50 - 11:01)
And so much more, I think. It's a pretty exciting time to be a learner. So, to wrap things up, anyone feeling overwhelmed by the TOEFL speaking test, or just by learning a new language in general.

(11:01 - 11:05)
It can be daunting. My speaking score is a really great option. Definitely.

(11:06 - 11:09)
It's like having a personal speaking coach. Available whenever you need them. Yeah.

(11:10 - 11:17)
Ready to guide you every step of the way. And remember, keep your minds open and never stop exploring. Good advice.

(11:18 - 11:25)
The world of knowledge is huge. It's always growing. And with tools like this, we can all dive deeper than ever before.

(11:25 - 11:30)
That's a great point. So now let's shift gears a bit and talk about learner autonomy. Okay.

(11:30 - 11:43)
Sounds good. How does my speaking score empower learners to take control of their own learning? That's a great question. So learner autonomy, right? It's all about encouraging students to be more independent.

(11:43 - 11:49)
Take charge of their own learning. So it's like moving away from just sitting there passively absorbing information. Yeah.

(11:49 - 11:53)
Exactly. And instead becoming like an active participant. Yes.

(11:54 - 12:01)
Exactly. Think about those times you're stuck on some grammar rule or you're struggling to say a word right. Oh yeah.

(12:01 - 12:10)
I've been there. In the past, you would have to wait for a tutor or a class, right? That helped. But with my speaking score, you have instant feedback, you know, guidance.

(12:11 - 12:15)
So you can take control. It's like having that tutor on demand. Yeah.

(12:15 - 12:18)
Pretty much. You can practice whenever you want. Yeah.

(12:18 - 12:21)
As much as you want. And you get feedback right away. Exactly.

(12:21 - 12:25)
And that's a game changer for people who are busy, right? Students with packed schedules. Yeah. For sure.

(12:25 - 12:30)
You don't have to try and squeeze lessons into your day. It's so much more flexible. Way more flexible.

(12:30 - 12:39)
You learn at your own pace, on your own terms. I love that. So how does my speaking score actually encourage that, that learner autonomy? Well, a few ways.

(12:40 - 12:43)
First, it gives you those detailed score reports. Right. Right.

(12:43 - 12:47)
The ones that break down your performance. Exactly. So you're not just getting like one number.

(12:47 - 12:58)
It's more than just a grade. Way more. You get insights into your fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, all of it.

(12:58 - 13:06)
So it's like empowering learners with information. Exactly. Giving them the data to understand like where they excel and where they need to work on things.

(13:06 - 13:19)
I like that. So then what? Well, with all that knowledge, they can make better decisions about their practice, right? Right. They can focus on those areas that need the most work, set their own goals, track their progress.

(13:19 - 13:22)
Taking ownership. Yeah, exactly. Owning that learning process.

(13:23 - 13:33)
And my speaking score even takes it a step further. Oh, how so? It offers targeted practice activities based on your score report. Oh, that's cool.

(13:33 - 13:38)
So it's customized. Totally customized. Let's say you're having trouble with, I don't know, pronunciation.

(13:38 - 13:48)
Okay. My speaking score suggests activities just for that, like the sounds or the intonation patterns that are tripping you up. So it's like a personalized roadmap.

(13:48 - 13:53)
Exactly. This personalized learning path that adapts to you. That's pretty amazing.

(13:53 - 13:56)
It takes the guesswork out of it. Yeah, for sure. You're not just practicing randomly.

(13:57 - 14:02)
You're focusing on what really matters. So you can actually see progress. And that can be super motivating.

(14:02 - 14:21)
You see the value in your effort, you know? Totally. Okay, so we've covered how my speaking score helps improve speaking skills, how it helps with anxiety, how it promotes that learner autonomy. But how does this all connect to academic buoyancy? Well, think of it this way.

(14:21 - 14:31)
When learners feel in control, right? When they see themselves improving, they have the tools they need. That's when they build resilience. That ability to bounce back from those tough spots.

(14:31 - 14:38)
Yeah, exactly. And AI tools like this, they play a big role in building that belief, you know? The belief in yourself as a learner. Yeah.

(14:39 - 14:50)
By giving you that constant feedback, that personalized guidance, and that sense of control over the whole process, it helps learners develop confidence and perseverance. So it's not just about, you know, getting a good score on the TOEFL. Right.

(14:51 - 14:55)
It's about developing those essential skills. That will help you in any learning situation. Totally.

(14:56 - 15:09)
And that's what's so great about this change in education. We're moving away from that one-size-fits-all approach, and we're going towards something more personalized, adaptive, and empowering. And my speaking scores, like, leading the way there.

(15:09 - 15:18)
It really is making those amazing learning resources available to everyone, no matter where they are or their background. It's democratizing education. Yeah, exactly.

(15:18 - 15:24)
That's something to celebrate. But we do have to remember, AI is still kind of new in education. Yeah, for sure.

(15:24 - 15:32)
I think people are always a little cautious when it comes to new technology, especially in education. It's understandable. We need to be thoughtful.

(15:32 - 15:38)
But the potential is huge. Totally. And like any tool, it's all about using it the right way.

(15:38 - 15:43)
My speaking score isn't some magic solution. It's a powerful resource. It is.

(15:44 - 15:56)
But it has to be used correctly. And when it is, it can make the learning experience so much better and help students reach their full potential. So to sum up, my speaking score encourages learner autonomy.

(15:58 - 16:14)
By giving detailed feedback so learners understand their strengths and weaknesses, they can set their own goals, track their progress. It lets them learn at their own pace, focus on what they need to work on. Yeah, it's about giving them the tools to become active participants in their learning.

(16:14 - 16:19)
Exactly. That's powerful. But there's one more thing about my speaking score I think we should discuss.

(16:19 - 16:39)
Okay, what's that? It's the ability to practice those speaking skills, you know, in a safe and supportive space. Oh, that's a really important point. You know, one of the biggest challenges for language learners, especially those getting ready for a big test like the TOEFL, is finding opportunities to actually practice speaking without feeling, you know, self-conscious or judged.

(16:39 - 16:45)
Yeah, it can be so intimidating. Totally. To speak in another language, especially when you're not super confident.

(16:45 - 16:50)
Yeah, you're afraid to make mistakes. Exactly. And that fear can really hold people back.

(16:50 - 17:14)
So how does my speaking score help with that? Well, first of all, it takes away that pressure of being judged by a person, right? You're interacting with an AI, which is objective and supportive, not critical or judgmental. So you feel more comfortable trying things out? Yeah, exactly. Trying different pronunciations, new vocabulary, expressing yourself without worrying about making those mistakes.

(17:14 - 17:17)
I like that. And then the detailed feedback comes in. Right.

(17:17 - 17:25)
So, hey, it gives you specific guidance on things to work on, but it does it in a way that's encouraging, constructive. Like having a coach who's rooting for you. Exactly.

(17:26 - 17:33)
And that kind of safe, supportive environment can be so empowering. You can focus on learning, not on failing. Exactly.

(17:33 - 17:40)
And you're more likely to push yourself, take risks, and really engage with the practice. Because you know it's okay to make mistakes. Exactly.

(17:40 - 17:59)
And this is where we see that connection to academic buoyancy again, right? Oh, yeah. When learners feel safe, supported, they develop resilience, that persistence, that belief that they can overcome challenges. It's about creating a positive learning environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities, not as failures.

(17:59 - 18:09)
Yes, exactly. And my speaking score does a great job of creating that. It's a safe place to experiment, practice, and get better at those speaking skills.

(18:09 - 18:20)
Without feeling judged or intimidated. So it's not just about getting the grammar and pronunciation right. It's also about building confidence, fostering a love of learning languages.

(18:20 - 18:28)
Absolutely. And that's what's so cool about this whole AI and education thing. We're seeing how technology can make learning more human-centered.

(18:28 - 18:33)
It's not about replacing human interaction. It's about making it better. Enriching it.

(18:33 - 18:38)
I love that. So it's not AI versus humans. It's about finding the best of both worlds.

(18:38 - 18:44)
Couldn't have said it better myself. And my speaking score is a perfect example of how to do that well. Totally agree.

(18:44 - 18:56)
But I'm curious, how does my speaking score actually evaluate those speaking skills? What is it looking for specifically? That's a great question. And to answer that, we need to talk about SpeechRater. Okay.

(18:57 - 19:03)
SpeechRater. The AI engine that powers my speaking score. Let's take a peek behind the curtain.

(19:03 - 19:08)
Let's do it. So SpeechRater. It's like the brains of the operation, right? Yeah.

(19:08 - 19:27)
You could say that. So how does it work? How does it analyze and judge someone's speaking? Well, it uses a whole bunch of fancy technology. But basically, it listens to your speech, breaks it down into all these tiny pieces, like taking apart a sentence into words and sounds.

(19:27 - 19:34)
Got it. And then? Then it compares those bits to a massive database of spoken English. Oh, wow.

(19:34 - 19:39)
Looking for patterns and anything that stands out. So it's not just checking if your grammar is right Nope.

(19:39 - 19:45)
Or if you're using the right words. It's way more than that. It's looking at pronunciation, intonation, even like pauses and stumbles.

(19:45 - 20:03)
You got it. It's checking how smoothly you speak, your fluency, how accurately you're making those sounds, your pronunciation, and if you're using the right words, your vocabulary. It even looks at your grammar, like how complex your sentences are, if you're using different kinds of structures.

(20:03 - 20:07)
Okay. So it's really thorough. It's like having a language teacher with superpowers.

(20:08 - 20:16)
Yeah. Kind of. But wouldn't a real person be better at understanding things like, you know, tone and what you're trying to say? That's a good question.

(20:17 - 20:23)
And yeah, humans are great at picking up on those subtle cues. Right. But Speech Rater has its own strengths.

(20:23 - 20:30)
Okay. Like what? Well, it's incredibly consistent. It doesn't get tired or distracted, you know.

(20:30 - 20:36)
Right. And it's not influenced by personal feelings. It judges every speech sample the exact same way.

(20:36 - 20:40)
So you're always getting a fair assessment. Totally fair. And that's especially important for a test like the TOEFL.

(20:41 - 20:46)
Yeah. That makes sense. And remember, Speech Rater has learned from a huge amount of spoken English data.

(20:47 - 20:57)
So it's really good at spotting patterns and making accurate judgments. Studies show that scores from Speech Rater are really close to what actual TOEFL examiners would give. So it's the real deal.

(20:57 - 21:02)
Pretty much. And that's a good thing, right? Yeah, definitely. It takes the guesswork out of it.

(21:02 - 21:07)
You don't have to wonder what the examiners want or how they're scoring you. Right. You have clear feedback.

(21:08 - 21:10)
That you can actually use to improve. Exactly. Okay.

(21:10 - 21:19)
So we've seen how MySpeakingScore tackles those big challenges in language learning. It makes things more accessible. It gives you that personalized feedback.

(21:19 - 21:25)
It helps with the anxiety. It encourages learners to be more independent. And it even helps build that academic buoyancy.

(21:25 - 21:34)
And it all comes down to this powerful AI engine, Speech Rater. Right. It's amazing what technology can do to make education better.

(21:34 - 21:42)
It really is. And who knows what the future holds. As AI keeps developing, I think we'll see even more amazing tools and resources.

(21:42 - 21:56)
It's going to completely change how we learn languages and so much more. It's a really exciting time to be a learner. So to wrap up, anyone feeling overwhelmed by the TOEFL, or even just learning a new language in general, MySpeakingScore is a great option.

(21:57 - 22:11)
It's like having your own personal speaking coach available anytime, anywhere. And remember, keep those minds curious, keep exploring, and never stop learning. The world of knowledge is out there, and we have the tools to dive in deeper than ever before.

(22:12 - 22:15)
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive, everyone. See you next time. Bye for now.