SLA talk: Bronson Hui (Tübingen)
Zoom Meeting ID: 987 8903 3836
Passcode: 921765
Vocabulary measurement, learning processes, and use of artificial intelligence in ISLA research
Abstract: ISLA researchers have recently placed more emphasis on research methods and measurement (e.g., Byrnes, 2013; Loewen & Hui, 2021) and on unveiling the second language learning process (e.g., Leow, 2015; Hui et al., in press). Given their fundamental role in understanding instructed SLA, these focuses will improve research quality and enhance the field’s ability to inform classroom teaching practice and the design of (intelligent) computer-assisted language learning tools (e.g., mobile apps).
In this public lecture, I will specifically discuss recent advances in three areas: (1) vocabulary measurement, (2) reading-while-listening comprehension, and (3) learner analytics. In the domain of vocabulary measurement, I will focus on the increasingly popular use of time-sensitive word measures (e.g., psycholinguistic tasks) (Hui, 2020; Hui & Godfroid, 2021; Hui et al., in prep), through which I address the appropriate word learning targets for students. For reading-while-listening comprehension, Hui and Godfroid (IPA; in prep) demonstrate how and why it is important to uncover the underlying cognitive mechanism in reading-while-listening comprehension, which in turn will shed light on the potential benefits of audiobooks and teachers’ reading aloud learning materials. Finally, I will demonstrate how system logs extracted from an intelligent computer-assisted learning tool can provide a window for researchers to gauge the second language learning process (Hui et al., in press). With these insights, the talk will conclude with a discussion of the future trends in ISLA research, including open scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and use of AI, and how the field can further inform pedagogy.
Bio: Bronson Hui (Ph.D., Michigan State) is currently a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Tübingen, Germany, developing a conversation bot with capabilities to offer corrective feedback to language learners. In the domain of ISLA, his research focuses on vocabulary learning and measurement, the role of multimodal input, and intelligent computer-assisted language learning. His work has appeared or will appear in journals such as Studies in Second Language Acquisition, Language Learning, Applied Psycholinguistics, Modern Language Journal, Language Learning & Technology, among other venues.
