Exploring Spoken English Instruction in the Post-Pandemic Landscape: Assessing Social Media's Role, Challenges, and Prospects in China

Abstract

In the post-pandemic era, education in China has undergone a momentous transformation, with a notable shift towards utilizing social media platforms as educational tools. Educators in the field of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) have been seeking ways to take full advantage of them to enhance students’ learning and apply new information in China. As English speaking skills become increasingly vital in academic and professional settings, educators are exploring innovative approaches to language learning and experimenting with integrating social media into spoken English teaching. This paper aims to examine the current status, challenges, and opportunities associated with this pedagogical shift, by synthesizing existing research findings, and to present an overview of spoken English teaching through social media in China in the post-epidemic era. The current landscape showcases a rapid increase in the use of platforms such as WeChat, Zhihu, Bilibili, Weibo and Douyin live streams for facilitating speaking practice. However, challenges persist, including ensuring the quality of instruction, bridging the digital divide, and navigating cultural nuances in communication. Nonetheless, where there are challenges, there are opportunities. This transition presents numerous opportunities, such as innovative teaching methodologies, access to authentic language input, global connectivity, and personalized learning experiences. Effective integration of pedagogy and technology is crucial in harnessing the potential of social media for enhancing English speaking skills in the post-pandemic era.