Enhancing language skills and student engagement: investigating the impact of Quizlet in teaching Chinese as a foreign language

Abstract

This research explores the use of the Quizlet application in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, employing a mixed methods approach. The participants of this study were 60 international students who majored in Chinese at a university in China. The students were divided into two groups and received instruction through traditional teaching methods and Quizlet-based teaching activities, respectively. The pre-and post-performance tests were used to collect quantitative data on students’ Chinese listening, speaking, reading, and writing scores, while the open-ended questions were used to measure qualitative data on student engagement. The integration of Quizlet is found to enhance Chinese listening, speaking, and reading skills, promoting student engagement through behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. However, its influence on writing skills is less significant, warranting further investigation. The results of this study endorse Quizlet as a valuable tool for language instruction, highlighting its potential for facilitating Chinese language education and inspiring innovative teaching methods.