MALL with Young Learners: Methodological and Ethical Considerations in Quasi-Experimental Research Design

Abstract

The enormous developments in technology and hence the widespread use of hand-held devices in the last few decades have led to great interest in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) as a new way of language education. MALL is considered an effective method particularly for young language learners due to their higher level of familiarity with the technology compared to their predecessors. Thus, an increasing number of mobile apps focusing on language education of children has been developed recently. It has also attracted researchers who carry out studies on MALL in terms of various perspectives such as learners’ learning processes and perspectives. However, an important aspect of MALL which is the use of portable devices and apps individually out of school settings poses possible problems in terms of carrying out quasi-experimental studies. To this end, this paper combines three major areas in Applied Linguistics, namely, MALL, quasi-experimental research design, and young language learners and focuses on salient issues which are identified as lack of control, training, convenience of MALL activities for children, and ethical issues. Based on the TPACK framework, a new framework is proposed to incorporate young learners’ characteristics in MALL studies. It is believed that the consideration of these points will be beneficial to future studies utilising quasi-experimental design in MALL with children.