Effects of Robot-Assisted Language Learning on English-as-a-Foreign-Language Skill Development

Abstract

While numerous studies of robot-assisted language learning (RALL) for English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners’ language skill development have been done, a comprehensive and theoretically-driven meta-analysis on its effects is still in paucity. To fill the gap, drawing on Activity Theory (AT), this study reported a meta-analysis from 47 independent studies out of 29 literature samples involving 1791 EFL learners on RALL for language skill development published during 2004–2023. The results indicated that the overall effect size was g =.69, 95% CI [.49,.90], suggesting that RALL outperforms non-RALL conditions. In addition, educational levels and intervention durations were found to be significant moderators. Based on the results, implications for practice were discussed.