Enhancing EFL Learners’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Learning English with Emoji Feedbacks in CALL: Why and How

Abstract

Encouraging feedback positively affects learners’ self-efficacy; in language learning, self-efficacy predicts language learner performance and behavior. Our research involved three studies to expand knowledge about why and how we can enhance English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ self-efficacy beliefs in online settings. In Study 1, based on an online survey with 310 participants, we ascertained the extent to which EFL learners with greater self-efficacy tend to challenge themselves by learning content that requires a proficiency level that is higher than their current proficiency. In Study 2, we recruited 120 EFL learners; the results indicate that positive feedback via emojis embedded in online courses could significantly boost EFL learners’ self-efficacy beliefs about learning English. Study 3 involved 35 participants and extended the understanding provided by the first two studies, showing that EFL learners not only like to use emojis for computer-mediated communication (CMC), but also prefer to receive them as feedback. This research adds to knowledge on “why” and “how” we can enhance EFL learners’ self-efficacy beliefs in online contexts. We systematically provide empirical evidence regarding the aforementioned issues and demonstrate that positive feedback through emojis has great potential to enhance EFL learners’ self-efficacy, even when such feedback is subliminal.