Social Robot for English Language Learning among Young Learners
Funding Scheme
The Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living (Non-RGC)
Funding Amount
HK$4,953,800
Awarded Year
2023
A robot storyteller helps students improve their English language acquisition
Our project develops the first-of-its-kind social robot, Joey, for young learners of English as a Second Language (ESL). Joey offers personalized interactive storytelling activities that enhance English language skills, learning engagement, and motivation. This robot, powered by an AI system, enables educators to create tailored teaching materials for their students. Our research demonstrates Joey's superior performance compared to that of either tablets or human teachers in engaging children in English learning. Joey’s implementation in local kindergartens and primary schools will provide an evidence-based English learning tool for young ESL learners. Our project is a pioneering effort in the field of ESL learning.
Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. The research team contributes towards the following SDG(s):
This research tackles several critical issues in ESL/EFL education for young learners. First, young ESL/EFL learners often lack quality exposure to the language; this has a negative impact on their language learning. They also face a shortage of personalized and interactive learning experiences; this leads to reduced motivation and engagement. The diversity within ESL/EFL education further complicates matters, as children with special educational needs (SEN) or those from underprivileged backgrounds may require additional support to effectively learn English. Furthermore, the considerable time English teachers often need to spend preparing tailored teaching materials impinges on their ability to focus on teaching and providing student support.
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To address these challenges we introduce Joey, the first social robot designed to deliver storytelling activities for young children in school settings. Joey incorporates cutting-edge knowledge from social robotics, educational psychology, and language learning. Preliminary research indicates that learners participating in storytelling activities with Joey have significantly higher levels of engagement than those interacting with tablets or human teachers. While engagement levels in the tablet and human teacher conditions decline over time, those communicating with the robot showed slightly increasing engagement levels throughout the activities.
Over the course of the two-year project, we aim to benefit at least 40 kindergartens and primary schools in Hong Kong, involving approximately 5,000 K2-P3 children and 100 teachers. The project is inclusive and welcomes ESL children from all backgrounds, including those with SEN, thereby promoting a more equitable learning environment.
Selected Publications
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International Achievements or Awards
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