IntEx Lab Research Partners Present Research Paper on AI Learning Support Tools and English Proficiency Improvement

IntEx Lab (International Exchange Laboratory*), which conducts research and studies aimed at the social implementation of diversity at the non-profit organization HelloWorld (Location: Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture; Representative Directors: Hikaru Nonaka and Keisuke Tomita), is pleased to announce that its research partners, Ms. Miyuki Takahashi and Mr. Kunio Kinjo, have presented a research paper titled "The Effects of Practice Volume in Reading Aloud and Interaction Activities Using AI-Supported Tools on English Learning Outcomes" at the Language Education Expo 2026. * "IntEx" is a collective term for International Exchange / International Experience. It is a concept that encompasses all activities where people engage in international exchange for purposes such as multicultural understanding, regardless of whether they are in-person or online. "IntEx" is a registered trademark of our partner, HelloWorld Inc. ### Presentation Overview - Paper Title: The Effects of Practice Volume in Reading Aloud and Interaction Activities Using AI-Supported Tools on English Learning Outcomes: Verification of Quantity Effects, Interaction Effects, and Moderation Effects - Academic Conference: Language Education Expo 2026 (https://www.jactfl.or.jp/?p=5228) - Oral Presentation Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 * The proceedings containing the paper, "Language Education Expo 2026 Proceedings +," are scheduled to be published on the conference website in April 2026. ### Background of the Research In recent years, the development of speaking skills, represented by "speaking" and "interaction," has been emphasized more than ever in junior high school English education in Japan. Coupled with revisions to the Course of Study, while the development of learning environments utilizing ICT and AI is progressing, class time is limited, and it remains difficult for each student to perform a sufficient amount of speaking practice. Under these circumstances, building a system that complements student learning opportunities outside of class and supports personalized, optimal learning is an urgent issue. To address this challenge, IntEx Lab is working on developing effective methods for utilizing AI-supported tools and verifying their effectiveness. Previous research using "WorldClassroom," an AI English learning app provided by our partner HelloWorld Inc., demonstrated that AI-supported tools can have educational effects on junior high school students and support autonomous learning. Based on this, this study was conducted using data from "WorldClassroom" to clarify what specific results the use of AI to ensure the "quality and quantity of practice" brings to the improvement of English proficiency in junior high school students, based on second language acquisition theory. Note that both the previous research and this study are based on statistically anonymized data provided by HelloWorld Inc. ### Summary of Research Results In this study, we analyzed learning data from 4,005 junior high school students collected between April and December 2025. The results demonstrated that learning using AI-supported tools like "WorldClassroom" contributes to the step-by-step development of English proficiency. - Improvement confirmed in approximately 40% of the total: An improvement in English proficiency level (CEFR-J) was observed in 38.4% of all students before and after the study, yielding statistically highly significant results. - Optimal practice menus identified according to proficiency: It was found that effective learning content differs by level, from beginners to intermediate level and above. - Beginner Level (Pre-A1 to A1.1): Repeating "reading aloud" and "short interactions" with AI advances the automation of speaking English, leading directly to level-ups. - Intermediate Level and Above (A1.2 to A1.3): It was found that "presentation practice," where students construct and present their own opinions, is the key to further improvement. - Consistency to break through the "Intermediate Plateau": At the intermediate stage, where grades tend to stagnate, it became clear that "logging in and continuing to study every week" is more important for maintaining and improving ability than the number of practice sessions. From these findings, it can be said that in addition to the importance of utilizing AI-supported tools, designing practice content according to student levels and providing guidance that encourages continuous learning are required for classroom improvement. HelloWorld will continue to deepen cooperation with various educational professionals and stakeholders to realize the social implementation of diversity, and will promote initiatives for research and studies on English education and diversity education, as well as the deployment of best practices. Organization Name: HelloWorld (Non-profit organization) Representatives: Hikaru Nonaka, Keisuke Tomita Location: 1-7-8 Chuo, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture Established: October 2023 Activities: Operation of the Machinaka Ryugaku (Study Abroad in Town) Fund, support for children through collaborations with companies/organizations, and conducting research and studies on international exchange and multicultural understanding (IntEx Lab), etc. URL: https://hello-world.education/