Language teaching method

Abstract

A method for teaching a foreign language includes operating an application server (10) to retrieve language training dialogue exercises from a database (17). The server transmits the dialogue exercises across data network (8), such as the Internet, and telecommunications network (6) to a language student (7) equipped with a third generation cellular phone (2). The dialogue exercises typically include audio visual clips depicting actors saying dialogue that is graded at a level corresponding to the student's proficiency. Responses from student (7) are conveyed back to the application server. The application server executes a software product (19) that includes instructions to analyse and grade the responses with speech recognition software. The student's performance, and any other desired feedback, is then transmitted to the student. In one embodiment of the invention the server is programmed to group remote students according to their proficiency levels. Common dialogue exercises are then transmitted to each student of the group via the telephone network. Responses from the students are then analysed and messages are transmitted back to them advising them of their relative positions in the group.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to methods for teaching languages. Background technique [0002] Now the number of foreign language learners is increasing all over the world, especially in Asia. It is currently estimated that more than 100 million Chinese are learning English, while Japan has more than 13 million English language students. [0003] Learning a foreign language requires regular practice and attendance at taught classes if steady progress toward proficiency is to be made. However, the lives of many people today are more hectic than ever before, making it difficult to find time for regular face-to-face language classes or to find time for home study. As a result, progress in learning a foreign language is often less than desired. [0004] Another problem associated with face-to-face language instruction is that it can be quite expensive for many students to provide small class sizes. [0005] It is therefore an object of the present inve...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] Another problem associated with face-to-face language instruction is that it can be quite expensive for many students in order to provide small class sizes

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