Students' Perception on Using Duolingo to Boost EFL Students’ Motivation in Speaking Skills

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of using the Duolingo app to enhance EFL students’ motivation in practicing speaking skills, addressing the common issue of low participation in speaking activities. The findings reveal that Duolingo positively influences students’ motivation by teaching vocabulary and providing opportunities to practice in authentic contexts. Interaction with the app builds learners' confidence to speak in class, particularly benefiting low-achieving students by increasing their vocabulary and encouraging participation. However, the app had a slight negative impact on high achievers’ motivation, suggesting that teachers should monitor its use to maintain engagement across all proficiency levels. Limitations include the short duration of the experiment—students used the app only three times—potentially affecting the reliability of the results. Additionally, Duolingo restricts topic selection and sequencing, limiting teachers’ control over classroom content. The study underscores the potential of mobile applications in EFL instruction and recommends further research to explore their full impact and address existing challenges.