Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) as a Tool in Teaching English Among ESL Learners: A Systematic Review (2019–2023)

Abstract

Technology's proliferation in teaching and learning, specifically in mobile instant messaging (MIM) as a tool has changed the meaning of education around the world. MIM applications have changed the way teachers and learners communicate in a classroom. The impact on ESL learners' enhancement in learning English has proven that teachers' exploration on MIM can be widely done in classrooms. However, the reviews on MIM in teaching English is scarce, despite the importance it poses in language teaching and learning. Hence, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were adopted for reviewing current studies. Using three main journal databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) and Educational Resources Database Center (ERIC), 21 articles were extracted out of 750, from 2019 to 2023, taking into consideration of exclusion and inclusion criteria. First, the findings found evidence that WhatsApp is mostly and widely used in teaching and learning. In addition, MIM is perceived as a significant learning platform that can aid in the enhancement of the four language skills (i.e., reading, listening, writing, and speaking) as well as integrated language skills and vocabulary. Besides that, MIM is found to help to increase motivation, increase interaction and lower learners' language anxiety. In general, this study is useful for future researchers to explore and employ MIM in teaching English among ESL learners.