TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Get the inside track on all things TOEFL® Speaking—from expert breakdowns of the test’s scoring rubrics to cutting-edge research on how AI like SpeechRater™ evaluates your performance.
Whether it's leveraging movie-based learning techniques or diving into the psychology behind language assessment, each episode gives you a front-row seat to the latest strategies, tips, and tools to help you master the Speaking section.
We don’t just stop at exam prep. We explore the bigger picture of how the TOEFL shapes language learning, how automated scoring impacts your results, and what really goes on behind the scenes at ETS. If you want to understand the nuances of TOEFL Speaking and learn how to make your test performance stand out, this podcast is for you.
This podcast is made possible through a blend of innovative AI solutions, including NotebookLM, ElevenLabs, ChatGPT, Suno, and Buzzsprout.
Visit My Speaking Score: https://www.myspeakingscore.com/
TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Boosting TOEFL Scores: AI or Paper Testing?
In this episode of the TOEFL Speaking Prep Podcast, we're exploring how AI is reshaping the world of language testing. Titled "Boosting TOEFL Scores: AI or Paper Testing?," this deep dive covers the exciting role AI plays in preparing for tests like the TOEFL, particularly through tools like MySpeakingScore, which provides instant, nonjudgmental feedback that reduces anxiety and boosts confidence.
Join us as we discuss a fascinating study from Bangladesh, revealing how AI-assisted learning lowers language learning anxiety and improves motivation. We compare traditional test prep with innovative AI-driven methods, discussing how AI not only personalizes the learning experience but also creates a supportive environment, enabling students to practice and improve at their own pace. Tune in to learn about the future of language testing, the potential for AI to make education more accessible, and what these advancements mean for learners worldwide.
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Ever feel like language learning is a mountain you just can't climb? Well, get ready to trade your hiking boots for a jetpack because AI is here to supercharge your journey.
(0:30 - 0:40)
Oh, yeah. Today, we're diving deep into how AI is transforming language learning, specifically with a tool called MySpeakingScore. Okay, cool.
(0:40 - 1:05)
Briefly explain the concept of MySpeakingScore for us. Well, MySpeakingScore is a TOEFL speaking prep tool, powered by SpeechRater, used by over 100,000 students. Wow.
So can AI truly help learners prepare more effectively for tests like the TOEFL? Yeah. And unlock new levels of fluency? Definitely. So we'll be exploring some fascinating research from a study conducted in Bangladesh with 70 English language learners.
(1:06 - 1:16)
Interesting. Any hints at what we'll find? We'll see some surprising outcomes related to anxiety and motivation, and even how AI compares to traditional learning methods. I'm excited to hear all about it.
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Me too. So how did researchers in Bangladesh use the AI tool, ChatGPT? Well, they used it to simulate AI-assisted language assessment. Okay, that's interesting.
(1:26 - 1:37)
ChatGPT provided students with immediate feedback on writing assignments, covering organization, coherence, grammar, and vocab. Wow, that's a lot. It is.
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So how did the experimental group and control group experience language learning anxiety differently? Well, the students who interacted with the AI reported significantly lower anxiety compared to those who followed traditional methods. That's fascinating. Why do you think that is? Well, the study highlights how the immediacy and objectivity of AI feedback plays a key role.
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Students appreciated getting instant, non-judgmental feedback, which allowed them to focus on improving without the fear of negative evaluation, often associated with human instructors. So it's not just about getting feedback, it's about the nature and timing of that feedback. Right.
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It sounds like AI is creating a safer space for learners to experiment and make mistakes without feeling judged. Exactly. And this sense of psychological safety is crucial for language acquisition.
(2:26 - 2:43)
I see. When learners feel less anxious, they're more likely to engage with the material, practice more, and ultimately learn more effectively. That makes a lot of sense.
And it's really interesting to see how AI can impact the emotional side of learning. Yeah. This is a really important aspect that we often overlook.
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Yeah, I agree. And it's great to see that AI can potentially address some of these challenges. For sure.
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So let's take a quick break. And when we come back, we'll delve deeper into how my speaking score is using AI to revolutionize TOEFL prep. Sounds good.
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Stay tuned. Okay. So that brings us back to my speaking score.
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Okay. And its potential to transform test preparation. Okay.
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Imagine practicing your TOEFL speaking responses and receiving immediate personalized feedback. Sounds helpful. On areas like pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary.
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That sounds incredibly empowering. Yeah. Especially when you consider the pressure of the TOEFL.
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Right. It's often a requirement for university admissions or certain types of visas. I see.
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So the stakes are really high. Absolutely. And traditional test prep methods often involve expensive tutors, lengthy practice sessions, and a lot of waiting for feedback.
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I can imagine. My speaking score streamlines this process. So how does it actually work? Well, learners record their responses to TOEFL-style speaking prompts, and the AI, powered by SpeechRater, analyzes their speech, providing a comprehensive assessment.
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It's like having an AI judge. Yeah. But one that's actually helpful and supportive.
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Exactly. And it goes beyond just assigning a score. Oh.
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My speaking score provides detailed feedback. Okay. Highlighting areas for improvement.
(4:07 - 4:11)
I see. And offering targeted suggestions. So it's not just identifying weaknesses.
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Right. It's guiding you towards solutions. Precisely.
(4:15 - 4:18)
It sounds like a personalized roadmap. Yeah. For improving your speaking skills.
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And because it's AI-powered, learners can practice anytime, anywhere. Wow, that's convenient. Receiving instant feedback and guidance.
(4:27 - 4:33)
So it's like having a speech coach available 24-7. Yeah. But the Bangladesh study focused on writing.
(4:33 - 4:41)
Right. And my speaking score is all about speaking. Are there any parallels we can draw between the two? Absolutely.
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How so? The underlying principles are the same. Okay. Whether it's writing or speaking, AI can provide personalized feedback.
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Yeah. Reduce anxiety and boost motivation. Makes sense.
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Leading to more effective learning. So the key takeaways from the study. Yeah.
(4:55 - 5:00)
Like the importance of immediate feedback. Right. And a non-judgmental learning environment.
(5:00 - 5:12)
Exactly. Apply equally to speaking practice. Precisely.
And this is where tools like MySpeakingScore shine. Oh, how so? They create a safe space for learners to practice. Okay.
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Receive constructive criticism. Uh-huh. And track their progress without feeling intimidated.
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This is all incredibly exciting. It is. But are there any potential downsides or challenges associated with using AI for language learning and test prep? That's a great question.
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And it's important to acknowledge that AI is not a magic bullet. Right. It's a powerful tool.
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But it needs to be used thoughtfully and responsibly. What are some things we should be cautious about? One potential concern is over-reliance on technology. Okay.
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While AI can provide incredible support. Yeah. It's important for learners to maintain agency over their learning process.
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So it's about finding the right balance. Right. Between leveraging AI and developing critical thinking skills.
(6:01 - 6:04)
Yeah. And self-directed learning strategies. Exactly.
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AI should complement, not replace human interaction and guidance. That's an important point. Yeah.
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Another challenge is ensuring that AI-powered language learning tools are accessible to all learners. Absolutely. If we don't address those barriers, AI could inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities in education.
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I see what you mean. It's not enough to just develop the technology. Yeah.
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We need to create an ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from it. That's a crucial point. So we need to approach AI in education with both enthusiasm and a critical eye.
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Embracing its potential while being mindful of its limitations. Exactly. And it's an ongoing conversation.
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As AI continues to evolve, we need to constantly reassess its impact. Yeah. And adjust our approach accordingly.
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Well, before we wrap up this deep dive. Okay. I want to circle back to my speaking score.
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Yeah. And its potential to transform not just test prep, but language learning as a whole. I think one of the most exciting aspects is its ability to personalize the learning experience.
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You've mentioned personalization before. Can you elaborate on why it's so important? Well, traditional language learning methods often follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Okay.
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Which can be ineffective for many learners. I see. Everyone learns at their own pace and has their own strengths and weaknesses.
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But personalization is about tailoring the learning experience to those individual needs. AI-powered tools like my speaking score. Can analyze a learner's speech patterns.
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Ah. Identify areas where they need improvement. Yeah.
(7:37 - 7:46)
And provide targeted feedback and practice exercises. That makes a lot of sense. This level of customization can make language learning more efficient, engaging, and effective.
(7:46 - 7:54)
It sounds like AI is taking on the role of a personal tutor. Yeah. But one that's available to everyone.
(7:54 - 7:56)
Right. And that's truly transformative. It is.
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And this brings us back to the research from Bangladesh. Okay. While the study focused on writing the findings about the positive impact of personalized feedback and a reduced anxiety learning environment are directly applicable to speaking practice.
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So tools like my speaking score are not only convenient and accessible. Right. But also backed by research.
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Yeah. That shows they can actually improve the learning process. Exactly.
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And that's what makes this technology so exciting. It's not just hype. It's about empowering learners.
(8:27 - 8:32)
Oh, wow. And creating a more equitable and effective educational landscape. This has been an incredibly insightful conversation.
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We've covered a lot of ground. We have. But there's still more to explore.
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Definitely. When we come back for the final part. Okay.
(8:38 - 8:46)
We'll delve deeper into the future of AI-powered language learning. Sounds good. And the broader implications of this technology.
(8:46 - 8:53)
Okay. For education and beyond. And we're back ready to explore the future of AI-powered language learning.
(8:53 - 9:01)
In the previous parts, we discussed how AI is personalizing feedback. Reducing anxiety and making advanced learning resources. Right.
(9:02 - 9:13)
Accessible to students worldwide. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. So what's next? What can we expect to see in the years to come? Well, I think AI is going to become even more integrated into our lives.
(9:13 - 9:19)
Yeah. Including how we learn languages. Can you give us some specific examples? Imagine AI-powered virtual assistants.
(9:20 - 9:23)
Okay. That can converse with you in multiple languages. Wow.
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Helping you practice in real time. That would be amazing. Providing instant feedback.
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It's like having a language partner who's always available even at 3 a.m. Exactly. And these virtual assistants will become increasingly sophisticated. Oh, wow.
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Able to adapt to your individual learning style. Okay. And even tailor conversations to your interests.
(9:44 - 9:47)
That's incredible. It would be like having a personal language tutor. Yeah.
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Who knows exactly what you need to learn and how you learn best. And think about the potential for language immersion. Okay, I'm intrigued.
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We could see the development of AI-powered virtual reality environments. Oh, wow. That simulate real-world scenarios.
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So you could practice ordering food in a Peruvian cafe or asking for directions in Tokyo. Right. All from the comfort of your own home.
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That's right. It would revolutionize how we approach language learning. Yeah.
(10:16 - 10:21)
Making it more immersive, engaging, and effective. Wow. That's a game changer.
(10:21 - 10:25)
Sounds like science fiction. Yeah. But it could be reality sooner than we think.
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It's closer than you might imagine. AI is advancing at an incredible pace. And what about the role of AI in language assessment? Will we still need standardized tests like the COFL in the future? That's a great question.
(10:37 - 10:57)
And I think AI will definitely change how we assess language proficiency. In what ways? We could see the development of AI-powered assessment tools that are more dynamic, adaptive, and personalized. So instead of a one-size-fits-all test, you might have an assessment that adjusts to your individual strengths and weaknesses.
(10:57 - 11:09)
Exactly. And these assessments could be ongoing, tracking your progress over time, and providing you with continuous feedback. That would be so much more valuable than a single test score.
(11:09 - 11:28)
It would. And it would align with the reality that language learning is a continuous journey, not a one-time event. So we're kind of seeing a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of language learning, from personalized instruction to immersive practice to ongoing assessment.
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It's a future full of possibilities. And it's an exciting time to be involved in this field. Absolutely.
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And I think it's important to acknowledge that AI is not just about technology. It's about people. It's about empowering learners.
(11:41 - 11:49)
Yeah. Breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable and accessible world of education. And as we've discussed, there are challenges to address.
(11:50 - 12:00)
Right. Such as ensuring equitable access to technology and fostering responsible AI development. Those are crucial considerations, and we need to be mindful of them as we move forward.
(12:00 - 12:12)
But if we can navigate those challenges thoughtfully, AI has the potential to truly revolutionize language learning. Right. And unlock a world of opportunity.
(12:12 - 12:19)
I couldn't agree more. So we've reached the end of our deep dive into AI-powered language learning. It's been a fascinating journey.
(12:19 - 12:25)
We've explored the current landscape. Oh, yeah. Delved into cutting-edge research and even glimpsed into the future.
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And I think the key takeaway is this. What's that? AI is transforming how we learn languages, and the possibilities are truly limitless. Well, if you're feeling inspired to embark on your own language learning adventure, I encourage you to explore the resources available online.
(12:41 - 12:53)
Definitely. And consider trying out an AI-powered tool like MySpeakingScore. It's a great way to experience the power of AI firsthand and see how it can personalize your learning journey.
(12:53 - 13:07)
And remember, language learning is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, celebrate the small victories, and never stop exploring. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into the world of AI-powered language learning.
(13:07 - 13:14)
It's been a pleasure. Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
