Utilizing Mobile Technology: WhatsApp Group Chats as a Tool to Enhance Students' Engagement in ESP Learning

Authors

  • Nindyah Pratiwi Management, STIB Kumala Nusa, Indonesia
  • Anita Wijayanti Entrepreneurship, Mahakarya Asia University, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v6i1.2145

Keywords:

WhatsApp group, English for Specific Purpose, Students’ engagement

Abstract

In line with the development of globalization, English is increasingly in demand, especially among students. This is because English is a fundamental competency with an international scope. In order to improve their skills, students need more time to study, and since the onset of Covid-19, online learning through WhatsApp has become a trend. This application allows teaching and learning to not only become easier but also encourages greater participation from students, helping them achieve their learning goals. This study found that students have a positive perception of using WhatsApp groups for ESP discussion learning. This research contributes valuable empirical evidence, providing continuous support for the collaboration of ESP courses via WhatsApp. However, this study has limitations, including a small sample size and general findings, indicating the need for further research to explore its long-term impact and the more specific implementation of technology-based learning.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Andujar, A. (2016). The use of WhatsApp in the English language classroom: Benefits and challenges. The EUROCALL Review, 24(2), 44-54.

Alqahtani, M. (2020). The impact of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) on students' performance in English language courses. Education and Information Technologies, 25(1), 45-65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10304-x

Barhoumi, C. (2015). The effectiveness of WhatsApp mobile learning on improving EFL learners' vocabulary. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(19), 49-56.

Bouhnik, D., & Deshen, M. (2014). WhatsApp goes to school: Mobile instant messaging between teachers and students. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 13, 217-231.

Dahal, S. (2020). Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) for English language teaching: A case study of WhatsApp. Language in India, 20(5), 221-238.

Dudley-Evans, T., & St John, M. J. (1998). Developments in English for specific purposes: A multi-disciplinary approach. Cambridge University Press.

Gon, M. B., & Rawekar, A. (2017). Role of WhatsApp in education. International Journal of Educational Research and Technology, 8(1), 1-5.

Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. (1987). English for specific purposes: A learning-centred approach. Cambridge University Press.

Malilla, A., & Irwandi, S. (2022). WhatsApp as an online learning medium for students’ engagement. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(6), 1097-1103. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1306.04

Molina, M. (2022). Student engagement in ESP courses: A theoretical framework. International Journal of English Language Education, 10(1), 120-134.

Mistar, J., & Embi, M. (2016). Perceptions of mobile learning using WhatsApp in the ESL classroom. The Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Technology, 4(2), 50-62.

Palupi, R., Nugroho, R., & Hidayat, R. (2023). Leveraging mobile learning technologies in ESP classroom: WhatsApp as a medium for student engagement. Indonesian Journal of English Education, 10(2), 155-165.

Rueda, S. G., Torello, R. C., & Mut, M. M. (2020). Understanding student engagement in language learning. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 39(5), 679-696. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X20925094

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Warschauer, M., & Matuchniak, T. (2010). New technology and language learning: A global perspective. Language Teaching, 43(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444809990199

Wut, Y., & Xu, H. (2021). WhatsApp as an effective tool for increasing student engagement and motivation in learning. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 24(1), 35-46.

Downloads

Published

2025-02-03

How to Cite

Pratiwi, N., & Wijayanti, A. (2025). Utilizing Mobile Technology: WhatsApp Group Chats as a Tool to Enhance Students’ Engagement in ESP Learning. Journal of Education Research, 6(1), 148–153. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v6i1.2145

Issue

Section

Articles

Categories

Citation Check