THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SHADOWING TECHNIQUE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING USING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPEECH ASSISTANT (ELSA) TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' PRONUNCIATION

The ability to speak English is crucial for intelligence and success, yet pronunciation errors are common. To minimize these errors, applications like ELSA Speak using the Shadowing Technique can be beneficial. Researchers at KMI ASSALAM Boarding School conducted a study with 30 grade 12 students using a quantitative approach with pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires. After initial pre-tests, students received training with the ELSA Speak app, followed by post-tests. Results showed an improvement in average scores from 67.9 (pre-test) to 86.7 (post-test), indicating the technique's effectiveness in enhancing pronunciation. Questionnaires revealed that students enjoyed the method and saw improvements in their pronunciation. This study suggests that the Shadowing Technique with ELSA Speak is a valuable tool for teachers. Future research should explore its use in broader contexts, larger populations, or different learning environments.