The Educational Application of AI-Based Oral Reading Assessment:

Validity and Pronunciation Orientation

Abstract

This study investigates the educational application of AI-based oral reading assessment, focusing on its validity and association with pronunciation orientation. Although oral reading is widely practiced in English education, it is rarely evaluated due to the significant time and effort required by teachers. The introduction of AI technology enables efficient and detailed assessments. The study confirms a positive correlation between AIbased oral reading scores and English proficiency, suggesting that AI can effectively assess oral reading skills. Furthermore, it examines learners’ attitudes toward pronunciation, highlighting potential risks of reinforcing native speaker norms. The findings suggest that AI-based assessments should be used thoughtfully to avoid promoting learners’ nativespeaker English orientation.