EFL Learners’ perceptions of the Effectiveness of Duolingo

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate EFL learners’ perceptions ofthe effectiveness of the Duolingo application in enhancing English listening skills and their attitudes toward using this tool to study English listening. To this end, a total of 119 English-majored students who have used the Duolingo application participated in this research. Data were collected using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire and interviews. Data were analyzed both quantitatively using descriptive statistics and qualitatively using the content analysis method. Findings revealed that the Duolingo application is a popular program among English majors and most students think that it was helpful for them to improve their listening skills and keep them motivated to learn English. The interesting, vivid, and intuitive exercises in Duolingo and its feature of frequent reminders motivated them to study. However, it was also found that Duolingo was more suitable for students who are at basic and intermediate levels of English proficiency than for advanced students. Then, some pedagogical implications were proposed.