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.
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TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
The Use of Language Proficiency Test Scores in Graduate Admissions
How important are language proficiency test scores in graduate admissions, and how are they evolving in the age of AI? In this episode, we explore the role of the TOEFL and other standardized tests in university admissions, diving into their history, challenges, and the impact of AI-driven tools like SpeechRater. From personalized feedback to overcoming biases in language assessments, we discuss how technology is reshaping the way international students prepare for high-stakes exams. Join us as we examine the balance between AI innovation and human connection in education.
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Welcome to another deep dive. Today, we're looking at a research paper that kind of changes how we think about learning languages.
(0:48 - 1:04)
It's called Skill Profiles of Japanese English Learners and Reasons for Uneven Patterns. It's full of really interesting stuff for anyone learning a new language, especially if you're thinking about taking a test like the TOEFL. One of the things that really jumped out at me was this idea of skill profiles.
(1:05 - 1:17)
You know, we talk about being good or bad at a language, but this research breaks it down into listening, reading, speaking, and writing. And guess what? They found 75 different skill profiles. It really is fascinating.
(1:17 - 1:31)
It challenges that simple idea of fluency and shows how diverse language ability can be. Instead of just saying someone is B1 or C2, this research looks closely at their strengths and weaknesses across those four skills. 75 profiles, wow, that's amazing.
(1:31 - 1:47)
But before we get lost in all those numbers, can you give us a clearer picture? What makes these profiles so different? What kind of variations are we talking about? Okay, so imagine this. A flat profile means all your skills are at about the same level. Like maybe you're a B1 across the board in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
(1:48 - 1:54)
But that's actually less common than you might think. Really? I thought most people would be relatively balanced. Nope.
(1:54 - 2:11)
The research actually found that uneven profiles, where some skills are much stronger than others, are way more common. For example, you might be great at reading at a C1 level, but only at an A2 for speaking. And that's where things get really interesting, especially when we think about tests like the TOEFL.
(2:11 - 2:15)
Oh yes, the TOEFL. Yeah. A test that many people are afraid of.
(2:15 - 2:25)
But I can already see how these uneven skill profiles could make some sections much harder. Exactly. And this research was focused on Japanese people learning English who often show a specific pattern.
(2:26 - 2:42)
They have strong reading skills, but their speaking and writing abilities lag behind. Okay, that makes sense when you think about how much emphasis there is on reading in the Japanese education system, right? Exactly. The researchers found that university entrance exams, which are very focused on reading comprehension, play a big part.
(2:43 - 2:55)
Students end up getting a lot of practice in that area, but might not have as many chances to develop their speaking and writing. It's like training for a marathon, but only ever practicing sprints. Your endurance won't be good enough.
(2:55 - 3:07)
So it's not just about your overall ability, but also how that ability is spread across these core skills. And that distribution is really influenced by educational experiences. Exactly, right.
(3:07 - 3:19)
But the research didn't just stop at identifying patterns. They actually interviewed the learners to understand the why behind these uneven profiles. And what they found is that learners often recognize this difference themselves.
(3:19 - 3:35)
They said their lower scores in certain skills were because they didn't practice enough or weren't familiar with the test format. Okay, so it's not always about lacking the ability, but more about having the right kind of practice and preparation. This seems especially relevant to the TOEFL speaking section, which I know a lot of people find really difficult.
(3:35 - 3:53)
Absolutely. The TOEFL speaking section needs specific skills, like presenting complex arguments clearly and quickly under time pressure, which many learners might not have because they haven't had enough focused practice. And this is where we see the real impact of these uneven skill profiles.
(3:53 - 4:10)
They can create big problems for students who want to get their desired TOEFL scores. It's almost like having all the ingredients for a great meal, but not knowing how to use the oven properly. You might have the vocabulary and grammar, but if you haven't practiced organizing your thoughts and speaking clearly in a time setting, you're gonna have trouble.
(4:11 - 4:19)
That's a great way to put it. And it highlights a really important point. Just being able to have a conversation in English isn't enough to do well on the TOEFL speaking section.
(4:19 - 4:32)
You need specific practice in the skills and formats that the test requires. So it's about closing the gap between general proficiency and being able to take the test well. And this is where technology, especially AI, can really help, right? Right.
(4:33 - 4:51)
And this is where things get really interesting. Imagine having a personal speaking coach available 24-7, giving you detailed feedback on your pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and even how well your ideas are organized. That's what AI-powered tools like platforms using speech reader technology can do.
(4:51 - 5:05)
Speech reader. Can you tell us more about how that works and how it's changing the game for TOEFL Prep? Sure. Speech reader is basically an AI-powered engine that analyzes your speech and gives you very specific feedback across different areas.
(5:06 - 5:19)
Think of it as a virtual coach who tells you exactly what you need to work on, from cutting down on filler words to improving how you argue your points. Wow, that's some really detailed feedback. It's like having a microscope looking at your speaking habits and helping you see where you need to improve.
(5:19 - 5:32)
Exactly. And that level of personalized feedback can be a real game changer, especially for learners who might not have access to experienced TOEFL tutors or who are studying on their own. It's like making expert guidance available to everyone.
(5:33 - 5:49)
But before we talk more about that broader impact, I want to go back to the research for a minute. We talked about how educational systems contribute to those uneven skill profiles, but were there other things involved? Yes. The researchers also found that personal learning preferences and strategies played a role.
(5:49 - 6:08)
Some learners admitted that they liked doing activities they enjoyed, like reading, while neglecting things they found harder, like speaking. So it's not just external pressures, but also internal motivations that shape these profiles. We might unconsciously go towards what we're comfortable with, even if it means ignoring areas where we need to improve.
(6:08 - 6:19)
Exactly. And this highlights how important it is to be aware of ourselves in the language learning process. We need to recognize our own tendencies, both the strengths we can use and the weaknesses we need to work on.
(6:19 - 6:34)
It's about becoming in charge of our own learning journeys, recognizing that it's not a straight path, but a dynamic process of self-discovery and adaptation. I couldn't have said it better myself. And this is where AI tools can be really helpful in guiding that journey.
(6:34 - 6:56)
Imagine a platform that not only assesses your current skill profile, but also recommends personalized learning paths based on your goals and what you like. So instead of a general curriculum, you're getting a learning experience that's made just for your individual needs and goals. It's like having a GPS for your language learning journey, helping you navigate the twists and turns and get to your destination.
(6:56 - 7:12)
Exactly. And as these technologies keep getting better, we can expect even more sophisticated personalization and guidance. AI can analyze huge amounts of data about how people learn, identify effective strategies, and adapt to individual progress in real time.
(7:12 - 7:26)
This is really giving us a picture of a future where learning is not only personalized, but also incredibly efficient. No more wasting time on methods that aren't working for you. It's about getting the right support at the right time and maximizing your learning potential.
(7:26 - 7:43)
Exactly. And that's especially exciting when you think about what it means for learners who might not have had access to these kinds of resources before. You're talking about how AI can make things more fair, making high quality language learning and test prep available to anyone with an internet connection, no matter where they live or their economic background.
(7:43 - 8:08)
Exactly. Imagine a student in a rural community who wants to study abroad, but doesn't have access to expensive tutors or special courses, AI can bridge that gap by giving them the tools and guidance they need to succeed on exams like the TOEFL and open up those opportunities. It's like breaking down geographical and economic barriers and creating a more level playing field where everyone has a chance to achieve their goals.
(8:08 - 8:16)
Exactly. And it's not just about empowering individuals. Think about the collective benefits of a world that's more connected globally and linguistically diverse.
(8:17 - 8:29)
It's about encouraging cross-cultural understanding, breaking down communication barriers and opening up new possibilities for collaboration and innovation. Exactly. And AI is playing a key role in making that happen.
(8:29 - 8:40)
It's letting us rethink what's possible in language learning and change the educational landscape in big ways. But it's not about replacing human connection or the role of teachers. I was just gonna ask about that.
(8:40 - 8:50)
Some people might be worried that AI will make teachers unnecessary, but I think you have a different view. Definitely. I see AI as a powerful tool for teachers, not a replacement.
(8:51 - 9:08)
Think of it this way. AI can handle the more routine tasks like grading multiple choice quizzes or giving basic grammar feedback. This gives teachers more time to focus on what they do best, building relationships with students, encouraging critical thinking and providing personalized guidance and support.
(9:08 - 9:21)
So it's about creating a dynamic partnership between humans and technology, where each one uses its unique strengths to create a more enriching and effective learning experience. Exactly. And that's where I see the real potential of AI in education.
(9:21 - 9:37)
It's not about replacing human connection, but about making it better, making learning more engaging, personalized and accessible for everyone. And that brings us to a really important question. Where do we go from here? What does the future hold for language learning in this age of AI? Oh, absolutely.
(9:37 - 9:49)
One of the biggest challenges with the TOEFL speaking section is the time pressure. You know, you have a limited time to think and then give your response. Speech Raider can help learners get used to that by simulating the PEST environment.
(9:49 - 9:58)
They can practice answering within the time limit and get feedback right away on how they did, which is super helpful. Yeah. So it's like having a practice run before the big performance.
(9:59 - 10:06)
You can work out any problems and get more confident in a less stressful setting. Exactly. And Speech Raider does more than just timing.
(10:07 - 10:20)
Let's say you use filler words too much, like um, or like. Speech Raider will point those out so you become aware of the habit and can work on stopping it. Or maybe you have trouble making clear and organized arguments.
(10:20 - 10:32)
Speech Raider can look at the structure of your answer and give you specific tips on how to make your points stronger. Wow, that's really detailed feedback. It's like having a magnifying glass on your speaking habits, helping you see the little things you need to polish.
(10:32 - 10:41)
Exactly. And that kind of personalized insight can make a huge difference. Especially for people who might not have access to good TOEFL tutors or who are studying by themselves.
(10:41 - 10:54)
It's like giving everyone access to expert advice. But before we go deeper into that bigger impact, I want to circle back to the research for a second. We talked about how education systems contribute to those uneven skill profiles.
(10:55 - 11:14)
But were there other factors at play? Yeah, the researchers also found that personal learning preferences and strategies played a role. Some learners said they were drawn to activities they enjoyed like reading, but they kind of neglected things they found harder, like speaking. So it's not just outside pressures, but also our own internal motivations that shape these profiles.
(11:15 - 11:25)
We might unconsciously gravitate towards what's comfortable, even if it means ignoring areas where we need to grow. Exactly. And this highlights the importance of self-awareness when learning a language.
(11:25 - 11:39)
We need to recognize our own tendencies, both the strengths we can use and the weaknesses we need to work on. It's about taking control of our own learning journeys. And understanding that it's not a straight line, but a dynamic process of discovering things about ourselves and adapting.
(11:39 - 11:55)
You said that perfectly. And this is where AI tools can be really powerful in guiding that journey. Imagine a platform that not only figures out your current skill profile, but also suggests personalized learning paths based on what you want to achieve and what you like.
(11:55 - 12:08)
So instead of a generic one-size-fits-all curriculum, you're getting a learning experience tailored to your specific needs and aspirations. It's like having a GPS for your language learning journey, guiding you through all the twists and turns to reach your destination. Exactly.
(12:09 - 12:28)
And as these technologies get even better, we can expect more sophisticated personalization and guidance. AI can analyze massive amounts of data about how people learn, identify effective strategies, and adapt to individual progress as it happens. This is really painting a picture of a future where learning is not only personalized, but also incredibly efficient.
(12:29 - 12:37)
No more wasting time on methods that don't work for you. It's all about getting the right support at the right time and maximizing your learning potential. Precisely.
(12:37 - 12:55)
And that's especially exciting when you think about what it means for learners who might not have had access to these kinds of resources before. You're talking about how AI can democratize things right, making high-quality language learning and test prep available to anyone with an internet connection no matter where they live or their economic background. Exactly.
(12:55 - 13:20)
Imagine a student in a rural community who dreams of studying abroad, but doesn't have access to expensive tutors or specialized courses. AI can bridge that gap by providing them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed on exams like the TOEFL and open those doors of opportunity. It's like breaking down those geographical and socioeconomic barriers and creating a more level playing field where everyone has a fair shot at achieving their goal.
(13:20 - 13:28)
Exactly. And it's not just about individual empowerment. Think about the benefits for everyone of a world that's more connected and where people speak different languages.
(13:28 - 13:42)
It's about fostering understanding between cultures breaking down those communication walls and opening up new possibilities for people to work together and come up with new ideas. Exactly. And AI is playing a vital role in making that happen.
(13:43 - 13:54)
It's allowing us to rethink what's possible in language learning and change the way education works in profound ways. But it's not about replacing human connection or the role of teachers. I was just about to ask about that.
(13:54 - 14:04)
Some people might worry that AI will make teachers obsolete, but I think you have a different perspective. Absolutely. I see AI as a powerful tool that can help teachers not replace them.
(14:05 - 14:21)
Think of it this way. AI can handle the more routine tasks like grading multiple choice quizzes or giving basic grammar feedback. This frees up teachers to focus on what they do best, building relationships with students, encouraging critical thinking and providing that personalized guidance and support.
(14:21 - 14:33)
So it's about creating this dynamic partnership between humans and technology where each one uses its strengths to create a richer and more effective learning experience. Exactly. And that's where I see the true potential of AI in education.
(14:33 - 14:54)
It's not about replacing human connection, but about making it better, making learning more engaging, more personalized and accessible to everyone. And that leads us to a crucial question. Where do we go from here? What does the future hold for language learning in this age of AI? Well, it really feels like we're at the beginning of something big.
(14:55 - 15:07)
You know what excites me the most? It's the potential for learning that's truly personalized, but available to everyone. So like a custom roadmap for your language journey guiding you to fluency with like perfect accuracy. Exactly.
(15:07 - 15:18)
AI can look at tons of data on how people learn and then tailor the instruction based on your strengths, weaknesses and even how you prefer to learn. No more generic textbooks or those one size fits all language courses. Nope.
(15:18 - 15:31)
Everyone gets an experience that's designed just for them. And this personalization goes further than just the content itself. AI can also adjust the pace and style of how you learn, making sure it's challenging enough to keep you interested, but not too overwhelming.
(15:32 - 15:48)
It's like having a personal tutor who's always changing their approach to keep you motivated and moving forward. This sounds amazing, but it makes me wonder about the role of actual human interaction in learning a language. Can AI really replace those subtle things you learn in real life conversations and cultural exchanges? That's a great point.
(15:49 - 16:10)
While AI can definitely help and improve language learning, it can't replace the richness of talking to real people. What I see in the future is AI and human teachers working together. AI can handle the more structured parts like grammar and vocabulary, and human teachers can focus on developing communication skills, cultural understanding and that crucial human connection.
(16:11 - 16:19)
Finding the right balance then. Using the strengths of both AI and human teaching to create a really well-rounded and effective learning experience. Exactly.
(16:19 - 16:40)
And as AI keeps getting better, we can expect even more advanced tools that blur the lines between the virtual world and the real world. Imagine immersive virtual reality environments where you can practice your language skills in realistic settings, interacting with AI-powered characters that challenge you and adapt as you progress. Like stepping into a language learning video game where every interaction levels up your skills.
(16:41 - 16:53)
Exactly. And these immersive experiences can go beyond just practicing language. They can also give you insights into different cultures, helping you develop empathy and understanding in ways that traditional textbooks just can't.
(16:54 - 17:06)
This paints such an exciting picture of the future, where learning a language is not only more effective, but also more engaging and accessible. Yeah. But it's not just about individual benefits, right? There are bigger societal implications too.
(17:06 - 17:18)
Absolutely. A world where people are more connected linguistically is a world where there's more collaboration and innovation. Imagine the amazing things we could achieve if people from different backgrounds could communicate and understand each other easily.
(17:19 - 17:37)
AI can be the key to that kind of global understanding, breaking down language barriers and opening up new ways for people to work together. Like building bridges between cultures, encouraging collaboration and understanding on a scale we've never seen before. And it all starts with giving individuals the power to unlock their own potential for language learning.
(17:37 - 17:50)
Precisely. And as we embrace this amazing power of AI, we also need to think about the ethical side of things. We have to make sure these technologies are developed and used responsibly so they promote fairness and access for all learners.
(17:51 - 18:04)
It's about using AI for good as a force for positive change in the world. And that starts with education, with giving people the language skills they need to connect, collaborate and thrive in a world that's increasingly interconnected. Well said.
(18:05 - 18:16)
And to all our listeners out there, I encourage you to embrace the possibilities of this new era in language learning. Explore the tools, challenge yourself and never stop learning. The future is yours to create.
(18:17 - 18:28)
It's a future full of potential and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together. Thanks for taking us on this fascinating deep dive and to our listeners, keep those language learning passions alive. We'll see you next time for another journey into the world of knowledge.
