Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 16. Number 4, December 2025 Pp. 343-377

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning in Tertiary EFL Education: A Decade of Systematic Evidence (2015–2025)

Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia, 43600

Corresponding author: p131127@siswa.ukm.edu.my

Centre of Learning and Teaching Innovation, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia, 43600;

Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia, 43600;

Abstract:

The rapid advancement of mobile technologies has reshaped global education, particularly language learning in higher education. The systematic literature review of mobile-assisted language learning in tertiary EFL contexts from 2015 to 2025 aims to synthesise empirical evidence on how mobile technologies have been implemented and examined in English learning, focusing on key trends, pedagogical strategies, and theoretical frameworks. The significance of this study lies in consolidating fragmented research to provide evidence-based insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to integrate mobile tools effectively into tertiary English education. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 42 empirical studies were analysed from major academic databases. Results show a clear shift from technology-focused studies to pedagogically and theoretically integrated approaches, indicating that MALL has become a learner-centred and context-sensitive practice that supports both language acquisition and instructional design in tertiary EFL education. Overall, the findings highlight the growing pedagogical potential of MALL in fostering active and autonomous learning, underscoring its impact on modernising tertiary EFL instruction and shaping future research and policy directions.

Cite as:

Chengli, L., Hashim, H., & Hussin, S. (2025). Mobile-Assisted Language Learning in Tertiary EFL Education: A Decade of Systematic Evidence (2015–2025). Arab World English Journal, 16(4): 343-377

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Li Chengli is a PhD candidate in TESL at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her research focuses on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in higher education. She is currently a lecturer at Sichuan University Jinjiang College, where she has been teaching English for nearly ten years. She has published several articles on English language teaching. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4999-9106

Associate Professor Dr. Harwati Hashim is a faculty member at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She is also a member of the University Research Group on EduXcellence: Development of Innovative Curriculum & Pedagogy. Her research interests include mobile-assisted language learning, instructional design, and innovative pedagogical approaches in ESL education. Dr. Harwati has extensive experience in curriculum development and is committed to enhancing educational practices through technology integration. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8817-427X

Professor Supyan Hussin is Principal Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He specializes in language, education, and technology, with research interests in teacher education, teaching methodology, e-learning, mobile learning, cultural heritage, Malay civilization, ethno-medical science, Malay martial arts, and Big Data development. With over 35 years of teaching experience, he has led numerous research projects and has published seven books and more than 200 scholarly works in books, journals, and proceedings. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0544-0649