A Critical Review of Research on Social Networking Sites in Language Teaching and Learning

Year 2018, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 315 - 330, 16.07.2018

Osman Solmaz

https://doi.org/10.30935/cet.444120

Cited By: 2

Abstract

The current
study aims to present a critical analysis of research on social networking
sites (SNSs) in second language teaching and learning (L2TL) context. Twenty-two
studies published from 2011 to 2017 were included in the analysis through the
selection criteria devised by the researcher. The descriptive analysis reveals
that Facebook was the most commonly explored medium, and more than half of the
studies featured English language learners in various levels. Following the content
analysis of the studies, the emerging aspects of the literature review are
treated under five overarching themes: practicing multiple language areas and
literacies; authenticity and negotiation of meaning through interaction;
development of intercultural competence and socio-pragmatic awareness;
membership in L2 communities; and (re)construction of identities. Following an
account of pedagogical considerations such as the dynamics of classroom,
technical features, and various cultural uses of the SNSs, the study concludes
with suggestions and directions for future research in regards to the
incorporation of SNSs such as Facebook and Twitter into L2 classrooms. 

Keywords

Social networking cites, Facebook, Twitter, Language teaching, Social media

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