Narrative review and meta-analysis of MALL research on L2 skills

Abstract

This study employed a narrative review and a meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL). Following a systematic retrieval of literature from 2008 to 2017, seventeen studies with 22 effect sizes were included based on stated inclusion and exclusion criteria. By categorizing the characteristics of the studies retrieved, the narrative review revealed a detailed picture of MALL research in terms of the language aspects targeted, theoretical frameworks addressed, mobile technologies adopted and multimedia components used. The qualitative review helped to contextualize and interpret the results later found in the meta-analysis, which revealed a large effect for mobile technologies on language learning, identified three variables (i.e. type of activity, modality of delivery and duration of treatment) that might influence the effectiveness of mobile technologies, and confirmed the existence of a redundancy effect and a novelty effect in MALL practice. Implications for future research and pedagogy were discussed.