The research study explored online language learners' self-directed language learning (SDLL) experiences, benefits, motivations, and challenges when employing educational tools like Duolingo in an out of classroom context. To gain insights into SDLL, in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 10 Duolingo users were conducted. Study results…

The importance of self-directed language learning is well documented. Yet whether and how teachers in K-12 contexts can facilitate self-directed language learning, particularly during the pandemic, remains underexplored. Informed by a sociocultural conceptualization of self-directed language learning as socially mediated action, this study…

The mediating function of critical thinking ability (CTA) in the link between language learning techniques and the academic writing of EFL learners has garnered increased attention because of recent educational innovations. Present study aims to examine the impact of self-directed learning on the academic writing skills of Pakistani EFL learners…

This study was designed to review the literature on the implementation of YouTube as the alternative learning media in English Language Teaching for bilingual young learners, which includes: (1) identifying the effectiveness of using YouTube for independent bilingual learner; (2) YouTube in enhancing English language skills; and (3) providing…

Purpose: Podcasting is a new mobile technology application for language learning. Drawing upon the stimulus-organism-response model and the interest driven creator (IDC) theory from e-learning, this study aims to develop and test an integrative conceptual framework. This study investigates contextual and environmental stimuli effects (content…

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…

Autonomous learning, which emphasizes learners taking charge of their knowledge acquisition, plays a vital role in effective English language acquisition. However, attempts to foster autonomous learning in the Thai context face many challenges. Therefore, this mixed-methods study explores how autonomous learning thrives in the context to inform…

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…

The literature on autonomous language learning reveals both, scholars' great enthusiasm for the revolutionary potential of learner autonomy as well as pessimism for its continual depoliticization within higher education. Similar to how 'learner autonomy' is still today an unfinished construct that raises considerable confusion among scholars, the…

This quasi-experimental study examines the impact of a diagnosis-based pedagogical intervention on the development of micro English as a foreign language (EFL) reading abilities over time. Specifically, 105 first-year graduate students in a Chinese university completed three diagnostic reading assessments at the beginning, middle, and end of a…

Chatbots have been increasingly applied for EFL education and demonstrated overall usefulness in improving knowledge and motivation, while this technology has yet to be used for learning logical fallacies (i.e. errors in reasoning) in EFL writing. However, knowledge of logical fallacies is essential, with which learners can avoid fallacies in EFL…

The emerging interest in self-directed learning (SDL) in the context of language learning has focused less on specific learning strategies selected by language learners based on their discoveries. Anchored on Boyatzis' Theory of Self directed Learning (2001) and Classifications of Language Learning Strategies by O'Mally and Chamot (1990), and…

The current longitudinal case study investigated emotional and motivational states in a self-directed and mobile-assisted language learning environment. The participant of the study was a highly motivated language learner who used the Busuu application for a period of one year to learn German. Tracing the participant's emotional and motivational…

This research set out to evaluate video material contained within the English learning coursebook "English M1" which was designed for self-access use. "English M1" is a Brazilian government-sponsored piece of material available for free. It is the first stage of a course that learners would complete independently, unmediated by…

Language learner engagement, which is receiving increased attention, has predominantly focused on offline classroom contexts, while learner engagement in language Massive Open Online Courses (LMOOCs) remains under-explored. This study was conducted on a College English MOOC with the purpose of examining learner engagement and its relations with…