Discovering the Vibrant World of ‘Out-of-Class’ English Learning through TikTok: Views from Thai EFL University Students

Authors

  • Aiyakarn Ounwised Thammasat University
  • Panita Rangpung Thammasat University
  • Krittapat Pitaktum Thammasat University
  • Pariwat Imsa-ard Thammasat University

Keywords:

EFL learners, Extramural English, Nano Learning, Out-of-class Learning, TikTok

Abstract

Given the significant role of the English language and the pervasive impact of technology, this study investigates the perspectives of 110 Thai EFL university students on TikTok as a potential tool for learning English. The findings revealed a predominantly positive attitude toward TikTok, underscoring its effectiveness in bolstering learners’ confidence and motivation. However, participants also recognized drawbacks, including a short attention span and challenges with concise content comprehension. The prevailing perception among participants was that TikTok leans more towards entertainment than education. The study advocates for the strategic use of TikTok as a supplementary learning aid, especially for improving listening, speaking, and vocabulary through engaging educational content. Pedagogically, EFL instructors are encouraged to integrate TikTok into out-of-class learning strategies, prompting students to follow pertinent English teaching accounts. It is emphasized that instructors should conscientiously present TikTok’s drawbacks to facilitate students’ mindful and effective use for English skill enhancement.

References

Aburizaizah, S. J., & Albaiz, T. A. (2021, September). Review of the use and impact of nano-learning in education. In 4th International Conference on Research in education. https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/56-4146.pdf

Afidah, N., Sari, N. K., & Hanifah, H. (2021). Investigating students’ perspectives on the use of TikTok as an instructional media in distance learning during pandemic era. DINAMIKA: Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan Dan Keislaman, 6(2), 47–68. https://doi.org/10.32764/dinamika.v6i2.1872

Al-Shehhi, M. A. M. (2022). The use of technology in education: A study about the impact of using nano-learning in teaching English as a foreign language in higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates (Doctoral dissertation). The British University in Dubai (BUiD).

Bailey, D. R., & Lee, A. R. (2020). Learning from experience in the midst of COVID-19: Benefits, challenges, and strategies in online teaching. Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal, 21(2), 176–196.

Blanco-Martínez, A., & González-Sanmamed, M. (2021). Learning from the perspective of ecologies: An experience in Secondary Education through theatre and TikTok. Educatio Siglo XXI, 39(2), 169–190. https://doi.org/10.6018/educatio.465551

Boholm, M. (2016). The use and meaning of nano in American English: Towards a systematic description. Ampersand, 3, 163–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2016.10.001

Bulut, D. (2023). The association between attention impairments and the internet and social media usage among adolescents and young adults with potential consequences: A review of literature. Psychology, 14(8), 1310–1321. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2023.148073

Cagas, R. L. D. (2022). The use of TikTok videos in enhancing the speaking and grammar skills of higher education students. Language Education Forum, 3(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.12691/lef-3-1-1

Cahyono, A. O. M., & Perdhani, W. C. (2023). Using TikTok in EFL class: Students’ perceptions. Journal of English Education and Teaching, 7(1), 59–77. https://doi.org/10.33369/jeet.7.1.59-77

Dhaninee, S. (2021). Factors that influence people to use TikTok in Thailand [Doctoral dissertation, Mahidol University] CMMU Digital Archive. https://archive.cm.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/4175

Digital Marketing Blog. (2021, February 25). TikTok marketing plan for year 2021 in Thailand. https://www.marketingguru.io/blog/tiktoks-marketing-plan-for-year-2021-in-thailand

Escamilla-Fajardo, P., Alguacil, M., & López-Carril, S. (2021). Incorporating TikTok in higher education: Pedagogical perspectives from a corporal expression sport sciences course. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 28, 100302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2021.100302

Fata, I. A., Nur, L. M., & Alya, A. R. (2023). Examining students’ perceptions of Indonesian high school students on the use of TikTok in learning English. Vision: Journal for Language and Foreign Language Learning, 12(1), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.21580/vjv12i216973

Ferraro, V. (2023). Designing with and for emerging materials: Framework, tools, and context of a unique design method. In V. Ferraro, P. Kääriäinen, P. Morer-Camo, & A. Pasold (eds), Materialising the future: A learning path to understand, develop and apply emerging materials and technologies (pp. 3–26). Springer International Publishing.

Hu, H., & Du, K. (2022). TikTok in mobile-assisted English language learning: An exploratory study. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 12(12), 1311–1320. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2022.12.12.1755

Huang, S. C., Silalahi, A. D. K., & Eunike, I. J. (2024). Exploration of moderated, mediated, and configurational outcomes of Tourism‐related Content (TRC) on TikTok in predicting enjoyment and behavioral intentions. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2024(1), 1-29. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2764759

Kaye, D. B. V., Zeng, J., & Wikstrom, P. (2022). TikTok: Creativity and culture in short video. John Wiley & Sons.

Kaye, L. K., Egan, I. M., Rowe, B., & Taylor, J. (2024). A qualitative study exploring behaviors which underpin different types of social media use. Psychology of Popular Media. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000533

Khlaif, Z. N., & Salha, S. (2021). Using TikTok in education: A form of micro-learning or nano-learning? Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences, 12(3), 213–218. https://doi.org/10.30476/IJVLMS.2021.90211.1087

Komariyah, T., Sulistiowati, W., Fajri, L. A., & Allatif, N. (2022, June). The implementation of TikTok application to learn speaking skill in English language teaching (ELT). In Conference on English Language Teaching (pp. 142–154). https://doi.org/10.24090/celti.v2.43

Lamimi, I. J., Alaoui, S. M., & Ouelfatmi, M. (2024). Bite-sized learning on TikTok: Exploring the platform’s educational value within the framework of TAM (Technology Acceptance Theory). Open Journal of Social Sciences, 12(4), 228–245. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.124015

Mahittivanicha, N. (2020, May 30). TikTok has launched two educational campaigns: ‘#LearnOnTikTok’ for worldwide and ‘#TikTokUni’ for Thailand. https://www.twfdigital.com/blog/2020/05/tiktokuni-learnontiktok-education-content/

Mahu, D. P. (2012). Why is learning English so beneficial nowadays?. International Journal of Communication Research, 2(4), 374–376.

Meirbekov, A., Nyshanova, S., Meiirbekov, A., Kazykhankyzy, L., Burayeva, Z., & Abzhekenova, B. (2023). Digitisation of English language education: Instagram and TikTok online educational blogs and courses vs. traditional academic education. How to increase student motivation? Education and Information Technologies, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12396-y

Mekler, A. (2021). The effects of TikTok use on college student learning. Undergraduate Review, 16, 145–153.

Mertens, D. M., & Ginsberg, P. E. (2009). The handbook of social research ethics. Sage.

Mingar-Stangeland, R. (2023). Social media and vocabulary learning. Teachers and students in lower secondary school’s beliefs and experiences (Master’s thesis, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway).

Nguyen, H., & Diederich, M. (2023). Facilitating knowledge construction in informal learning: A study of TikTok scientific, educational videos. Computers & Education, 205, 104896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104896

Novitasari, N., & Addinna, A. (2022). Students’ perception on the use of TikTok for learning English. Journal of English Language Teaching, 11(4), 566–579. https://doi.org/10.24036/jelt.v11i4.119484

Obasi, H. U. (2024). The effect of TikTok on the academic performance of students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. ISRG Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (ISRGJAHSS), 2(2), 298–304. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10968073

Ruangprapun, C. (2000). Basic statistics and analysis through Minitab, SPSS, and SAS. Khon Kaen University.

Sundqvist, P. (2009). Extramural English matters: Out-of-school English and its impact on Swedish ninth graders' oral proficiency and vocabulary (Doctoral dissertation, Karlstad University). Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet. https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kau:diva-4880

TikTok Marketing Plan for Year 2021 in Thailand. (2021, February 25). MarketingGuru. Retrieved October 8, 2023. https://www.marketingguru.io/blog/tiktoks-marketing-plan-for-year-2021-in-thailand

Watkins, D., & Gioia, D. (2015). Mixed methods research. Oxford University Press.

Xu, L., Yan, X., & Zhang, Z. (2019). Research on the causes of the “TikTok” app becoming popular and the existing problems. Journal of advanced management science, 7(2), 59–63. https://doi.org/10.18178/joams.7.2.59-63

Yang, H. (2020). Secondary-school students’ perspectives of utilizing Tik Tok for English learning in and beyond the EFL classroom. In L. Li (ed), 2020 3rd International Conference on Education Technology and Social Science (ETSS 2020) (pp. 162–183). https://dx.doi.org/10.23977/ETSS2020030

Yeung, A., Ng, E., & Abi-Jaoude, E. (2022). TikTok and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a cross-sectional study of social media content quality. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(12), 899–906. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743722108285

Zhai, X. W., Razali, A. B. (2021). An overview of the utilization of TikTok to improve oral English communication competence among EFL undergraduate students. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 9(7), 1439–1451. https://dx.doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2021.090710

Zhang, Y., Lucas, M., Bem-Haja, P., & Pedro, L. (2023). Analysis of short videos on TikTok for learning Portuguese as a foreign language. Comunicar: Media Education Research Journal, 31(77), 9–19. https://doi.org/10.3916/C77-2023-01

Downloads

Published

2024-07-19

How to Cite

Ounwised, A., Rangpung, P., Pitaktum, K., & Imsa-ard, P. (2024). Discovering the Vibrant World of ‘Out-of-Class’ English Learning through TikTok: Views from Thai EFL University Students. Pasaa Paritat Journal, 39, 146–170. retrieved from https://so07.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PasaaParitat/article/view/4348

Issue

Section

Research Articles