ELSA Speak as a Speaking Partner: A Mixed-Methods Study in an Indonesian Higher Education Context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51454/jet.v6i2.649Keywords:
artificial intelligence, EFL, ELSA Speak, Spekaing SkillAbstract
Developing effective speaking proficiency, particularly in pronunciation, accuracy, and fluency, remains a persistent challenge for EFL learners in Indonesian higher education. In response, this study investigates the impact of integrating ELSA Speak, a voice-based AI application, on enhancing these core aspects of speaking performance. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research involved 23 Indonesian university students over an eight-week intervention. Quantitative data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests using CEFR-aligned speaking assessments, with paired-samples t-tests employed to examine the statistical significance of performance gains. Test validity was ensured through expert review and alignment with internationally recognized rubrics. Results indicated a statistically significant improvement in students’ overall speaking scores, particularly in pronunciation and accuracy. To complement these findings, qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Students reported that ELSA Speak provided constructive, personalized feedback, context-rich materials, and a flexible, motivating learning environment. However, limitations were noted, including restricted access to premium features, internet connectivity issues, and low self-regulation, especially in managing independent learning. These findings underscore both the pedagogical benefits and practical challenges of integrating AI-powered tools like ELSA Speak into EFL speaking instruction.
Downloads
References
Akhmad, N. W., & Munawir, A. (2022). Improving the Students’ Pronunciation Ability by Using Elsa Speak App. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 10(1), 846–857. https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v10i1.2868
Baars, M., Zafar, F., Hrehovcsik, M., de Jongh, E., & Paas, F. (2022). Ace Your Self-Study: A Mobile Application to Support Self-Regulated Learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.793042
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Burns, A., & Joyce, H. (1997). Focus on Speaking. National Centre for English Language teaching and Research.
Council of Europe. (2001). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR). Cambridge University Press. https://rm.coe.int/common-european-framework-of-reference-for-languages-learning-teaching/16809ea0d4
Creswell, J. (2012). Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research . Pearson.
Creswell, J. W., & Clark, P. (2007). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage: Vol. 12(4). Sage.
Dhimolea, T. K., Kaplan-Rakowski, R., & Lin, L. (2022). A Systematic Review of Research on High-Immersion Virtual Reality for Language Learning. TechTrends, 66(5), 810–824. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00717-w
Duong, T., & Suppasetseree, S. (2024). The Effects of an Artificial Intelligence Voice Chatbot on Improving Vietnamese Undergraduate Students’ English Speaking Skills. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 23(3), 293–321. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.3.15
Erniwati, E., Mertosono, R. S., Arid, M., & Gunawan, G. M. (2024). A Systematic Literature Review of Contextual Teaching and LearningApproach in EFL Speaking Skills. Multicultural Education, 10(8), 4–8.
Fathi, J., Rahimi, M., & Derakhshan, A. (2024). Improving EFL learners’ speaking skills and willingness to communicate via artificial intelligence-mediated interactions. System, 121, 103254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2024.103254
Feuerriegel, S., Hartmann, J., Janiesch, C., & Zschech, P. (2024). Generative AI. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 66(1), 111–126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-023-00834-7
Garzón, J., Kinshuk, Burgos, D., & Tlili, A. (2024). Advantages and challenges associated with mobile learning in education: a systematic literature review. Journal of Computers in Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-024-00342-x
Han, D.-E. (2020). The Effects of Voice-based AI Chatbot on Korean EFL Students’ Speaking Ability and Affective Factors. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology for Education, 5(1), 25–30. https://doi.org/10.21742/IJCSITE.2020.5.1.03
Hijra, H., Rahim, T. R., & Syarif, A. R. (2024). Barriers to Oral Proficiency: Exploring Causes of Speaking Inhibition in EFL Learners. KLASIKAL : JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, LANGUAGE TEACHING AND SCIENCE, 6(2), 409–418. https://doi.org/10.52208/klasikal.v6i2.1168
Kelly, S. E. (2010). Qualitative Interviewing Techniques and Styles. In The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Methods in Health Research (pp. 307–326). SAGE Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446268247.n17
Kim, H.-S., & Kim, N. Y. (2021). Effects of AI Chatbots on EFL Students’ Communication Skills*. Korean Journal of English Language and Linguistics, 21, 712–734.
Larson, R. K. (2014). Critical pedagigy (ies) for ELT in Indonesia. TEFLIN Journal, 25(1).
Lincoln, Y. S., Guba, E. G., & Pilotta, J. J. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 9(4), 438–439. https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-1767(85)90062-8
Lukman. (2024). Development of Contextual Learning Models to Improve Student’s Speaking Skill. JOLLT Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 12(1), 198–211.
Mary, C. C., & Paul, O. O. (2024). Challenges Faced by Students in Developing English Language Speaking Skills in Public Secondary Schools in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Journal of Frontiers of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(3), 80–98.
Mingyan, M., Noordin, N., & Razali, A. B. (2025). Improving EFL speaking performance among undergraduate students with an AI-powered mobile app in after-class assignments: an empirical investigation. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 370. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04688-0
Phanwiriyarat, K., Anggoro, K. J., & Chaowanakritsanakul, T. (2025). Exploring AI-powered gamified flipped classroom in an English-speaking course: a case of Duolingo. Cogent Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2488545
Qassrawi, R. M., ElMashharawi, A., Itmeizeh, M., & Tamimi, H. M. M. (2024). AI-Powered Applications for Improving EFL Students’ Speaking Proficiency in Higher Education. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(5), 535–549. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.6966
Rao, P. S. (2019). THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEAKING SKILLS IN ENGLISH CLASSROOMS. Alford Council of International English & Literature Journal, 2(2).
Saleh, Z. (2019). Artificial Intelligence Definition, Ethics and Standards. Electronics and Communications: Law, Standards and Practice .
Rad, S. H. (2024). Revolutionizing L2 speaking proficiency, willingness to communicate, and perceptions through artificial intelligence: a case of Speeko application. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 18(4), 364–379. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2024.2309539
Thornbury, S. (2005). How to Teach Speaking. Pearson Education.
Tomlinson, B. (2011). Materials Development in Language Teaching (Second Edition). Cambridge University Press.
Winnie, W., Leong, H. J., Badiozaman, I. F., & Yap, A. (2023). Negotiating the challenges in speaking English for Indonesian undergraduate students in an ESL university. Studies in English Language and Education, 10(2), 822–840. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v10i2.26563
Wu, T.-T., Hapsari, I. P., & Huang, Y.-M. (2025). Effects of incorporating AI chatbots into think–pair–share activities on EFL speaking anxiety, language enjoyment, and speaking performance. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 1–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2025.2478271
Zaki, W. A., & Darmi, R. (2021). CEFR: Education towards 21st Century of Learning. Why Matters? Journal of Social Science and Humanities, 4(2), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.26666/rmp.jssh.2021.2.3
Zhang, Y., Li, B., & Tan, Y. (2021). Making AI available for everyone at anywhere: A Survey about Edge Intelligence. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1757(1), 012076. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1757/1/012076
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Luh Indrayani, Ni Putu Astiti Pratiwi, I Ketut Resika Arthana

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.