Speakout with MyEnglishLab (MEL) efficacy report

Learning Science research shows that regular feedback enhances learning. The MyEnglishLab online tutor provides immediate feedback, including detailed input and recommendations.

Authentic materials are thought to improve time on task by providing context. Speakout with MyEnglishLab includes authentic text and video materials from the BBC archives, as well as videos of interviews conducted with people on the streets of the UK.

Learning Science research shows that conversation tasks stretch learners, encouraging them to experiment with new language. Speakout with MyEnglishLab provides numerous speaking exercises to support students.

For an overview of Speakout with MyEnglishLab and more information:

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Does use of Speakout with MyEnglishLab (MEL) improve students’ learning experience?
Two studies exploring use of Speakout with MEL

As use of digital resources in English language learning is relatively new, we wanted to learn more about student experiences of learning English using Speakout with MEL — a digital supplementary resource designed to consolidate learning by providing opportunities for practice-based learning and feedback. We conducted two studies between 2016 and 2017 — one in Turkey and one in Poland.

We conducted the study in Turkey in collaboration with one institution and focused on blended instruction. In particular, we explored how Speakout with MEL is implemented to support flipped learning. We also aimed to better understand how the product was being implemented in the study in Poland, with three institutions. For both studies, we collected student and instructor views on using Speakout with MEL.

Speakout, used in conjunction with MEL, is designed to be easy to access and provide an enjoyable learning experience. The exercises are designed to support student achievement and progression and the authentic materials aim to promote student engagement. So, we expected students would report that learning using Speakout with MEL has improved their English language skills and increased their motivation and that they find it is easy to access and enjoyable to use.

We chose to only study institutions that had been using the latest edition of Speakout with MEL for at least a year. The studies collected and analyzed a broad range of evidence types, including instructor surveys and interviews, student surveys, MEL performance data, student focus groups, and classroom observations.

The full results of analyzing all data sources are detailed in the technical report. However, the efficacy statements generated from these studies are based exclusively on student survey data. The reason for this is that our current framework for auditing efficacy statements does not easily accommodate qualitative results or findings from both qualitative and quantitative evidence. In future research, we will expand the definition of descriptive statements to encompass statements based on both evidence sources.

Students report that they find Speakout with MEL interesting, up-to-date, and relevant. Students surveyed also consider that their confidence, motivation, and enjoyment of learning English has improved through using Speakout with MEL. Most students surveyed in Turkey reported that MyEnglishLab is useful and helps their learning.

For more details about the research studies and to find further examples of the survey data that supports our efficacy statements:

Read our Speakout with MEL research report

In the context of the research undertaken for this study, conducted in these institutions with these students, Pearson is able to make the following descriptive statements about the efficacy of Speakout with MyEnglishLab (we provide illustrative examples of specific results from across the range of countries covered):

Learner access and experience

Student survey data suggests that MyEnglishLab (MEL) is accessible and easy to use. Between 92% (143 / 156) to 95% (147 / 155) of students surveyed in Turkey agree that they were able to access their account, course, and assignments easily, as well as access MEL easily through their smartphone / tablet.

Positive learning behaviors

Students report that Speakout with MEL helps them to increase their confidence, motivation, and enjoyment of learning English. 74% (142 / 192) of students surveyed in Poland report that Speakout with MEL significantly helps them increase their confidence in learning English. Between 75% (143 / 191) and 76% (145 / 192) of students find that Speakout with MEL helps their confidence in reading and listening significantly increase, respectively.

Timeliness of completion (engagement)

Students find Speakout with MEL engaging. 72% (111 / 154) of students in Turkey enjoy completing their assignments in MyEnglishLab.

Standard of achievement or level of competence

The majority of students believe that MyEnglishLab is useful and helps their learning. 84% (130 / 154) of students in Turkey believe that MEL helps them review materials used in class.

Learner progression

The majority of students report that Speakout with MEL supports their achievement and progression. 84% of students in Poland find that Speakout with MEL helps them prepare for their next level of their English studies.

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