The Effect of Live Teacher Pronunciation vs. Playback Pronunciation Practice onPre-Intermediate Iranian EFL Learners’ Pronunciation Accuracy

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of teacher live pronunciation on Iranian EFL
learners’ pronunciation accuracy. It tried to determine the extent to which awareness raising
along with the efficient amount of practice of pronunciation affects pronunciation ability of
Iranian intermediate learners. To answer this question, 60 Iranian intermediate language
learners were selected via administration of a PET exam to 300 language learners. Then, they
were randomly divided into two groups of 30 participants. Participants in the experimental
group were instructed on a certain plan to learn and practice pronunciation with teacher live
pronunciation. In this study, the focus was on standard patterns of pronunciation which was
presented by teacher live in the class. In the control group no treatment has been done and
learners received a normal routine of the semester as they always did. A validated standardized
test of pronunciation was administered to both groups, and the results were assessed. The results
indicated that the means of the two groups were significantly different. This means that teachers’
live pronunciation is an effective way for improving the pronunciation accuracy of the learners,
making the lesson enjoyable for and motivating them.