Can Human Feedback Lower Test Anxiety in Speaking Assessments?

In this episode of the TOEFL Speaking Prep Podcast, we dive into groundbreaking research exploring how dynamic assessment (DA) and group-based feedback can transform the way we approach speaking tests. Discover how techniques like group dynamic assessment (GDA) create supportive environments that lower anxiety while boosting speaking skills.

We also explore the role of AI as a personalized tutor, providing consistent, positive feedback and making high-quality language learning accessible to learners everywhere. How can innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge technology break down barriers, build confidence, and make language learning exciting? Tune in to find out how these tools are reshaping education and empowering students around the globe.

💡 Perfect for TOEFL test takers, language enthusiasts, and educators looking for strategies to turn speaking anxiety into confidence!

🎧 Don't miss this inspiring deep dive into the future of language learning. 🚀

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Transcript

Hey everyone and welcome back we're diving deep into something pretty important today The TOEFL speaking test. Yeah, a lot of people get nervous about this one So we're gonna break down some fascinating research about teaching and assessing speaking skills and even how AI is changing the game You know, what's really interesting about this research. It tackles this big issue for English learners Speaking anxiety. 

Yeah, especially when it comes to those high-stakes tests like the TOEFL We're talking about students globally working so hard to improve their English, but then those nerves just kick in It's like, you know all the words you got that grammar down But then BAM you sit for the speaking test and your mind goes blank, right? And this research is saying that those traditional testing methods might actually be adding to that anxiety How so well they often don't give that personalized feedback that students need, you know The kind that helps them figure out their strengths and weaknesses. 

So you're saying it's not just about knowing the language It's about feeling good enough confident enough to actually use it. I see this study talks about dynamic assessment or DA What's that all about? Okay, so think of this as a way more interactive approach to assessment You know, unlike those static tests where you're just answering questions DA is like a back-and-forth between the teacher and the student. 

It's more like a conversation Yeah, it's a learning partnership where the teachers guiding and supporting in real time helping the student really reach their potential They use an interesting term in the research zone of proximal development. What is that? Yeah, it sounds complicated But it's basically where learning happens best that sweet spot where you're challenged But you've got the support to succeed like let's say you're working on a tough TOEFL practice question and you're stuck your teacher gives you a hint and suddenly it clicks you're in the zone Gotcha. So how does this DA thing work in real life? Well the study focused on group dynamic assessment It's called GDA students work together in small groups getting feedback from the teacher and each other So it's more like a team effort than that one-on-one pressure Exactly. 

Imagine the possibilities you practice speaking in a safe space get feedback from different angles and learn from each other I love that. They also mentioned a mediation scale in the research. Oh, yeah. 

What's that? Basically? It's a roadmap for the teacher It gives them different levels of support They can offer from little hints to bigger explanations depending on what the student needs kind of like a customized support system Yeah, you got it. You get the right help at the right time to build your skills. And here's the amazing part The researchers found that GDA not only improved speaking scores, but students also felt less anxious Wait, so they're learning better and feeling calmer. 

Mm-hmm. That's incredible It really shows how important it is to create a good learning environment one where students feel okay taking risks and making mistakes Those are part of the process especially with language learning This is giving me so much hope for anyone out there prepping for the TOEFL speaking test Imagine feeling confident and strong instead of stressed and lost and that's where AI comes in Taking personalized learning to a whole new level. Hold on AI This is getting interesting Tell me more. 

Imagine having a personal language coach 24-7 giving you feedback on your pronunciation fluency grammar vocabulary That's what AI can do so like an AI tutor listening and giving you tips you got it Platforms with speech reader technology can analyze your speaking in real time giving you specific feedback Wow, but is this only for a select few can anyone use these AI tools? That's the best part AI is breaking down barriers and giving everyone access no matter where they are or their background These platforms are for anyone with an internet connection This is seriously a game-changer for language learning and we're just getting started, right? I can't wait to hear more Oh, there's so much more to unpack What really stood out to me was how the research emphasized the importance of giving feedback in the right way You mean like how some students saw feedback as correction and not mediation. 

I found that interesting, too Yeah It shows that feedback even when it's meant to be helpful can be interpreted differently by students Some might see it as guidance others might feel criticized and that can be discouraging Especially when you're already nervous about speaking in a new language any negative feedback and just hit your confidence hard You know, you're trying your best and then you hear you're doing it wrong exactly And that's why it's so important to create an environment where feedback is seen as a way to grow not as something negative You know it's about pointing out what the student is doing well giving specific tips for Improvement and framing it all in a positive way and I think that's where AI could be super helpful, right? I can be programmed to give feedback in a very specific and consistent way Yeah, always focusing on the positive and avoiding language that might make the learner feel bad. 

You're absolutely right Imagine an AI tutor that not only tells you what needs work But also explains why certain pronunciations or grammar work better and then gives you personalized exercises to practice It's like having a language coach just for you like that saying practice makes progress Not practice makes perfect It's about taking those mistakes and learning from them and having support to keep going I think this research also has some interesting things to say about education on a global scale. 

Definitely We've talked about AI making those quality language learning resources more accessible, but it's even bigger than that AI can personalize learning for everyone no matter their background location or learning style So whether you're a student in a big city or a small village Whether you're learning English for business or travel AI can create a learning plan just for you exactly It's about making things fair and giving everyone the power to reach their language goals It's about breaking down those language barriers that can feel so huge It's about opening up a world of opportunities for communication Connection and understanding and it's about making people love learning languages making them curious and excited to explore new cultures and ways of thinking This research just shows a little bit of what's possible when we mix new teaching methods with technology. 

This has been such an eye-opening conversation We've covered so much from the challenges of the TOEFL speaking test to dynamic assessment and AI transforming language education And there's more I got some final thoughts and insights that I think will really resonate with you. Don't go anywhere everyone We'll be right back to wrap up our deep dive into the future of language learning. There's a lot to unpack here You know, it really struck me How they emphasized giving feedback the right way. 

Oh, yeah that part about some students seeing it as correction Not mediation. Yeah. Yeah, I found that interesting too. 

It just goes to show Yeah, even with the best intentions feedback lands differently for different people Some might see it as help while others feel like they're being picked on and that can be so discouraging, you know Especially when you're already nervous about speaking in a new language Yeah Any negative feedback can just tank your confidence like you're trying your hardest and then BAM someone tells you it's wrong Exactly, and that's why it's crucial to create an environment where feedback is a tool for growth not a weapon It's about focusing on what they're doing Well offering concrete suggestions and keeping it positive and this is where I think AI can really shine Right because AI can be programmed to give feedback in such a specific and consistent way.

Yeah, always positive never using language that makes the learner feel bad You're spot-on imagine an AI tutor that not only points out areas for improvement, but actually explains why certain things work better You know like certain pronunciations or grammar and then it gives you these custom exercises It's like having your own personal language coach. It's like that saying practice makes progress not perfect Yeah, it's about learning from those mistakes and having the support to keep going Yeah, I think this research also has some really interesting implications for education globally. 

Absolutely We've talked about AI making high quality language resources more accessible But it goes even further AI can personalize learning for everyone no matter who they are or where they are or how they learn best So whether you're in a bustling city or a small village learning English for business or pleasure AI can build you a unique learning path exactly It's about creating a level playing field and empowering every student to reach their full potential It's about smashing those language barriers that can seem so impossible It's about opening up a world of opportunities for communication Connection and understanding and it's about cultivating a love of language learning that sense of excitement and curiosity about new cultures and perspectives. 

This research gives us a glimpse of what's possible when we combine innovative teaching with the power of tech This has been an incredible conversation We've covered so much the challenges of the TOEFL speaking test the power of dynamic assessment And the way AI is changing language education as we know it and guess what we're not done yet I have some final thoughts and insights that I think you'll really find interesting. 

Don't go anywhere everyone We'll be right back to wrap up our deep dive into the future of language learning We're back for the last part of our deep dive and this research has really gotten me thinking about the future of language learning You know what I mean? It's pretty amazing stuff, right? This study just scratches the surface, but it shows us What we can achieve when we're not afraid to try new things and use technology to our advantage. 

This whole idea of personalized learning keeps coming back to me It's like we all know that people learn differently But with AI we can actually create learning experiences that are tailored to each individual's needs in a way that was never possible before Exactly AI can process tons of data to figure out how you learn best what you're good at What you need to work on your preferred learning styles, and then it can create a custom path just for you.

So it's not just about access to resources. It's about access to the right resources the ones that will actually help you make progress That's where it gets really interesting imagine a world where every student no matter where they are or what their background is has access to a Personalized language learning experience that sets them up for success. That's a vision worth fighting for it's about breaking down those barriers You know geography money learning differences and creating a world where everyone has the chance to be their best And it's not just about test scores or doing well in school It's about giving people the power to connect with each other share ideas and build bridges across cultures Language is the key to all of that. 

We talked earlier about how anxious students feel about speaking tests like the TOEFL But imagine a future where AI can help us change that mindset Where students see these tests as a chance to show off what they've learned and celebrate how far they've come Instead of being afraid of them now, that's what i'm talking about It's about making language learning something exciting and fun instead of something scary AI can help create that kind of positive learning environment. 

There are already some incredible AI powered platforms out there You know the ones that offer personalized feedback Adaptive learning paths and interactive exercises that make learning fun and engaging and this is just the beginning As AI keeps getting better the possibilities for language learning are endless So if you're working on your TOEFL or if you just love languages and the power of communication I encourage you to check out these new tools and explore everything they have to offer The future of language learning is all about collaboration personalization and the power of AI That's something to get excited about.
 And that's a wrap on our deep dive into the world of the TOEFL speaking test and the future of language learning We hope you enjoyed this exploration as much as we did Until next time keep learning keep growing and keep those language skills sharp.