Using Video-Based Shadowing to Develop Students’ Speaking Skills

Despite the importance of pronunciation in communication, pronunciation teaching has not been the centre of attention. Nevertheless, it has finally attracted scholarly interest, and the use of shadowing for language teaching and learning has increased in Japan. As previous research has shown that shadowing effectively develops English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ bottom-up listening skills and pronunciation, the author introduces the theoretical background of shadowing, how it can be used in extracurricular activities, and how students can use it as extramural activities for their independent learning. In addition, the expected outcomes and issues to consider will be explained. As the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the educational style from face-to-face to a blend of both face-to-face and online activities, shadowing practices are applicable in the post-COVID-19 era.