JP2020071312A - Method and system for evaluating linguistic ability - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an evaluation method for accurately grasping a level of current linguistic ability of a user so as to provide the user with an optimum learning method.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a method of evaluating linguistic ability of a user in a predetermined language. The method comprises: a first step of presenting the user with speech in the predetermined language and acquiring information regarding content of the speech from the user; and a second step of presenting the user with information and acquiring information uttered by the user regarding the information in the predetermined language.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a language ability evaluation method and a language ability evaluation system.

  In recent years, globalization has progressed in corporate activities and learning activities, and along with this, various foreign language acquisition services have been provided. Examples of such services include, for example, a language learning system using a computer and online English conversation.

JP 2001-331092 A JP, 2008-299074, A

  However, even if various learning methods are available, it cannot be said that an appropriate learning method is provided to the user. This is because the optimal learning method cannot be selected unless the language ability of each user is properly evaluated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an evaluation method for accurately grasping the current state of language ability of a user in order to provide an optimal learning method.

According to the invention,
A method for evaluating a user's language ability in a predetermined language,
A first step of presenting a voice in the predetermined language to the user and acquiring information regarding the content of the voice from the user;
A second step of presenting information to the user and acquiring information spoken by the user in the predetermined language with respect to the information;
You can obtain a language ability evaluation method.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an evaluation method for accurately grasping the current state of the learner's language ability.

It is a figure which shows notionally the structure of the system by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the management server of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a theory according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the exchange of the information for the evaluation by this invention. 3 is a table showing an outline of tests used in the evaluation method according to the present embodiment and the purpose thereof. 9 is another table showing the ability to be evaluated by the evaluation method according to the present embodiment and a training example for improving the ability. FIG. 7 is a structural conceptual diagram for providing a program or service for performing the training shown in FIG. 6.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Item 1]
A method for evaluating a user's language ability in a predetermined language,
A first step of presenting a voice in the predetermined language to the user and acquiring information regarding the content of the voice from the user;
A second step of presenting information to the user and acquiring information spoken by the user in the predetermined language with respect to the information;
Language ability evaluation method.
[Item 2]
The language evaluation method described in item 1,
The first step further includes the step of acquiring at least a part of the content of the voice in the predetermined language.
Language ability evaluation method [Item 3]
The language ability evaluation method according to item 1 or 2,
The first step further includes a step of acquiring information regarding the content of the voice in a first language of the user,
Language ability evaluation method.
[Item 4]
The language ability evaluation method according to any one of Items 1 to 3,
The second step further comprises
Acquiring a quantity of said spoken information and a quality of said spoken information within a predetermined time period,
Language ability evaluation method.
[Item 5]
The language ability evaluation method according to any one of Items 1 to 4,
The second step further comprises
A step of acquiring a value obtained by converting the number of utterances of the user in the predetermined language into a unit time and a content of the utterance within a predetermined time,
Language ability evaluation method.
[Item 6]
The language ability evaluation method according to any one of Items 1 to 5,
Further comprising acquiring knowledge of at least the grammar, words or example sentences of the user,
Language ability evaluation method.
[Item 7]
A language ability evaluation system comprising a device for evaluating a user's language ability in a predetermined language,
The apparatus presents a voice in the predetermined language to the user, and obtains information about the content of the voice from the user, a first step,
A second step of presenting information to the user and acquiring information spoken by the user in the predetermined language with respect to the predetermined information.
Language ability evaluation system.

<Outline>
The present invention is a language ability evaluation method for accurately grasping the language ability of a learner (hereinafter referred to as “user”). In the following description, an example in which a method for evaluating language ability using an evaluation device (terminal) is realized by a language ability evaluation system will be described. Also, in the following description, an example will be described in which a user whose first language is Japanese learns "English" as a foreign language.

  In addition, the method according to the present invention may be intervened by a person, such as a learning consultant, who is interposed between the user and the terminal or the like to assist the learning of the user. In this case, the operation of the device or the like may be performed by a user or a consultant.

<Structure>
As shown in FIG. 1, a language ability evaluation system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system”) in which the language ability evaluation method according to the present embodiment is implemented has the following configuration. The system includes a management server 1, a user terminal 2, a database 3 connected to the management server 1, and a network 4 communicatively connecting the management server 1 and the user terminal 2. It should be noted that this configuration is an example, and one configuration may have another configuration or may include another configuration.

<Management server>
2, the management server 1 is connected to a database ((not shown) and forms a part of the system. The management server 1 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. Alternatively, it may be logically realized by cloud computing.

  The management server 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, an input / output unit 14, and the like, which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 15.

  The control unit 10 is an arithmetic device that controls the overall operation of the management server 1, controls the transmission and reception of data between the respective elements, and executes information processing necessary for execution of applications and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes a program or the like stored in the storage 12 and expanded in the memory 11 to perform each information processing.

  The memory 11 includes a main memory configured by a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary storage configured by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a HDD (Hard Disc Drive). .. The memory 11 is used as a work area or the like of the processor 10, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed when the management server 1 is activated, various setting information, and the like.

  The storage 12 stores various programs such as application programs. A database (not shown) that stores data used for each process may be built in the storage 12.

  The transmission / reception unit 13 connects the management server 1 to the network. The transmitter / receiver 13 may include a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

  The input / output unit 14 is an information input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output device such as a display.

  The bus 15 is commonly connected to each of the above elements and transmits, for example, an address signal, a data signal, and various control signals.

<User terminal 2>
As the user terminal 2 according to the present embodiment, a smartphone, a tablet terminal or the like is mainly considered, but a personal computer or the like may be used. Similarly to FIG. 2, the user terminal 2 also includes a control unit, a memory, a storage, a transmission / reception unit, an input / output unit, etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 15 (not shown).

<Theory of the Present Invention>
The theory of language evaluation according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "5 steps of English conversation") will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, it is necessary to keep in mind that "listening" and "speaking" are completely different abilities (learning methods) in learning a language. This comparison is also common to the relationship between "reading" and "writing."

  When a user listens to English, the sound coming from the ear is perceived (speech perception), and the word data in the voice (which English word the sound corresponds to) is identified from the user's knowledge database (in the brain). To be done. Then, in order to understand what meaning the English word or sentence has (meaning understanding), the meaning of the word and the meaning and function of the grammar were specified again from the knowledge database, and finally the ear entered. Understand what the voice means. In other words, listening is composed of two major elements in this order: speech perception and meaning understanding.

  On the other hand, when the user speaks something, a concept about what is said occurs in the user's mind (conceptualization), and then, in order to convey the concept to the other party as a sentence, word data, grammar data, Identify example sentence data etc. (text conversion). When the sentence you want to convey is ready, pronounce it to indicate the intention to the other person (speech).

<Method of evaluation>
The assessment of language skills begins with identifying the problem areas at each of the above stages.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the following exchanges are performed between the evaluator (management server) and the user (user terminal). Hereinafter, steps SQ102 to SQ108 are for evaluating the listening ability among the five steps of English conversation, and steps SQ112 to SQ118 are for evaluating the speaking ability.

  Explain the evaluation of listening ability. The listening evaluation includes a first listening evaluation and a second listening evaluation.

  As the first listening evaluation step, as shown in the figure, first, English voice data is presented to the user (SQ102). The voice content may be unidirectional such as speech, or bidirectional such as conversation. Further, it may be presented together with the moving image. The presentation method may be performed, for example, through a speaker or earphone of the user terminal, or may be performed in cooperation with another audio output device. That is, any method may be used as long as the sound is perceived through the user's hearing.

  Next, the user causes the word used in the voice to be answered with respect to at least a part of the voice data (dictation). For example, the content of the voice data may be displayed as a text, a part of the blank data may be presented to the user, and the word corresponding to the blank space may be answered. The answer is usually written, but it is also possible to give a verbal answer or select from options.

  The first listening evaluation makes it possible to evaluate, of the listening abilities of the user, the ability relating to voice perception (see FIG. 3). That is, in this evaluation, whether or not the word included in the voice data is audible is an evaluation target, and it does not matter whether or not the meaning of the word is understood.

  Subsequently, as the second listening evaluation, the evaluator presents yet another English voice data to the user (step SQ106). The voice data is preferably different from that used in step SQ102.

  Next, for example, the information regarding the content that the user understands about the voice is acquired from the user (SQ108). Specifically, a summary of the content heard from the voice or an answer to a question regarding the content may be acquired. The method of acquisition may be, for example, input from a user terminal in text, or may be transmitted by aloud information. The information acquired from the user is not limited to the summary, the answer to the question, and the like, and may be any information as long as the information can be understood based on the content of the voice.

  The second listening assessment allows the user's overall ability to listen to English to be analyzed.

  The listening evaluation ends with the first listening evaluation and the second listening evaluation for the listening evaluation described above. As described above, the user's speech perception is evaluated by the result of the first listening evaluation, and the user's entire listening ability (speech perception + semantic understanding) is evaluated by the result of the second listening evaluation. Therefore, by comparing these evaluations, it is possible to grasp which of the voice perception and the meaning understanding (or both) is insufficient for the user. Through these evaluations, it is possible to comprehensively evaluate the quantity and quality of the user's knowledge database.

  Next, a method of evaluating speaking will be described. The speaking evaluation includes a first speaking evaluation and a second speaking evaluation.

  As the first speaking evaluation, the evaluator presents a short sentence or the like in Japanese (first language) to the user (SQ112), and asks the user to make an English composition on the spot and give an oral response (SQ114). ). As an evaluation method of the answer, the number of sentences that can be answered within a predetermined time (quantity), whether the answer is grammatically correct (quality) and the meaning of the presented Japanese is analyzed.

  According to the first speaking evaluation, the writing ability of the user (see FIG. 3) can be analyzed.

  Subsequently, as the second speaking evaluation, the evaluator presents the user with a predetermined theme (topic, question, etc., information that functions as a "question" for the user) (SQ116). The method of presenting the theme may be oral, or text such as text.

  Next, the user is made to speak about the theme and the information is acquired (SQ118). The content to be uttered by the user may be a free comment on the theme, an answer to a question, or an answer to the user's opinion / thought on a certain topic.

  The second speaking assessment allows the user's overall (see FIG. 3) ability to speak English to be analyzed.

  The speaking evaluation ends with the first speaking evaluation and the second speaking evaluation for the speaking evaluation described above. As described above, the writing ability of the user is evaluated based on the result of the first speaking evaluation, and the entire speaking ability (conceptualization + texting + speeching) of the user is evaluated based on the result of the second speaking evaluation. Therefore, by comparing these evaluations, it is possible to grasp which of the conceptualization, the textification, and the phonization (or the combination thereof or all) is insufficient for the user. Through these evaluations, it is possible to comprehensively evaluate the quantity and quality of the user's knowledge database.

<Evaluation test>
An example of a specific test for evaluation described above will be described with reference to FIG. The tests shown in the figure are examples, and some tests may be omitted, tests may be combined and integrated, and other tests may be added or supplemented. Any item may be used as long as it can evaluate and analyze the user's ability with respect to the column.

  As shown, there are seven tests in this embodiment. That is, there are seven types of speech perception test, listening test, writing test, speaking test, knowledge database test (grammar), knowledge database test (word), and knowledge database test (example sentence). The outline of each test and the purpose of the test will be described below.

  The voice perception test provides an English script and presents the voice of the script. While listening, fill in the blanks in the script and answer, and evaluate the contents of the answer. The purpose of the test is to measure the speech perception ability of listening.

  For the listening test, after presenting English voice for a certain period of time, answer what is the content in Japanese (answer of summary, answer to question about contents, etc.). Quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the understanding level of the content. The purpose of the test is to measure the ability of speech perception and semantic comprehension in listening.

  The writing test presents a Japanese voice and verbally translates the voice into English. Evaluate the number and quality of English translations. The purpose of the test is to measure writing ability in speaking.

  In the speaking test, a specified theme is spoken in English for a certain time (for example, 1 minute). Evaluate the number of sentences written in one minute (SPM: Sentences per Minute) and the contents of the sentence. The purpose of the test is to measure overall speaking ability.

  The knowledge database test (grammar) translates Japanese sentences into English and evaluates the number and quality of English translations. The purpose of this test is to measure the amount of knowledge data. The test method may be any test as long as it can evaluate grammar knowledge, such as English rearrangement, blank filling, free English composition, and the like.

  The knowledge database test (word) tests the conversion of English and Japanese words and evaluates the number of correct answers. The test method may be any test as long as the knowledge about the word can be asked, such as selecting the corresponding word or inputting the word.

  The knowledge database test (example sentence) tests the English example sentence (phrase, etc.) and evaluates the number of correct answers. Any test can be used as long as it can evaluate the knowledge about English example sentences, such as blank filling for example sentences and free English composition.

  The above evaluation is merely an example, and the contents can be appropriately changed as long as the purpose can be achieved. In addition, it is possible to measure the amount of word data, grammar data, and example sentence data in the knowledge database through each of the tests.

  The evaluation of the test can be, for example, a quantification based on a score table or an evaluation including qualitative contents. At this time, as an example of an answer, various evaluation means such as scoring by comparison with information prepared in advance and acquisition of a result of having a consultant evaluate the test result can be considered.

  In this way, by appropriately evaluating the current state of the user's language ability in accordance with the five steps of English conversation, it is possible to propose and provide an appropriate learning method according to the task of the user.

<Training method>
With reference to FIG. 6, the content of training that can be proposed to the user will be described based on the results of the above-described test. The training menu shown in the figure can be proposed for 5 steps of English conversation and each item of the knowledge database, but the contents of each step / item and the training menu are not necessarily one-to-one correspondence, for example, a certain step. -There may be multiple training menus for an item, or a certain training menu may correspond to multiple steps and items.

  Training for improving the speech perception of listening includes shadowing, dictation, polyphony, overlapping, and repeating.

  Trainings for improving the meaning comprehension include extensive reading, extensive listening, reading aloud, and slash reading.

  Training for improving conceptualization includes English conversation, English composition, English diary, and soliloquy training.

  Training for improving writing is English conversation, English composition, English diary, soliloquy training, oral English composition, fast response training, etc.

  Training for improving vocalization includes understanding of the pronunciation mechanism and correction of pronunciation.

  Training for strengthening the knowledge database (words) includes memorization, listening, pronunciation, writing, and recitation of words.

  Training for strengthening the knowledge database (grammar) includes understanding of grammar rules, memorization, and exercises.

  Training for strengthening the knowledge database (example sentences) includes memorization, listening, pronunciation, writing, and recitation of example sentences.

  The above training programs are appropriately selected and combined according to the result of the evaluation described above, and provided to the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, from the management server 1, various programs (shadowing program, extensive reading / listening program, English conversation program, English composition program, pronunciation correction program, word memorization program, grammar exercise program, example sentence memorization program) Etc.) to the user terminal 2, and may be executed in the user terminal 2. In addition, the user terminal 2 is provided in cooperation with external services (shadowing service, extensive reading / listening service, English conversation service, English composition service, pronunciation correction service, word memorization service, grammar practice service, example sentence memorization service, etc.). It may be that.

1 Management Server 2 User Terminal 3 Database

Claims (7)

A method for evaluating a user's language ability in a predetermined language,
A first step of presenting a voice in the predetermined language to the user and acquiring information regarding the content of the voice from the user;
A second step of presenting information to the user and acquiring information spoken by the user in the predetermined language with respect to the information;
Language ability evaluation method. The language evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein
The first step further includes the step of acquiring at least a part of the content of the voice in the predetermined language.
Language ability evaluation method The language ability evaluation method according to claim 1 or 2,
The first step further includes a step of acquiring information regarding the content of the voice in a first language of the user,
Language ability evaluation method. The language ability evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The second step further comprises
Acquiring a quantity of said spoken information and a quality of said spoken information within a predetermined time period,
Language ability evaluation method. The language ability evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The second step further comprises
A step of acquiring a value obtained by converting the number of utterances of the user in the predetermined language into a unit time and a content of the utterance within a predetermined time,
Language ability evaluation method. The language ability evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Further comprising acquiring knowledge of at least the grammar, words or example sentences of the user,
Language ability evaluation method. A language ability evaluation system comprising a device for evaluating a user's language ability in a predetermined language,
The apparatus presents a voice in the predetermined language to the user, and obtains information about the content of the voice from the user, a first step,
A second step of presenting information to the user and acquiring information spoken by the user in the predetermined language with respect to the predetermined information.
Language ability evaluation system.