The outcome of using the Line app for English-speaking practice of Thai EFL students

Abstract

Fluency in speaking English is essential for communication, but it also brings success, from getting a job promotion to earning a higher academic degree. In this connection comes the consideration of language tool development for improving the spoken English of students. Of course, social messaging applications are one of the keys to increasing speaking proficiency in the 21st century, as they are instrumental and easily applied in teaching and learning. In Thailand, LINE App holds the number 1 position in the social networking app market. Its popularity is constantly growing, making most Thai people familiar with this application daily. In education, LINE App is usually selected as the first choice in many courses for not only giving students notifications about the courses but also being a space for students to consult with teachers and friends. LINE App also contains many essential features for communication, such as free voice and video calls, LINE Camera, LINE KEEP, etc., all of which can be used for language learning. The present study aimed (1) to examine the effects of using LINE App for English speaking practice on the students’ English speaking proficiency and (2) to study the critical role of contributory factors triggered by the use of LINE App, such as motivation, levels of anxiety, self-confidence, and convenience in improving the students’ speaking proficiency. The participants were 95 Thai undergraduate students in a public university in Bangkok. The data were collected from the pre-test and post-test, and interview responses. The comparison between the pre-test and the post-test reveals a marked improvement in the students’ English speaking proficiency after four weeks of speaking practice via LINE App (t =-23.79, p ≤ 0.05.). Considering the interview results, the students were highly motivated, confident, and less anxious while speaking English after receiving the English-speaking treatment via the LINE App.