Influences of Duolingo English Test: A Qualitative Study on the Tertiary-Level Students of Bangladesh

Abstract

Various online learning platforms have become prominent in recent times. These technological tools can facilitate students’ language learning process. There are different kinds of online applications that teachers and students can use for their teaching-learning purposes. Among those online platforms, Duolingo is one of the significant applications. Academic research on the use of Duolingo tests in terms of English language learning is missing in the context of Bangladesh. Moreover, most of the Bangladeshi students do not know the functions of Duolingo application properly. For these reasons, the study is important for recognizing the significance of Duolingo tests in learning English language. The main objective of this study is to explore the contribution of Duolingo tests in English language learning. This study examines why and how the students utilize Duolingo tests to increase their proficiency in English language. Students can assess their own progress by using Duolingo tests. In doing this research, the researcher followed a qualitative research method for this study. The researcher took semi-structured interview of the participants all drawn from a private university of Bangladesh. From this research, the researcher found that Duolingo English tests are important to develop learners’ vocabulary, grammar and other English language skills and the teachers need to have enough training to implement Duolingo English tests in Bangladeshi English language classrooms.