Speaker
Description
According to globally released IELTS data for 2023-2024, speaking received the lowest average score for Vietnamese test-takers.
Tutoring is an effective means to address this due to in-depth relationships formed between tutors and students, identifying issues then tailoring educational interventions. While most cannot have unlimited access to 1:1 speaking tutoring, increasing numbers can download AI platforms supplementing language learning on smart devices.
Encouraging learner autonomy has been a key focus in my ongoing IELTS classes, where I have been developing speaking skills through AI-assisted learning. By optimizing ChatGPT’s Voice Mode to more realistically replicate the IELTS speaking test, especially with generating Part 3 follow-up questions, learners can be better prepared for the IELTS speaking test challenges through this context-specific learning environment. Moreover, ChatGPT can immediately become a tutor, identifying linguistic shortcomings in the student’s performance from the conversation’s transcription plus suggesting language exercises.
In this workshop, we will explore AI’s potential to be optimized for the role of an IELTS speaking examiner. This exploration extends into AI as a tutor, providing individualized feedback (grammar & vocabulary) through analyzing the transcripts of the ChatGPT logged conversations, although there are constraints. However, with guided use, these limitations can actually promote learner autonomy and critical thinking skills.
By the end of this workshop, attendees will use prompts to make ChatGPT act more similarly to IELTS speaking examiners; experiment with using ChatGPT as a speaking examiner, including asking suitable follow-up questions for Speaking Part 3 topics; and critically examine the feedback from ChatGPT.
Biography
Daniel Almon is a dedicated English language teaching professional with over 15 years of international experience, including 13 years in Vietnam. He has taught in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and is currently based in Danang, where he has lived and worked for the past seven and a half years.
He is currently an educator at RMIT University and has represented IDP as an IELTS expert in delivering numerous training workshops and presentations, alongside other independent ventures. His past roles include Academic Coordinator at the British Council Hanoi, where he oversaw the adult, IELTS, and high school programs; Senior Teacher at ILA, where he managed teams in creating content and delivering well-attended marketing events; and English instructor at Toin University of Yokohama through the Westgate Corporation.
Dan holds a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology, a CELTA (Pass A), and the DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). His teaching philosophy integrates cognitive science with practical pedagogy, focusing on learner autonomy, engagement, and critical thinking.
Over the past decade, Dan has also been exploring the intersection of education and technology. He specializes in integrating EdTech tools to enhance learner interaction, motivation, and self-direction. His lessons and workshops often incorporate gamification, multimedia elements, and immersive digital techniques to create engaging, student-centered learning environments.
Dan is passionate about empowering both learners and fellow educators through thoughtful innovation and practical application. He continues to experiment with new methodologies that enhance learning outcomes while keeping the classroom dynamic and future-focused.
