This study examines the impact of instructor-led (IL) versus self-access (SA) web-based pragmatic instruction on novice second language learners' (n = 28) awareness and oral production of Spanish apologies. Two sections of a second-semester Spanish course were assigned to either the IL or the SA group. The web-based resource "Dancing with…

With rapid globalization, it is an urgent task for universities in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context to provide practical English education. Particularly, one that enables students to participate in the global society as well as the global business market. The challenge for these universities is to achieve this goal with limited class…

Mobile apps have surged in popularity, enhancing the effectiveness of more traditional second or foreign language (L2) teaching and enabling independent L2 learning. Drawing on control-value theory, the present research examined the role of students' control-value appraisals in enhancing behavioral engagement via enjoyment and boredom in specific…

Purpose: This study aims to investigate a unique approach to learning languages through self-directed online learning. Specifically, it explores the self-management abilities and skills learners need while learning a language outside traditional classroom settings when using mobile-assisted learning technology. Design/methodology/approach: A…

As generative AI tools are increasingly popular in today's teaching and learning process, challenges and opportunities occur at the same time. Self-directed learning has been regarded as a powerful learning ability that supports learners in informal learning contexts and its importance rises in salience when incorporating AI into learning. This…

Recent years have seen an explosion in video content available online. Yet there is relatively scant research on if, how, and why second language (L2) learners engage with videos in their target language as part of their self-directed study--especially for languages with a smaller media footprint. This paper presents qualitative findings from a…

Previous works reveal that there is potential in the use of mobile devices as a useful tool to help learn new vocabulary and it allows the learning materials can be displayed with different Learning Content Representation (LCR) types. Nevertheless, there are no conclusive results about which LCR type is better to improve L2 vocabulary acquisition…

This classroom practice article explores the integration of TalkAbroad, an online language conversation platform, in an undergraduate World Languages Education program to support pre-service language teachers' oral proficiency development. Two pre-service teachers, facing challenges like family responsibilities and limited study abroad…

360° videos have yielded satisfactory outcomes in English learning. However, there exists a dearth of research that delves into the efficacy of these videos for self-directed learning of English. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence students' use of 360° videos in self-directed learning of English by using the integrative…

In recent years, the emerging trend of mobile learning (hereinafter "m-learning") has obtained increasing attention from educators and higher popularity among students worldwide. Partly due to its short history, there seems to be a lack of comprehensive and in-depth understanding on the distinctiveness of m-learning. It is maintained in…

The current study investigated the contribution of a mobile application for self-directed and autonomous learning of academic vocabulary among English as a Foreign language (EFL) university students. Furthermore, we examined the long-term impacts of mobile-assisted vocabulary learning, by using a pre-, post-, and delayed post-test design. The…

The article aims at conducting empirical research of university students' readiness to handle independent work while studying the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course, subject to the availability of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). In order to accomplish the objective of the article, a mixed methods research was applied.…

Criticisms on multiple choice questions (MCQs) include the possibility of students answering MCQs correctly by guessing, and MCQs generally are said to fall short in cultivating independent learning skills, such as taking charge of their learning goals. Countering these common concerns, this research used online MCQ exercises with multiple…

The present study employed virtual reality technology to develop online learning environments that facilitated student cultural and self-directed learning. Junior high school participants engaged in creating virtual tours, sharing them with peers online, and implementing self-directed learning strategies. A one-group posttest-only design was…

In this preliminary study, we investigate distance Chinese language learners' social strategies in three learning contexts: self-directed learning outside synchronous online classes, assessment task completion online, and synchronous online class participation. In doing so, we hope to advance our understanding of what is involved in social…