The goal of this project was to "build, organize, and present a collection of accessible and easy-to-use high-quality English pronunciation teaching materials, primarily used to train teachers in ENGL 5250. The creation of this OER will support integration of pronunciation teaching to be integrated into a large number of ESL/EFL teacher training programs around the world by providing more accessible and affordable materials."
The development of the pronunciation handbook began in 2023, with the final text completed in summer 2024.
Outcomes
As reported in the team's final report, the development of this OER has significantly impacted students in the following ways:
- Improved Access to Pronunciation Instruction: Graduate students enrolled in ENGL 5250: Research and Teaching of Second Language Pronunciation now have access to a coherent, updated set of materials that support both their coursework and required tutoring activities with international students. This resource replaces outdated, disorganized, and inaccessible photocopies, improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of tutoring.
- Better Diagnostic and Instructional Practices: With clear frameworks and ready-to-use materials, graduate students are better equipped to diagnose pronunciation challenges and implement targeted instructional strategies. This will lead to more focused and meaningful tutoring sessions that enhance international students’ intelligibility and overall communicative success.
- Long-Term Impact on Student Learning: As these future language professionals, scholars, and educators enter the field, they will carry with them a practical, research-informed resource that can guide their future teaching. This continuity supports lifelong learning and better learning outcomes for their own students in the years to come.
- Increased Motivation and Engagement: The ease of navigation and usability of the OER has encouraged both novice and experienced teachers to integrate pronunciation more consistently and confidently into their instruction, thereby enhancing student engagement with pronunciation as a meaningful component of language learning.
Additionally, the OER has extended beyond the classroom to support Speaking Consultants and other language support providers at ISU, helping to raise the overall quality and consistency of pronunciation instruction offered across the institution.
As the team that worked on this project looks to the future, they see a great potential for external impact through the adoption of the text at other institutions. To support the OER's ongoing relevance, the team will continue to review, improve upon, and expand the text through future editions.
Citation: Guskaroska, A., Zawadzki, Z., Levis, J., Challis, K., & Prikazchikov, M. (2024). Teaching Pronunciation with Confidence: A Resource for ESL/EFL Teachers and Learners. Iowa State University Digital Press. https://doi.org/10.31274/isudp.2024.161