LEARNERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON MALL METHOD AND ITS APPLICATION TO EFL LISTENING CLASS IN CHINA'S CONTEXT

Abstract

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has received considerable attention from educators and researchers all over the world in recent years, especially in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Previous researches have indicated that MALL method was effective in EFL learning aspects like writing,  reading and vocabulary learning, while few studies have focused on MALL method applied in EFL listening class although many Chinese students found that listening is difficult but important for their college English learning. This research aims to investigate Chinese EFL learners' perceptions of the usefulness and ease of the MALL method, and its application in EFL listening class according the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model), which is the foundation of further MALL investigation. Two sets of questionnaires were distributed to 22 students at the beginning of the study and after six weeks of applying the MALL method to their listening class. Then data of the questionnaires were collected and analyzed by SPSS tool. The results of the study indicated that learners perceived that MALL method  is useful and easy to master in EFL listening practice, and the special features of mobile phone such as mobility and portability provided more chance for learners to conduct listening practice anywhere anytime and access wider scope of learning materials. This study intends to provide some references for further study of  MALL method in  EFL listening learning as well as find out  effective ways to improve learners’ listening ability.