Role of Social Media Application in Promoting Motivation and Listening Skill of Iraqi EFL Learners: A Skype-Based Study

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the possible role of the social media applications in promoting and developing both the motivation and listening skill of Iraqi EFL learners at an academic environment. As a case study, seventy-majoring English sophomores at Mustansiriya University in Iraq were randomly divided between two groups, experimental and control groups. The pretest and posttest were conducted to the participants of the study based on a curriculum assigned to them to be taught throughout their academic year. A 25-statement designed questionnaire and an 8-statement designed test were distributed among the respondents of the study on the suitable methods of developing and improving motivation and listening skill respectively. Using the Likert Scale, SPSS and LISERAL programs, the statistical data of the two previously mentioned variables were collected. The final findings of the study revealed that male and female participants were highly motivated after receiving their instruction via Skype device. As a result, a significant difference was noted in the listening skill achievement of the testing group participants who subjected to Skype device as a means of teaching. Grounded on these findings, educators can seriously take social media applications in their account in the process of learning language and in developing more language skills.

Impacts of Social Media on Language Learning: A Review of Literature

“…In a similar vein, Dirjal et al's study explore the potential role of Skype in developing listening motivation and listening skills. The finding reveals offering a real-like communication context: an instant conversation between interlocutors, Skype helps learners overcome language anxiety and thus facilitates listening practice [22].…”

“…For example, social media are embedded with interesting content and fascinating functions, which may present as an obstacle for learners to focus on learning. Indeed, in documenting an attempt to incorporating writing activities into online social media platforms, it is reported by Dirjal et al that sometimes students may forget their online assignments and be distracted by other things on Internet [42]. Moreover, online correction checkers are originally designed to enhance working and interaction efficiency for learners.…”

Conceptualizing Research Methods Used in Teaching Listening Skill Studies Using Social Media and Technological Tools

“…Other example is conducted by Dirjal et al (2020). The study is designed to answer the following: (1) Is the designed motivation questionnaire valid and reliable?…”

The development of EFL Learners’ willingness to communicate and self-efficacy: The role of flipped learning approach with the use of social media

“… Xodabande (2017) also argued that the proper use of social media can enhance learners’ interests and motivation, facilitate students’ access to target language input, provide them with more interaction opportunities and feedback and also give the instructors the tools they need to organize course content. Dirjal et al (2020) investigated the possible role of social media, particularly Skype, in promoting and developing learners’ motivation for language use. They found that male and female learners were highly motivated after receiving their instruction via Skype device.…”