A meta-analytic review of current CALL research on second language learning

Abstract

To access the research methods and data analysis procedures employed by research studies investigating the applications of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) to enhance second/foreign language learning, the study made extensive search for scholarly articles published from 2000 to 2008. The contributions of quantitative research on computer- assisted second/foreign language learning were reviewed under the categories of research designs, data analysis techniques, skill areas/language taught and the trends of CALL types investigated. Results of the study showed that frequently used research methods were pre- post-test control group experimental and within subject experimental research designs. Findings of the meta-analytic review also indicated that new data analysis techniques were introduced into the field of computer-assisted second/foreign language learning research. The overall interest in implementing technology in second language learning was reflected by the increasing number of research studies on computer mediated communication (CMC) and web-based tools. The study concluded that there was obviously still a pressing need among the research community for valid research designs and statistical analyses. It is recommended that to meet professional standards, more inferential statistics be applied to provide generalized and significant research findings.