A Trial of Improving Learnersʼ Phonetics Comprehension through Remote Teaching

Abstract

In 2020, the spread of COVID-19 forced schools to adopt distance learning using multimedia technology. Universities provide online classes in order to avoid making students commute to school. For remote teaching, there are considerable choices in learning management systems adopted by schools and methods employed by teachers. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, so a combination of those choices can bring multiplier effect. However, person-to-person communication plays a critical role particularly in language education. How do teachers survive this crisis? This paper makes suggestions about class activities by means of written information on a remote real-time lecture. It focuses on an English phonetics course which deals with pronunciation skills and aural information by minimum usage of a video meeting system. This paper also includes a survey of mental associations similar to synesthesia as an example of how to teach an abstract concept. The results are analyzed and observed to mention potentials of vowels. This paper also refers to the benefits of teaching online and on campus. Learnersʼ viewpoints collected through activities are mentioned throughout.