Tell @ ELI

Technology Enhanced Language Learning at the English Language Institute

Sound Recorder and Targeting Pronunciation
By Scott Redfern

If you have taught a listening-speaking class recently, then you may have noticed the long list of objectives associated with the book Targeting Pronunciation. Targeting Pronunciation is a fine book, but trying to cover the course objectives while clearing chapters in the main text can be challenging enough.

However, using Sound Recorder in the lab can help the class to reach some of their pronunciation objectives in Targeting Pronunciation. Recently, in level two, I tried to cover as much material with Targeting Pronunciation and the corresponding tape as I reasonably could in two day 50- minute blocks. Then, in the lab, I would have the students do some of the speaking activities using Sound Recorder. For example, in Chapter 2, "Stressing Syllables and Speaking Clearly" I was able to cover enough significant areas of the text to have the students perform the Small Group Survey: Which do you prefer? (p.34) as well as the "Planning a shopping trip" role play (p.35). They enjoyed working on these activities in pairs using Sound Recorder. I also had them do individual work such as the Predicting Stress (p.35). However, the lab was not the only time for this practice. Once they were comfortable with the process, I also had them do some sound recording for homework.

A note on procedure: First, assign a student to help you with the books. (They are in Barbara’s office - in case you forgot.) Second, make sure that you have a folder for the class on the computer's shared drive (in the lab). Also, make sure that students are clear on how to label their folders. If you want, you might make the folders for them. Third, take advantage of CPR 466. If it is available, sign up for it. It is easier to go over the assignment and practice some pronunciation in CPR 466 than it is to huddle around in the lab. It might be crowded in CPR 466, but it is only for a short time. Fourth, use your office. After the first recording, I brought students into my office in pairs to go over the recordings. This way you can use the speakers on your computer without too many distractions, and it is a great way to give feedback to the students and to practice problem areas with them.

I plan to use the sound recorder with Targeting Pronunciation more in the future. I hope that this improves their self-monitoring and in general makes the pronunciation objectives smooth and interesting.

Accessing and using the sound recorder in 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Click on the ‘Start’ button on the left lower corner of the screen.
Step 2: Choose Programs>Accessories>Entertainment>Sound Recorder
Step 3: A pop-up Sound Recorder Interface will appear on the screen. Just click the red button on the lower right corner and start recording (make sure your mic is connected). Recorded sounds are saved as waveform (.wav) files, and the maximum length of the sound recording is one minute. From Sound Recorder you can also play your recording.