Background of the Study
Language learning is a fundamental component of education, equipping students with essential communication skills that enhance their academic and professional opportunities. Traditional language instruction methods often focus on rote memorization, grammar drills, and textbook-based learning, which may not adequately develop students' speaking and listening abilities. In recent years, advancements in educational technology have introduced innovative tools that support interactive and immersive language learning experiences. Among these, speech recognition technology (SRT) has gained attention for its ability to facilitate pronunciation practice, real-time feedback, and conversational simulations (Ali & Musa, 2024).
Speech recognition technology leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze spoken language, compare it with native pronunciations, and provide corrective feedback to learners. This technology is widely integrated into language learning applications, virtual tutors, and interactive classroom environments, making it a valuable asset for second-language acquisition (Okonkwo & Ibrahim, 2023). Globally, SRT has been successfully deployed in classrooms to help students develop better pronunciation, fluency, and listening comprehension by engaging them in voice-based exercises. Applications such as Google Speech-to-Text, Duolingo, and Microsoft Azure Speech Services have demonstrated the effectiveness of SRT in reinforcing spoken language skills through personalized learning approaches (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2024).
Despite the growing adoption of speech recognition technology in developed countries, secondary schools in Nigeria, particularly in Minna, Niger State, have yet to fully integrate it into their language learning curriculum. Many schools still rely on conventional teaching methods, which may not adequately cater to the diverse learning needs of students, particularly those struggling with pronunciation and oral fluency (Ahmed & Bello, 2023). Additionally, limited access to digital infrastructure, teacher training, and awareness of SRT's benefits pose significant challenges to its widespread adoption.
This study seeks to explore the role of speech recognition technology in enhancing language learning among secondary school students in Minna, Niger State. By examining its impact on pronunciation accuracy, speaking fluency, and listening comprehension, this research will provide insights into how SRT can be effectively integrated into the Nigerian secondary school curriculum to improve language proficiency.
Statement of the Problem
The ability to speak and understand a language fluently is essential for effective communication. However, many secondary school students in Nigeria struggle with pronunciation, fluency, and listening comprehension due to limited exposure to native speakers and ineffective learning strategies. Traditional classroom instruction often focuses more on reading and writing rather than spoken language skills, leading to poor oral communication abilities among students (Olawale & Musa, 2024).
Speech recognition technology presents a potential solution to these challenges by offering automated pronunciation correction, real-time speech assessment, and AI-driven conversational practice. However, in Minna, Niger State, the adoption of SRT in language learning is still in its infancy due to infrastructural limitations, lack of teacher expertise, and resistance to digital transformation in education (Musa & Usman, 2023). Furthermore, empirical research on the effectiveness of SRT in Nigerian classrooms remains scarce, making it difficult for policymakers and educators to assess its potential benefits and challenges.
Given these issues, this study aims to explore the role of speech recognition technology in language learning among secondary school students in Minna. It will examine how SRT improves pronunciation, fluency, and listening comprehension, while also identifying the barriers to its implementation and proposing strategies for effective adoption.
Objectives of the Study
To examine the impact of speech recognition technology on pronunciation accuracy in secondary school language learning.
To assess how speech recognition technology influences students’ fluency and confidence in spoken communication.
To identify the challenges and propose solutions for integrating speech recognition technology into language learning in secondary schools.
Research Questions
How does speech recognition technology improve pronunciation accuracy among secondary school students?
What is the impact of speech recognition technology on students' speaking fluency and confidence?
What are the key challenges hindering the adoption of speech recognition technology, and how can they be addressed?
Research Hypotheses
The use of speech recognition technology significantly improves students’ pronunciation accuracy.
Speech recognition technology enhances students’ fluency and confidence in spoken communication.
The successful adoption of speech recognition technology in language learning depends on adequate infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum integration.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of speech recognition technology in language learning within Nigerian secondary schools. By exploring its potential to improve pronunciation, fluency, and listening comprehension, the findings will inform educators, policymakers, and school administrators about the benefits and challenges of adopting SRT. Additionally, the research will offer recommendations on how Nigerian schools can leverage speech recognition technology to enhance language education and align with global best practices.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to secondary schools in Minna Local Government Area, Niger State. It focuses on evaluating the impact, benefits, and challenges of speech recognition technology in language learning. The study does not extend to primary schools, tertiary institutions, or other educational technologies beyond speech recognition.
Definitions of Terms
Speech Recognition Technology (SRT): A form of artificial intelligence that enables computers to recognize, process, and respond to spoken language.
Pronunciation Accuracy: The degree to which a learner’s spoken language matches the standard or native pronunciation of a given language.
Fluency: The ability to speak a language smoothly and without unnecessary hesitation, pauses, or errors.
Chapter One: Introduction
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