Effectiveness of Mobile-assisted Language Learning in Developing Oral English in Higher Education: A Comparative Systematic Review

Abstract

English is a globally prominent language, and oral English proficiency is both crucial and challenging. Mobile technology offers a promising avenue for language enhancement, but research on the role of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in English-speaking skills is relatively scarce. Literature reviews on this topic are even rarer, particularly those that provide comparative analyses between China and other nations. This study addresses this gap through a comparative systematic literature review of 30 relevant studies from 2019 to 2023. The findings reveal similarities between Chinese and global studies, with only slight differences in sample size and oral English proficiency assessment methods. The preferences for mixed research methods, tests, questionnaires, and interviews were found. Additionally, this review identifies limitations in previous research, including a lack of theoretical frameworks, limited large-scale studies, and a need for deeper exploration of mobile app utilization. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights that can guide future studies and foster a more comprehensive understanding of MALL’s effectiveness in enhancing oral English proficiency, both in China and globally.