English Learning Research Articles

The Influence of Technology-Enhanced Feedback on Saudi Female EFL Learners’ Writing Gains

The current study examined the influence of online peer feedback on the writing ability and self-efficacy of female learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Saudi Arabia. The participants were 78 learners divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups used Google Docs to complete their writing assignments and exchange comments, whereas the control group received traditional teacher feedback. Pre-test and post-test self-efficacy ratings were collected on a scale of 1 to 5. The results yielded that the experimental groups improved significantly in self-efficacy compared to their counterparts in the control group. Based on these findings, using Google Docs for peer feedback is likely to assist in improving writing skills and substantially boost writing confidence. The present study thus contributes to the existing body of literature and to the field of EFL education by emphasizing the potential benefits of peer feedback through digital tools and platforms.

Exploring ChatGPT Practices and User Experiences in Learning English Skills

This study investigates the utilization of ChatGPT as a tool for enhancing English language proficiency, specifically targeting fluency, vocabulary acquisition, writing, reading comprehension, and listening skills. A survey was conducted to evaluate students' engagement with ChatGPT in their language learning practices. The results indicate that regular interaction with ChatGPT on diverse topics significantly improves language fluency and comprehension. Furthermore, the tool facilitates vocabulary expansion by introducing new words, along with their definitions, pronunciations, and contextual usage. In the realm of writing, ChatGPT supports the development of creative writing skills, such as story and poetry composition, while providing essential grammar feedback. The importance of grammar is emphasized, with students encouraged to practice using meaningful examples and correct errors. Additionally, the study underscores the role of ChatGPT in enhancing reading comprehension through summarization exercises and listening skills using conversation transcripts and pronunciation practice. The research also highlights ChatGPT's effectiveness in exam preparation by offering practice opportunities and feedback. Finally, the study emphasizes the tool’s role in deepening understanding of idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances, and its use in language games and interactive tests to reinforce language skills, positioning ChatGPT as a valuable resource for English learners.

The Effect of Job-Related English Learning Materials for Mobile Learning Implementation on Students’ English Mastery

This study aims to test the effectiveness of the Job-Related English Learning Material (JRELM) for Mobile Learning Implementation for teaching English at Bali State Polytechnic, Indonesia. Regarding English language aspects and skills, JRELM includes grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, listening, and writing materials. This study was conducted by following the pre-test and post-test control group design. This study involved 48 students; 24 were in the experimental group, and the other 24 were in the control group. They were the 2nd-semester students of the electrical engineering study program at the Bali State Polytechnic. To collect the study data, the researchers used pre-test and post-tests to measure the students’ English mastery. Validity and reliability tests were conducted to ensure the pre-test and post-test were valid and reliable before being used to collect the study data. The researchers used the results of the pre-test and post-test of the experimental group and control group to get the N-gain scores. Then, the N-gained scores were further analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and an independent sample t-test to identify the effectiveness of JRELM on students’ English mastery. The data results show that the JRELM for mobile learning significantly affects students’ English mastery. It is because the JRELM can be accessed at any time, it is provided with exciting learning materials, and it helps students focus on learning with relevant material according to the professional field. Thus, this study concluded that JRELM effectively improves students' mastery of English.

Making a case for English for specific purposes in China: listening to stakeholders’ voices

Internationalization in language education has inspired a new look at English for specific purposes (ESP) needs for English as a foreign language (EFL) learning in China. Undergraduate Chinese student-athletes (SAs) currently need to study college English and pass the CET 4 in order to graduate. ESP is postulated as a necessary but hardly exploited approach in China for SAs’ EFL learning. The study is guided by two main research concerns: (1) the SAs’ attitudes towards the current college English course and the inclusion of ESP into the curriculum and (2) stakeholders’ voices on SAs’ immediate needs, future needs, and wants of learning English. Eighteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with different groups of stakeholders: students, Sports Science graduates, teachers, and university administrators. They agreed that SAs should not be taught only college English but also Sports English to reach a higher level of English language proficiency to fulfil the students’ wants, necessities, and lacks. The authors argue for the inclusion of ESP elements into the current college English curriculum. This will enable SAs to undergo a more meaningful English language experience to meet their current and future EFL expectations. Specifically, the study contributes to a specific dimension of ESP needs for Sports English, which has been left unattended thus far for SAs in the learning of English at the tertiary level.

Second language learning of degree expressions: A computational approach

Abstract Degrees, unlike entities or events, refer to comparative qualities and are closely tied to gradable adjectives such as “tall.” Degree expressions have been explored in second language (L2) research, covering areas such as learnability, first language (L1) transfer, contrastive analysis, and acquisition difficulty. However, a computational approach to the learning of degree expressions in L2 contexts, particularly for L1 Chinese learners of English, has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to fill this gap by utilizing natural language processing (NLP) methods, drawing insights from recent advancements in large language models (LLMs). This study extends Cong (2024)’s general-purpose assessment pipeline to specifically analyze degree expressions, predicting that surprisal metrics will correlate with proficiency levels and distinct developmental stages of L2 learners. Crucially, we address the limitations of surprisal metrics in capturing underuse or avoidance—common in L2 development—by integrating frequency-based analyses. Using an NLP pipeline developed with Stanza, we automatically identified and analyzed degree expressions, constructing linear mixed-effects models to track L2 development trajectories. Our findings reveal that as proficiency increases, learners use complex degree expressions more frequently, supporting theories linking difficulty and learnability. Higher surprisal values are associated with lower proficiency in using degree expressions, and these surprisals are more predictive of degree expressions proficiency than classic NLP measures. These results add further evidence that LLMs and NLP tools provide valuable insights into L2 development, specifically in the domain of degree expressions, expanding upon previous research and offering new approaches for understanding L2 learning processes.

Global Englishes and TESOL: An Editorial Introduction to Innovating Research and Practice

AbstractThis editorial introduction to the special issue on Global Englishes and TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) explores the shifting landscape of English language teaching in response to English's role as a global lingua franca. The increasing diversification of English speakers and contexts challenges traditional TESOL practices, which have long centered on native speaker norms. This special issue includes 15 articles that critically examine the theoretical foundations of Global Englishes, the integration of these concepts into curricula, and the need for innovative research designs to support their implementation. These articles discuss how Global Englishes can address linguistic inequities, promote social justice, and reshape English language education by focusing on real‐world language use. The collection emphasizes the need for collaboration between researchers and practitioners to ensure that pedagogical approaches reflect the diverse linguistic realities of English learners today. Additionally, it highlights the barriers posed by standardized testing, textbook content, and entrenched native speaker ideologies. By advancing empirical research and showcasing diverse global perspectives, this special issue aims to push the boundaries of Global Englishes scholarship and inspire meaningful, practical innovations in TESOL.

THE IMPACT OF TEAM TEACHING ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND PERCEPTIONS IN AVIATION VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

This research highlights the significance of collaborative teaching in addressing the diverse learning challenges faced by cadets, as statistical analysis indicates that team teaching strategies can significantly enhance English learning outcomes compared to traditional methods, thus supporting the educational rights of all students. The research aims to investigate the differences in academic performance between students taught using team-teaching strategies and traditional teaching methods in vocational aviation schools, employing a quantitative ex post facto comparative analysis to measure the impact of these teaching strategies on English learning outcomes, supported by statistical data from Polytechnic Penerbangan Surabaya and Polytechnic Penerbangan Medan. Our findings indicate a statistically significant difference in academic performance, with team teaching students achieving higher average scores (M = 85.4, SD = 3.2) compared to traditional teaching students (M = 78.6, SD = 4.1), p < 0.05. The collaborative nature of team teaching promotes professional development among educators, leading to improved instructional strategies and teaching quality. Educators are encouraged to adopt team teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, as evidence demonstrates their effectiveness in fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Students’ Perceptions of Their Speaking Practice with Foreign Interlocutors via Online Platforms

As online platforms become more widely accessible, English learners have greater opportunities to practice speaking with foreign interlocutors, though many remain hesitant due to a lack of confidence in their speaking abilities. This study examines the perceptions of 107 first-semester English learners at a private university who were assigned to use SCMC platforms like Free4Talk, InterPals, and HelloTalk to engage in English conversations with foreign interlocutors. The aim was to understand how these platforms supported speaking practice and identify any challenges faced. Data were collected through a questionnaire that included Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. The results revealed that 78% of students had positive perceptions, indicating that the platforms facilitated their English-speaking practice through real-time communication. However, they also reported technical issues, such as poor internet connectivity, and challenges with engagement, including difficulty finding consistent conversation partners. The study recommends further research into long-term language learner experiences and an exploration of platform features that could enhance English-speaking practice.

Social Dynamics and Language Learning: Do Extroverts Excel in L2 Acquisition? An Analysis through the Lens of Interactionism Theory

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between social dynamics and second language acquisition, with a specific emphasis on whether extroverts surpass in learning English as a second language more efficiently and effectively than introverts. Moreover, the research is grounded in the Interactionism theory by Lev Vygotsky (1962) which states that language development is hugely determined by social and cultural communication and interaction. So, this study examines whether the personality traits such as being extrovert affect learner’s engagement to learn language more efficiently by socially interacting with other people or not. For this purpose, students of the BS English department of Army Burn Hall College for Girls, Abbottabad were selected as the participants to share their views through a mixed-method approach. A structured questionnaire was designed to gather insights from the students. Results for the close-ended questions have been shown through graphs whereas thematic analysis has been done for open-ended questions. The findings revealed that though ESL learners face many challenges during social meet-ups they still learn vocabulary, pronunciation, confidence, fluency, etc.

Exploring Enjoyment and Flow among Monolingual and Bilingual Learners of English

Emotions play a prominent role in foreign language learning, with positive emotions, such as enjoyment, gaining significant attention in recent years. Enjoyment has been identified as a strong predictor of flow experiences as learners progress to more advanced levels in their language studies (Dewaele and MacIntyre 2022). This study aims to explore the factors that trigger enjoyment, which also serve as components of flow as originally defined by Csikszentmihályi (1975). Adopting a qualitative approach within the framework of positive psychology and flow theory, we empirically examined the antecedent conditions of flow in an online sample of 216 language learners from three different settings: two monolingual contexts (Hungary and Poland) and one bilingual context (Transylvania, Romania). We investigated whether there are differences in the experiences of enjoyment and flow between monolingual and bilingual students. Data were collected through online surveys where participants recounted memorable and enjoyable English language learning experiences. Using content analysis, we explored the close connection between enjoyment and flow in learners’ narratives. We described patterns of flow components, which further emphasize the role of enjoyment in language learning. The findings, illustrated by participants’ reports, highlight factors that align with flow states, including a sense of complete involvement in tasks, intense focus, joy, loss of sense of time/place, and spontaneous connection with peers and teachers. The results suggest that while enhanced enjoyment and flow are significant in foreign language learning, they are not necessarily linked to being a bilingual language learner.

Enhancing Learners Autonomy: Effects of an English Camp Program

Immersing learners in English can be a strategy to improve their autonomy in in English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. The objective of the present study is to analyze the improvement in factors related to learners’ autonomy after the English camp, one of types of language immersion programs. This study used a convenience sampling method. The participants consisted of thirty high school students. Therefore, the present study employed a quantitative research design by distributing a set of questionnaires before and after an-eight-day English camp program. The results suggest that the most salient factor that improves after the treatment is ‘important strategies’ (m=3.6 to m=3.75) while factors related ‘the learners’ sense of self-efficacy’ (m=3.75 to m=3.91) and ‘the role of teacher’ (m=3.47 to m=3.5) do not suggest a drastic increase. In contrast, the items related to ‘the role of the feedback’ (m=3.77 to m=3.58) show a decline. In this sense, the participants seem able to employ various important strategies to advance their language learning progress and improve their confidence while finding the roles of feedback they obtained during the program lessened. The results of this study imply the needs to provide comprehensible inputs to the students so that they can enhance their autonomy. The next study should involve the investigation of the effects of comprehensible inputs in an English camp toward learners’ autonomy.

Pragmatic Competence in Saudi EFL Learners: Challenges, Consequences, and Strategies for Overcoming Barriers

This article critically explores the challenges Saudi learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) face in developing pragmatic competence. Despite the pivotal role pragmatic skills play in facilitating effective communication, Saudi EFL learners frequently struggle with the nuances of English pragmatics, leading to miscommunication and social misunderstandings. The article is organized around three key areas of inquiry: the factors contributing to these pragmatic difficulties, the broader consequences of inadequate pragmatic competence, and practical strategies for overcoming these challenges. Major contributing factors include limited exposure to authentic language usage, cultural divergences in communication styles, pragmatic transfer from Arabic to English, and an EFL pedagogy that prioritizes linguistic accuracy over pragmatic awareness. The repercussions of insufficient pragmatic competence extend beyond communication, affecting learners’ academic performance, professional prospects, and social integration. In response, the article advocates for the incorporation of explicit pragmatic instruction into the curriculum, the creation of opportunities for authentic communicative practice, and the inclusion of culturally relevant contexts to foster greater intercultural sensitivity. By equipping Saudi EFL learners to navigate the intricacies of English pragmatics more effectively, this study seeks to enhance their overall communicative proficiency and intercultural competence, while contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of pragmatic development in specific sociocultural contexts.

Virtual reality technologies for learning English: an example of using Immerse

Virtual reality technologies for learning English: an example of using Immerse

ChatGPT as a tool for self-learning English among EFL learners: A multi-methods study

This study investigates the factors influencing ChatGPT acceptance in self-directed English language learning and explores its potential to enhance the learning process. A multi-methods approach was employed, comprising a systematic review of 40 empirical articles, a quantitative survey of 344 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, and 19 semi-structured interviews. Results indicated that interactivity, enjoyment, trust, and subjective norms significantly affect continued use through perceived usefulness, while human-likeness, self-efficacy, and technology anxiety influence it through perceived ease of use. EFL learners utilize ChatGPT for both primary and secondary English learning purposes, supporting various language dimensions including reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. The study also identified both passive and active language learning engagement facilitated by ChatGPT. This research contributes to the field by proposing an extended Technology Acceptance Model and a conceptual framework for chatbot-assisted language learning. For chatbot developers, the findings underscore the need to enhance interactivity, human-likeness, enjoyment, and trust while minimizing technology anxiety to increase sustained use. Educators can utilize these insights to better integrate ChatGPT into their curricula, supporting diverse language skills and engaging learners more effectively. Together, these findings provide concrete guidance for enhancing the design and implementation of AI chatbots in language learning contexts.

A Study on English Learners' Perceptions and Attitudes to Examine the Potential and Effectiveness of the Educational Application of an AI Chatbot

A Study on English Learners' Perceptions and Attitudes to Examine the Potential and Effectiveness of the Educational Application of an AI Chatbot

Chinese EFL Learners’ Emotional Intelligence, Academic Boredom and Class Participation

This study investigates the relationship among emotional intelligence, academic boredom, and classroom participation of Chinese non-English major college students in English learning. Utilizing a quantitative and descriptive design, data was gathered from freshmen and sophomores majoring in economics, management, and fine arts at a regional university in Yuncheng, China through a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire comprised sections on emotional intelligence, academic boredom, and class participation, aligning with emotional intelligence theory, academic boredom theory, and class participation theory, respectively. The findings reveal significant correlations: emotional intelligence is inversely related to academic boredom, indicating higher emotional intelligence corresponds to lower academic boredom levels. Affective intelligence positively correlates with class participation, suggesting higher affective intelligence is linked to increased participation. Conversely, academic boredom negatively impacts class participation, as greater boredom is associated with reduced engagement. These results hold vital implications for enhancing English learning effectiveness and student well-being, offering valuable insights for educators. The study proposes a language-learning program focused on enhancing emotional intelligence and engagement to alleviate academic boredom. Recommendations include incorporating emotional intelligence training in universities, diversifying classroom activities, fostering cross-cultural communication opportunities, and leveraging technology for emotional intelligence and engagement promotion. Future research should expand sample sizes and school majors to deepen understanding and integrate technology tools into teaching practices and curriculum design.

The Use of the Adverbial Case Marker '-에' by English, Chinese, and Japanese-Speaking Learners of Korean: Focusing on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Learners

The Use of the Adverbial Case Marker '-에' by English, Chinese, and Japanese-Speaking Learners of Korean: Focusing on Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Learners

The Use of "Seven" as an English Learning Medium for 7th Grade Junior High School Students

This article focuses on the development of mobile learning media using Android-based applications to enhance the teaching and learning process, specifically for English language education in seventh-grade classrooms. The study follows the research and development (R&D) model proposed by Lee and Owens (2004) and was conducted in two private schools in the Malang district. The development process consists of five phases: assessment/analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The "Seven" application, developed using the Andromo platform, aims to improve the four basic skills of English language learning: reading, speaking, writing, and listening. The effectiveness of the application was evaluated through material verification and media verification, using qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods. The findings indicate that the "Seven" application was well-received by students, with positive feedback regarding its user-friendly interface and the engaging learning experience it provided. The study demonstrates the potential of Android-based mobile learning as an effective and practical tool for enhancing English language education in seventh-grade classrooms.

ESP Students’ Perception Towards the Use of ICT in English Learning

This study aimed to explore ESP students’ perceptions towards the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in English learning. Data obtained was analyzed by employing the descriptive analysis techniques using questionnaire distributed to 50 students from the Economic Faculty of Yogyakarta State University in the form of Google form. The questionnaire adapted from Davis (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study revealed that a significant majority of students perceive ICT as beneficial tool in improving their performance in ESP course, with 77% recognizing its usefulness and 79% agreeing on its ease of use. Additionally, 76.5% of students demonstrated positive attitudes toward ICT use, while 81% expressed a strong intention to continue using it in their learning. These findings highlight the importance of ICT in fostering language skills relevant to students’ academic and professional goals

Contributions of self‐efficacy, L2 grit and digital literacy to informal digital learning of English: A structural equation modelling approach

Contributions of self‐efficacy, <scp>L2</scp> grit and digital literacy to informal digital learning of English: A structural equation modelling approach