Efficacy and challenges in learning English by using social media: a case study on the tertiary level learners in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study attempts to describe the implementation of social media-based teaching and learning in improving students' language skills. As CLT ( Communicative Language Teaching ) and ICT ( Information and Communication Technology) has already been introduced in developing the education system of Bangladesh, thus it can be said that innovative language learning with social media would bring a great change in the context of the English language teaching and learning. A qualitative multiple case study approach is used by the researcher here, and the subjects were five tertiary level learners pursuing a masters degree in English. The subjects were three females and two males established by using a purposive sampling technique. The data were collected through a series of telephonic interviews, and the interviews were recorded by the researcher with the full consent of the participants. The data analysis used the thematic analysis adapted from Brown and Clarke ( 2006 ); the findings revealed the fact that social media has the potential in developing the learners' language proficiency, but there are some challenges too faced by the learners while learning English with social media and the challenges involve traditional teaching method, less use of social media tools, less scope for writing and speaking, frequent power cut and poor internet issues. This study has pedagogical implications, which is recommended for teachers in a similar EFL context.