Effectiveness of WhatsApp as a Pedagogical Tool in Learning Phrasal Verbs: A Case Study at a Higher Educational Institute in Oman
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1403.02Keywords:
WhatsApp, learning tool, phrasal verbs, perception, challengesAbstract
This study investigates the effectiveness of WhatsApp (WA) in helping students learn phrasal verbs in an English as a Foreign Language context. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 32 Level 4 students of the General Foundation Program at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ibra, Oman. The students were provided with 15 phrasal verbs to be learnt and used in sentences within five weeks through WA. An achievement test was conducted in the fifth week to measure the learning. In addition, a questionnaire survey and an interview were conducted to investigate students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of WA in learning and the challenges they faced during the process. The findings showed students’ positive perception regarding WA’s effectiveness as a learning tool. However, certain challenges such as distraction, poor Internet connection, and poor time management were found to hinder their learning process considerably. Overall, the study highlighted the possibility of successful WA integration in foreign language education with strategies to minimize the challenges and maximize the effectiveness.
References
Ahmed, S. T. S. (2019). Chat and learn: Effectiveness of using WhatsApp as a pedagogical tool to enhance EFL learners reading and writing skills. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, 8(2), 61-68.
Alamer, A., & Al Khateeb, A. (2021). Effects of using the WhatsApp application on language learner’s motivation: a controlled investigation using structural equation modelling. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 34(1-2), 1-27.
Alenazi, A. A. (2018). WhatsApp Messenger as a Learning Tool: An Investigation of Pre-Service Teachers' Learning without Instructor Presence. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 6(1), 1-8.
Bansal, T., & Joshi, D. (2014). A study of students’ experiences of mobile learning. Global Journal of Human-Social Science, 14(4), 26-33.
Bensalem, E. (2018). The impact of WhatsApp on EFL students' vocabulary learning. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) 9 (1), 23- 38.
Binti Mistar, I., & Embi, M. A. (2016). Students ‘perception on the use of WhatsApp as a learning tool in ESL classroom. Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(6), 96-104.
Bouhnik, D., & Deshen, M. (2014). WhatsApp goes to school: Mobile instant messaging between teachers and students. Journal of Information Technology Education. Research, 13, 217-231.
Castrillo, M. D., Martín-Monje, E., & Bárcena, E. (2014). Mobile-Based Chatting for Meaning Negotiation in Foreign Language Learning. International Association for the Development of the Information Society.
Dehghan, F., Rezvani, R., & Fazeli, S. (2017). Social networks and their effectiveness in learning foreign language vocabulary: A comparative study using WhatsApp. Call-ej, 18(2), 1-13.
El-Hussein, M. O. M., & Cronje, J. C. (2010). Defining mobile learning in the higher education landscape. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 13(3), 12-21.
Gangaiamaran, R., & Pasupathi, M. (2017). Review on use of mobile apps for language learning. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 12(21), 11242-11251.
Gasaymeh, A. M. M. (2017). University students’ use of WhatsApp and their perceptions regarding its possible integration into their education. Global Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 17(1), 1-9.
Gay, G., Stefanone, M., Grace-Martin, M., & Hembrooke, H. (2001). The effects of wireless computing in collaborative learning environments. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 13(2), 257-276.
Hamad, M. M. (2017). Using WhatsApp to Enhance Students' Learning of English Language" Experience to Share". Higher Education Studies, 7(4), 74-87.
Jafari, S., & Chalak, A. (2016). The role of WhatsApp in teaching vocabulary to Iranian EFL learners at junior high school. English Language Teaching, 9(8), 85-92.
Justina, M. (2016). Use of WhatsApp to enhance reading and writing skills at undergraduate college level. Language in India, 16(11), 47-60.
Keogh, C. (2017). Using WhatsApp to create a space of language and content for students of international relations. Latin American Journal of Content and Language Integrated Learning, 10(1), 75-104. doi:10.5294/laclil.2017.10.1.4
Khan, R. M. I., Radzuan, N. R. M., Farooqi, S. U. H., Shahbaz, M., & Khan, M. S. (2021). Learners' Perceptions on WhatsApp Integration as a Learning Tool to Develop EFL Vocabulary for Speaking Skill. International Journal of Language Education, 5(2), 1-14.
Kukulska-Hulme, A. (2009). Will mobile learning change language learning? ReCALL, 21(2), 157-165.
Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Shield, L. (2008). An overview of mobile assisted language learning: From content delivery to supported collaboration and interaction. ReCALL, 20(3), 271-289.
Mbukusa, N. R. (2018). Perceptions of Students' on the Use of WhatsApp in Teaching Methods of English as Second Language at the University of Namibia. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 7(2), 112-119.
Nihayati, A., & Indriani, L. (2021). EFL STUDENTS’PERSPECTIVE ON WHATSAPP AS MEDIA OF ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC. Journal of Research on Language Education, 2(1), 44-52.
Nuraeni, C., & Nurmalia, L. (2020). Utilizing WhatsApp application in English language learning classroom. Metathesis: Journal of English Language, Literature, and Teaching, 4(1), 89-94.
Panah, E., & Babar, M. Y. (2020). A Survey of WhatsApp as a Tool for Instructor-Learner Dialogue, Learner-Content Dialogue, and Learner-Learner Dialogue. International Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, 14(12), 1198-1205.
Şahan, Ö., Çoban, M., & Razı, S. (2016). Students learn English idioms through WhatsApp: Extensive use of smartphones. Erzincan Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 18(2), 1230-1251.
Wulandari, I., Purwati, O., Setiawan, S., & Anam, S. U. (2021). An inquiry into EFL learners’ perceptions of WhatsApp for oral peer assessment. Academic Journal PERSPECTIVE: Language, Education and Literature, 9(1), 37-49.
