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)
AI and Learning Outcomes: Impact on Speaking, Autonomy, and Well-Being
How is AI transforming the way we learn languages? In this episode, we explore the latest research on AI-driven language learning, focusing on tools like MySpeakingScore and their impact on TOEFL preparation. Discover how AI provides instant, personalized feedback, reduces anxiety, and fosters academic resilience—helping learners become more confident and autonomous. We also discuss the balance between AI and human instruction, the future of personalized learning, and the ethical considerations of AI in education. Tune in to see how AI is shaping the future of language learning!
Source
Free TOEFL Speaking practice:
Free resources:
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My Speaking Score serves 000s of users across the globe by helping them data-power their TOEFL Speaking prep.
Free TOEFL Speaking practice:
Free resources:
Social:
My Speaking Score serves 000s of users across the globe by helping them data-power their TOEFL Speaking prep.
(0:00 - 0:57)
All right, so are you ready to dive into how AI could totally change language learning, especially if you're thinking about a test like the TOEFL? Yeah, definitely. You know, we're going to look at some really interesting research that you sent me about AI in language learning, and specifically, it's really cool how a tool called MySpeakingScore is already helping over 100,000 students get ready for the TOEFL speaking part. Wait, that many students? Okay, now I'm really interested.
You know, I've always thought that for most people learning a language, speaking is the part that freaks them out the most. You know, you need to be confident and think on your feet. Yeah, it's true.
Speaking can be super scary. This research actually says that even people learning English as a foreign language, even after studying for years, they can still have trouble speaking. Yeah, it makes sense.
You know, just like reciting grammar rules, you have to put it all together, like right there on the spot. Right, exactly. Which brings us to this whole AI thing.
(0:57 - 1:55)
I'm still trying to understand how AI can actually judge spoken language. It's really amazing. We're talking about AI that can listen to how you pronounce things, how fluent you are, your vocabulary, even your grammar, all the stuff that makes you a good speaker.
And MySpeakingScore uses AI from SpeechRater to give you super specific feedback. So it's like having your own personal TOEFL coach, but without having to actually talk to a person. Yeah, that's a good way to put it.
It can be less scary than getting feedback from a teacher, especially when you're still getting comfortable with the language. Makes sense. But is it really as effective? I mean, can AI really get all the little things that make human speech what it is? That's where the research gets really interesting.
The students using these AI tools are not just getting better scores. They're actually saying they're less anxious than those getting feedback from human teachers. Wow.
That's a surprise. Yeah. I would have thought having a person listen to you would be less stressful.
(1:56 - 2:05)
Yeah, you would think so, right? But think about it. You're already feeling kind of exposed trying to speak in a new language. And then you've got a person, like a teacher, judging everything you say.
(2:06 - 3:20)
It can make you feel like you're on the spot, and that can make you anxious. So practicing with AI is like having a safe space to mess up without being judged. Exactly.
You're free to try things out, push yourself, and you know that's really important for language learning. And I bet that's why there's another interesting finding. The AI feedback actually makes students more motivated.
Isn't that wild? Totally. It's all about that instant feedback. When you're learning anything, those little wins, those aha moments are so powerful.
They make you want to keep going. And with AI, you're getting that feedback instantly, so you can see yourself getting better in real time. Exactly.
It keeps you interested and motivated, you know, in a way that regular methods sometimes don't, especially when you're prepping for a big test like the TOEFL, where the pressure is on, and you need to see results fast. Speaking of the TOEFL, I'd really like to know more about how my speaking score actually works when you use it. What can students expect? Okay, so imagine you're working on one of the TOEFL speaking tasks.
You record yourself answering a question, just like in the real test. Then my speaking score's AI comes in and looks at everything you said, from pronunciation and intonation to grammar and vocabulary. So it's like having a virtual TOEFL examiner right in your pocket.
(3:20 - 3:33)
Uh-huh, yeah. And what's really helpful is that it doesn't just give you a score, it breaks down how you did in different areas. So you might see you're doing awesome on fluency, but you know, need to work on vocabulary or how you say certain sounds.
(3:33 - 3:52)
And that level of detail is what makes it so helpful for getting ready for the TOEFL right. You know exactly what to work on. Right.
You're not just guessing, you have a clear plan based on real data to help you practice. And this is all powered by AI. It's crazy to think how technology is making these really advanced learning tools available to students all over the world.
(3:52 - 4:04)
It really is. We're talking about tools that used to be only for people who could afford private tutors or fancy language programs. Now anyone with internet can use them.
(4:04 - 4:30)
And that's huge for the future of language learning, especially for tests like the TOEFL, which are so important for education and jobs. Yeah, it's like making things fair, giving everyone an equal chance no matter where they come from or where they live. Exactly.
And that's one of the most exciting parts of this tech. It can make education accessible to everyone, but there's more to it than just scores and access. This AI feedback seems to be changing how students learn in general.
(4:30 - 4:53)
Oh, you mean how it encourages them to be more independent and take charge of their learning? Yeah, that's a big part of it. And this research actually uses a special term for it, academic buoyancy. Academic buoyancy.
Okay, that's a new one. What does that mean? It's basically about how well you can bounce back from tough stuff and setbacks when you're learning. Think of it like a mental spring that helps you power through when you hit a wall or, you know, feel discouraged.
(4:53 - 5:51)
Well, we've all been there. Like when you totally bomb a quiz or can't wrap your head around a new grammar concept. Exactly.
And what's really cool is that the research suggests using tools like MySpeakingScore with its AI feedback can actually make your academic buoyancy stronger, especially when you're practicing speaking. So it's not just about getting better at pronunciation or vocabulary, it's about building a mindset, a toughness that keeps you going even when things are hard. Exactly.
And that toughness is key for any learner, especially when you're dealing with something as challenging as the TOEFL. It's amazing to think AI can have that kind of effect on how a student learns overall. Yeah, it really is.
It's amazing how these tools don't just help you get better at speaking, they change how you learn, you know? And I think that's what makes this research so interesting. It's not about scores, it's about making learners who are confident and resilient. And it seems like that resilience comes from always getting feedback right.
(5:51 - 6:00)
You're constantly getting insights into what you're doing well and what needs work. Exactly. With MySpeakingScore, you're not sitting around waiting for a teacher to grade your work.
(6:00 - 6:13)
You get feedback right away, which helps you focus on those areas that need attention. So it's like having a personalized roadmap showing you how to reach your TOEFL goals. No more wondering if you're doing the right things.
(6:14 - 6:32)
You're constantly getting validation and direction. And that can be a huge confidence boost, especially for people who might be intimidated by a traditional classroom or have a tough time learning on their own. It's almost like AI is becoming this supportive partner, helping students through the hard parts of language learning and test prep.
(6:32 - 7:16)
It's a really interesting shift, and I think it shows us the bigger potential of AI in education, not to get rid of teachers, but to help them focus on the things that really need a human touch, like mentoring and helping students think critically. So it's about creating this teamwork between AI and teachers, where each one plays to their strengths. Exactly.
Imagine if teachers didn't have to spend so much time grading and could instead use that energy to really personalize lessons and have deeper conversations with students, you know, really spark that love of learning. Now that's a vision of education that I think a lot of people could get behind. And with tools like MySpeakingScore already making a big impact in TOEFL prep, it feels like we're getting a sneak peek at what that future might look like.
(7:16 - 8:14)
It's a really exciting time to be involved in education. And as we move forward, we need to think about not just the practical uses of AI, but also the broader impact it could have on learners and how they learn. I'm curious, what do you think are some of the key areas where AI could really change language learning in the years to come? Well, one area that I find particularly fascinating is the potential for even more personalized learning.
As AI gets smarter, we might see tools that can adapt to how a student learns best, their pace and what they need, you know, offering customized feedback. How you learn best and getting the support you need to really excel. Exactly.
And that level of personalization could be huge, especially for those who have had a hard time with traditional ways of learning or feel like they're getting lost in a crowded classroom. It's like having a language learning program designed just for you, based on your strengths and weaknesses. Another area that has so much potential is making better language translation tools.
(8:14 - 8:51)
We've already seen amazing progress, but AI could take it to a whole new level, breaking down language barriers and helping people from different cultures communicate and understand each other in ways we can only imagine. Wow. Yeah.
It's like opening up a whole new world of possibilities for travel, business, and just connecting with people from other cultures. Imagine being able to have a smooth conversation with someone who speaks a completely different language without any awkward pauses or misunderstandings. It's a vision of global interconnectedness that could change everything from diplomacy and international relations to education and personal relationships.
(8:51 - 9:19)
It's really inspiring to think how AI could help us bridge those gaps and build more understanding and empathy between people from all different backgrounds. And we can't forget about AI's potential to make language learning resources available to everyone. Tools like MySpeakingScore are already making a difference here, but imagine a future where anyone with internet access can use high-quality language learning apps, virtual tutors, and personalized platforms regardless of where they live or how much money they have.
(9:20 - 9:39)
It's about removing those obstacles to education and empowering everyone with the tools they need to succeed in a globalized world. It's about creating a future where language learning is not a privilege but a right, available to everyone who wants to learn and connect with the world. That's a powerful vision and one that I believe AI can help us achieve.
(9:39 - 9:54)
But like with any powerful technology, it's important to be responsible and think about the ethics of how we develop and use it. That's really important. We need to make sure AI is used to enhance and empower learning, not replace or diminish the role of teachers and the connections we make as humans.
(9:55 - 10:18)
Absolutely. AI should be a tool that works with human intelligence and creativity, not something that replaces or weakens our natural ability to learn, grow, and connect. So, as we move into this exciting future of language learning with AI, let's approach it with curiosity and a sense of wonder, but also with a commitment to using this technology to make things better for everyone and to create a more fair and connected world.
(10:18 - 10:34)
I totally agree. And remember, like with any technology, the real power is in how we choose to use it. We have an amazing opportunity to use AI to transform language learning in ways that benefit everyone, individuals, communities, and the whole world.
(10:34 - 10:49)
It's a responsibility we all need to take seriously. Now, before we get too caught up in what the future might hold, let's bring it back to the present. We've talked a lot about AI's potential in language learning, but there are already real-world tools making a difference for students right now.
(10:49 - 11:00)
You're right. We shouldn't forget about the real impact that tools like MySpeakingScore are having today. For those studying for the TOEFL, it's not just some idea for the future, it's a valuable resource they can use right now.
(11:00 - 11:23)
And for anyone who might be skeptical about whether AI can really help with language learning, the fact that over 100,000 students are already using MySpeakingScore to get ready for the TOEFL is a pretty strong argument. It shows just how powerful this technology is, and it's a sign of what's to come. As AI keeps getting better, we can expect to see even more innovative and impactful tools appear in the world of language learning.
(11:23 - 11:32)
It's an exciting time to be a language learner, that's for sure. But, you know, it's important to remember that technology is just one piece of the puzzle. Of course.
(11:32 - 11:48)
It doesn't matter how advanced AI gets, it can never replace the human side of language learning. The joy of connecting with another person, the culture that's woven into language, and the sense of accomplishment you get from learning something new. Yeah, those are the things that make language learning so rewarding.
(11:49 - 12:00)
And as we explore what AI can do, it's important to never forget those essential human elements. Totally agree. Language is, at its core, a way for humans to connect and express themselves.
(12:00 - 12:12)
And as we see what's possible with AI and language learning, let's make sure we're using it to strengthen those human connections, not weaken them. Well said. And I think that's a great place to move on to the last part of our deep dive.
(12:13 - 12:31)
We've covered a lot, from the specific benefits of MySpeakingScore to the bigger picture of what AI could mean for language learning and education in general. We've looked at the science, the real-world uses, and the potential impact of this incredible technology. And now I'm excited to hear your thoughts on everything we've talked about.
(12:31 - 12:45)
What stood out to you as the most important takeaway? That's a great question. And it's one I'd love for our listeners to think about too. We've gone over a lot of information, and I think it's helpful to take a moment to reflect and connect these ideas to your own experiences and goals as language learners.
(12:46 - 12:58)
And I'm still thinking about all the amazing things we've learned about AI and language learning. It's hard to believe a tool like MySpeakingScore is already out there. Over 100,000 students using AI to get ready for the TOEFL.
(12:58 - 13:04)
That's wild. It really shows how fast this technology is changing. And like we were just saying, we're only just getting started.
(13:05 - 13:15)
AI could change everything, not just how we prep for tests, but how we learn languages in general. That's what's so exciting to me, the big picture. We talked about personalized learning, breaking down language barriers.
(13:16 - 13:25)
It feels like we're about to enter a whole new world. I totally agree. Imagine AI that can adjust to how you learn best, creating lessons that fit your pace and needs.
(13:26 - 13:34)
Imagine translation tools so good you can have conversations with anyone anywhere in the world without a hitch. It's mind-blowing. But I do have one worry.
(13:35 - 13:46)
With all this AI, what happens to teachers? A lot of people are worried about machines taking their jobs. Yeah, that's a valid concern. But the way I see it, AI is like a super tool that can make teaching better, not replace it.
(13:46 - 13:52)
Think about it. AI can take care of those repetitive tasks, like checking basic grammar or pronunciation. Oh, I see.
(13:52 - 14:04)
So it frees up teachers to focus on what they're really good at, like inspiring students, getting them to think critically, creating those moments where things just click and you fall in love with learning. Exactly. It's a collaboration.
(14:05 - 14:18)
AI handles the technical stuff, while teachers provide that human connection, mentorship, guidance, all the things an algorithm can't do. And that human element is so important in language learning, right? Yeah. It's not just about memorizing words.
(14:18 - 14:25)
It's about understanding a culture, the subtleties of language, making connections with people. Absolutely. Language is all about communication.
(14:25 - 14:31)
And communication is, at its heart, a human thing. AI can help. It can make things easier.
(14:31 - 14:38)
But it can never replace the richness of real human interaction. That's good to hear. It's not about picking AI or teachers.
(14:38 - 14:45)
It's about finding that balance where both can work together. Exactly. AI can make education more accessible, more efficient, more personalized.
(14:46 - 14:56)
But it's human teachers who bring the passion, the empathy, the inspiration that really makes people love to learn. I like how you put that in. It connects to what we were talking about before, academic buoyancy.
(14:56 - 15:03)
Yeah. The idea that AI can help learners become more resilient, better able to bounce back from challenges. It's a fascinating idea.
(15:04 - 15:20)
By giving constant feedback and personalized guidance, AI can give learners a feeling of control, that belief that they can succeed even when things get tough. It's like having AI as a supportive friend who's always there to cheer you on, saying, you got this. I'm here to help.
(15:20 - 15:37)
And that can make all the difference, especially for people who might feel intimidated or discouraged by more traditional ways of learning languages. So looking ahead, it seems like the people who learn languages best are the ones who can embrace both the power of AI and the value of human connection. Absolutely.
(15:37 - 15:46)
It's about finding that perfect mix between technology and human interaction. That's a great thought to leave our listeners with. AI is changing the world.
(15:46 - 16:08)
And that includes how we learn languages. But as we go into this new era, let's remember that language is, at its core, something human, a way to connect, to share, to understand each other. And let's make sure that as we use AI in language learning, we do it in a way that strengthens those human connections, helps us understand each other better, and creates a world that's fairer and more connected.
(16:08 - 16:17)
That's a perfect way to wrap things up. If you're getting ready for the TOEFL, learning new languages, or just fascinated by AI, this is such an exciting time to be a learner. Keep exploring.
(16:17 - 16:19)
Keep asking questions. Keep diving deep.
