Measuring the extent speech-to-text functionality aids speaking fluency (breakdown & speed-fluency) in EFL learners using a mobile assisted language learning app

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A one-way independent ANOVA with 4 factors was performed for Breakdown fluency on a total of 182 participants. This gave an F statistic of F(3,178)=43.02, p<.000, with an overall effect size Cohen D = 0.87 which is considered large. Simple contrasts with a Bonferroni correction showed that the reduction in breakdown fluency for the 20 hour treatment group, T20 (M=-0.159) was significantly better than the control group of the same time, C20 (M=-0.108, t(94)=5.45, p=.001, r=0.480). Similarly, the contrast was calculated for the control group at 5 hours, C5 (M=-0.050) and the treatment group at the same time, T5 (M=-0.118, t(84)=1.661, p=.001, r=0.726).Low and intermediate level (CEFR A2-B1) Japanese EFL learners have high breakdown fluency and low to medium speed fluency. The longest treatment group of 20 hours showed the most reduction in breakdown fluency compared to the control group of the same time. All groups improved their performance over time, i.e. demonstrated a reduction in breakdown fluency and an improvement in speed fluency compared as the length of time increased. This was true with the control groups as well from C5 to C20. Most notable is that T5 group showed a statistically equivalent amount of improvement as the C20 group. This is the strongest indication that immediate feedback, a high degree of interactivity, progress tracking and overall gamification of the digital treatment can be a more effective way of improving speaking fluency in low to intermediate learners.