The Effects of WeChat on the EFL Reading Comprehension of Learners in China: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

The advancement and development of ICT (information and communication technologies) and the rapid proliferation of social media (SM) have become indispensable trends in the process of language learning. Some studies have confirmed that WeChat, one of the most popular social media platforms in China, has played a positive role in various aspects of language learning, such as writing and speaking. However, less research has investigated the effect of WeChat on reading comprehension. This article aimed to investigate the effects of WeChat on improving students’ reading comprehension and motivation. This study is designed as a quasi-experiment held in a college. College students in two classes (n=70) were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught via WeChat, while the control group was taught via traditional methods of reading. The participants’ reading comprehension was pre- and post-tested with reading text, and their attitudes about this activity were interviewed via a semi-structured interview. The results show that WeChat improved students’ reading comprehension moderately and that the participants held a positive attitude toward the WeChat activity. Limitations are listed in the last section of this article.

Received: 11 September 2024 / Accepted: 19 December 2024 / Published: 05 January 2025