Practice Pronunciation with Microsoft Reading Coach
Use Microsoft Reading Coach to give adult learners personalised, private pronunciation practice with instant AI feedback on individual sounds and words.
DigCompEdu Competence Area(s)
Digital resources, Facilitating learners’ digital competence
Time
Preparation time 15 minutes
Implementation time 45 minutes
Educator Progression Level
Newcomer
Target groups
Adult language learners A1 – B2 language level
Minimum student digital skill level
Basic
Minimum student language level
A1
🎓 Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Read authentic-style texts appropriate to their proficiency level.
- Practise oral skills with properly levelled vocabulary and grammar.
- Improve pronunciation accuracy using AI feedback on individual sounds.
- Track and assess their progress using the tool’s accuracy evaluation.
- Develop confidence in oral reading through personalised, non-judgmental feedback.
Ingredients
| Item / Resource | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Reading Coach (free) | 1 per learner | AI-powered pronunciation practice tool |
| Microsoft account (free) | 1 per learner | Required to save progress |
| Device with microphone | 1 per learner | For recording pronunciation |
| Headphones (optional) | 1 per learner | For private practice in shared spaces |
| Text passage relevant to lesson topic | 1 per session | Content for reading practice |
Utensils
- Device with microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer)
- Internet access
- Microsoft account (free to create)
- Headphones recommended for classroom use
🥣 Preparation – Before Implementation
- Access Microsoft Reading Coach at coach.microsoft.com or through Microsoft Edge.
- Select or create a text passage appropriate for your learners’ level.
- Test the tool yourself to understand the feedback it provides.
- Prepare a simple guide for learners on how to start a reading session.
🔥 Implementation Steps
- Introduce Microsoft Reading Coach: Show the interface on a projected screen.
- Demonstrate a reading session: Read a short passage aloud and show how the AI provides feedback.
- Learners open the tool on their own devices and select or receive the prepared text.
- Learners read the passage aloud; the tool highlights mispronounced words.
- Learners practise the flagged words using the word practice feature.
- After the session, learners review their accuracy report and identify words to practise further.
- Whole-class debrief: Share common pronunciation challenges and practise together.
🧂 Differentiation & Inclusion
- For beginners: Use very short passages (2-3 sentences) with high-frequency vocabulary.
- For advanced learners: Use longer, more complex texts and focus on connected speech features.
- For learners with reading difficulties: Allow extra time and use the text-to-speech feature to hear the correct pronunciation first.
🍴 Assessment & Feedback
| Criterion | Excellent | Good | Needs Work |
| Pronunciation accuracy | Achieves 80%+ accuracy score on the Reading Coach report | Achieves 60-79% accuracy with identifiable improvement areas | Below 60% accuracy; significant pronunciation support needed |
| Engagement with feedback | Actively uses word practice feature for all flagged words | Uses word practice for most flagged words | Rarely engages with the word practice feature |
| Progress over time | Demonstrates measurable improvement across multiple sessions | Shows some improvement with continued practice | Limited progress; may need additional support strategies |
⚠️ Ethics, Privacy & Safeguarding
- Ensure learners are comfortable with voice recording before using the tool.
- Clarify that recordings are processed by Microsoft and are subject to their privacy policy.
- Do not require learners to share their accuracy scores publicly.
- Be sensitive to learners who may feel self-conscious about pronunciation practice.
🍱 Extensions / Follow‑Ups
- Assign Reading Coach sessions as homework for independent pronunciation practice.
- Use the progress reports to identify common pronunciation challenges across the class.
- Combine with speaking activities: learners practise a passage in Reading Coach, then present it to the class.
🔗 Cross‑Subject Link
References & Resources
Microsoft Reading Coach: https://coach.microsoft.com
Microsoft Immersive Reader: https://www.onenote.com/learningtools