The effect of voice recording as a tool to improve speaking skills

Abstract

This research studies the effects of voice recording technology as an educational tool to enhance speaking skills with a group of 15 students of the first bachelorette at a public high school in Paute, Ecuador. The methodology applied a mixed-methods approach in which a pre and post-test were applied to gather quantitative data and a questionnaire with eight open-ended questions to collect qualitative data and analyze participants’ perceptions. During the intervention between the tests, students had to follow some steps to complete voice recording activities. Learners planned the speaking part, practiced the main components like fluency, pronunciation and intonation, vocabulary and grammar, and content and organization, then recorded the audio, and finally uploaded it to the WhatsApp group. Learners received guidance, feedback, and personalized instruction based on their recorded performances. Moreover, after the study, students perceived the voice recording activities as a significant benefit and considered this tool as an opportunity to improve their speaking skills. making the learning process more meaningful. Results revealed that voice recording provides a practical and effective tool for the development and continuous improvement of communication skills.