Dialogue-based computer-assisted language learning systems for second language speaking development: A three-level meta-analysis

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Dialogue-based computer-assisted language learning systems for second language speaking development: A three-level meta-analysis
Authors: Zhuohan Hou, Shangchao Min
Source: ReCALL. :1-17
Publisher Information: Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Description: Speaking is often challenging for language learners to develop due to factors such as anxiety and limited practice opportunities. Dialogue-based computer-assisted language learning (CALL) systems have the potential to address these challenges. While there is evidence of their usefulness in second language (L2) learning, the effectiveness of these systems on speaking development remains unclear. The present meta-analysis attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of dialogue-based CALL in facilitating L2 speaking development. After an extensive literature search, we identified 16 studies encompassing 89 effect sizes. Through a three-level meta-analysis, we calculated the overall effect size and investigated the potential moderating effect of 13 variables spanning study context, study design and treatment, and measures. Results indicated a moderate overall effect size (g = .61) of dialogue systems on L2 learners’ speaking development. Notably, three moderators were found to have significant effects: type of system, system meaning constraint, and system modality. No significant moderating effect was identified for education stage, L2 proficiency, learning location, corrective feedback, length of intervention, type of interaction, measure, and key assessment component. These findings suggest directions for future research, including the role of corrective feedback in dialogue-based CALL, the effectiveness of such systems across proficiency levels, and their potential in diverse learning contexts with the integration of generative artificial intelligence.
Document Type: Article
Language: English
ISSN: 1474-0109
0958-3440
DOI: 10.1017/s0958344025100268
Rights: CC BY
Accession Number: edsair.doi...........89e1f772e0d3ba2b94c435b9d3cee7c2
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:Speaking is often challenging for language learners to develop due to factors such as anxiety and limited practice opportunities. Dialogue-based computer-assisted language learning (CALL) systems have the potential to address these challenges. While there is evidence of their usefulness in second language (L2) learning, the effectiveness of these systems on speaking development remains unclear. The present meta-analysis attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of dialogue-based CALL in facilitating L2 speaking development. After an extensive literature search, we identified 16 studies encompassing 89 effect sizes. Through a three-level meta-analysis, we calculated the overall effect size and investigated the potential moderating effect of 13 variables spanning study context, study design and treatment, and measures. Results indicated a moderate overall effect size (g = .61) of dialogue systems on L2 learners’ speaking development. Notably, three moderators were found to have significant effects: type of system, system meaning constraint, and system modality. No significant moderating effect was identified for education stage, L2 proficiency, learning location, corrective feedback, length of intervention, type of interaction, measure, and key assessment component. These findings suggest directions for future research, including the role of corrective feedback in dialogue-based CALL, the effectiveness of such systems across proficiency levels, and their potential in diverse learning contexts with the integration of generative artificial intelligence.
ISSN:14740109
09583440
DOI:10.1017/s0958344025100268