A Systematic Review of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Research Trends and Practices in Malaysia

Abstract

Mobile technology integration in Malaysia’s English language education has a bright future, owing to the many advantages offered by mobile devices. However, there are inadequate studies that systematically review existing work in Malaysia to uncover gaps in the use of mobile technologies for English teaching and learning. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to offer an up-to-date synthesis of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) integration in Malaysia from January 2019 to January 2021. The review followed the PRISMA Statement’s guidelines which resulted in the identification of eleven articles that met all the inclusion criteria. Following that, the eleven articles were analysed and synthesised quantitatively and qualitatively using seven codes derived from two earlier systematic reviews of the literature. The codes were: (1) research objectives, (2) research methodologies, (3) educational level, (4) learning context, (5) device types, (6) theories, and (7) research outcomes. The systematic review discovered several significant findings, including the fact that the majority of the studies examined the effect of MALL integration on students’ English acquisition and performance, and that MALL was more prevalent in Malaysian higher education institutions than other levels of education, with the lowest prevalence in primary schools. In light of this information, recommendations for future research were proposed. Malaysian academics are encouraged to broaden the scope of their future research and engage students from all levels of education in future MALL practices in order to better understand MALL’s usability in English language instruction in Malaysia.