A Systematic Literature Review on the use of Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) for Enhancing Speaking Skills among ESL and EFL Learners

Abstract

Mastering all the four language skills has been the topmost priority among both ESL and EFL learners all over the world. Apparently, speaking skills remains to be the most challenging among other skills in which many learners are still struggling to speak proficiently. Past studies suggest that Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) could be applied as a potential instructional approach in the pursuit of helping learners to gain speaking proficiency. However, there are limited reviews done on current studies which indicate the effectiveness of MALL for speaking particularly in ESL and EFL contexts. Hence, this paper sought to fulfill the gap by presenting a systematic review of relevant published studies done in MALL environments to enhance ESL and EFL learners’ speaking skills from the year 2016 to 2020. The findings of the review suggest that the application of MALL propagates the concepts of the constructivism theory, promotes stress-free environment, supports situated learning, and provides ease of use. Further analysis indicate that mobile devices’ general built-in features and mobile applications could be used as possible tools in helping learners to enhance their speaking skills in MALL environments. However, most of the reviewed studies’ focus on tertiary education has created a literature gap. Thus, there is a need to study the implementation of MALL in both primary and secondary schools so that it could be benefited by ESL and EFL learners of all ages particularly in developing speaking skills.