A web-based learning platform for speech-language pathology students in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription of Cantonese

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a web-based learning platform in developing students’ phonetic transcription skills in Cantonese using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and compare to that of traditional lecture-based training. The secondary aim of the study was to investigate the areas of difficulty and predictors of success for students when learning IPA transcription. Thirty-two first-year undergraduate speech-language pathology students without prior phonetic transcription training were recruited and randomly assigned to a training group and a control group. Only participants in the training group received web-based training during the six-week training phase. Both groups attended the regular phonetics course afterwards. Assessments on IPA transcription skills were conducted at three time points: pre-training, post-training (1) after the training phase, and post-training (2) after the phonetics course. The training group scored significantly higher than the control group in post-training (1) assessment. Results also showed that the traditional phonetics course along with web-based training was the most effective in teaching students IPA transcription of Cantonese. Students’ learning difficulties in IPA transcription and ways to utilize the web-based platform were discussed.