EFL Student Experiences with ELSA Speaking Application to Learn Pronunciation

Abstract

This study investigates the experiences of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students using the ELSA Speak application to enhance their pronunciation skills. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with 14 second-semester students from the English Education program at Universitas PGRI Ronggolawe. The findings reveal that the ELSA Speak application is an effective tool for improving pronunciation, with approximately 80% of respondents expressing satisfaction and enjoyment in using the app. Students reported significant increases in confidence, rating their pronunciation progress between 8 and 9.5 out of 10. The application\u27s interactive features and instant feedback were highlighted as key factors contributing to its effectiveness. However, challenges such as difficulties in voice detection and minor technical issues were noted, indicating limitations in automatic speech recognition technology. Overall, the study confirms the positive impact of the ELSA Speak application on EFL students\u27 pronunciation skills and emphasizes its potential as a valuable resource in language education. Future research is recommended to explore the application’s effectiveness across different educational levels and its integration into formal curricula