Context, method, and theory in CALL research articles

Abstract

This paper is an initial report of the data analysis phase of a larger study that traces the evolution of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). All published Research Articles (RAs) from four major CALL journals – ReCALL, CALL, Language Learning & Technology (LL&T) and CALICO Journal – from the very first issues to the end of 2019 were downloaded, sorted, and checked to form the final corpus of 426 highly cited RAs. The trends and themes (research contexts, research participants, and theoretical and methodological considerations of the RAs) were all recorded to see how CALL has evolved over time. Primary findings indicate that empirical studies where learners are physically or virtually involved in the process of technology-mediated language instruction dominate the field of CALL research. Authors resort to both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for data collection and analysis, though mixed-methods has gained more weight in the past two decades. Sociocultural theory stands over and above other theories in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) to frame CALL studies. The paper discusses these issues, and problems detected.