Smartphones as a Motivational Learning Tool - Assignment Example

Directions for further research will be identified and implications for practice will be discussed in the proposed study. It is anticipated that research findings will reveal that since smartphones are a significant part of the lives of these young adult learners and since they are more amenable to self-regulated and self-directed learning techniques, the use of smartphones as a learning aid will motivate these young adult learners to commit to and improve their performance in the language preparatory year program.

Students in the preparatory year generally have a particularly difficult time adjusting to academic requirements due to the challenges associated with transitioning from secondary school to post-secondary school (Khalil, 2010).  Previous studies also indicate that Saudi Arabian school graduates confront additional challenges adjusting to university academic life, in that despite 6 years of mandatory English as a Second Language (ESL) at school, Saudi students enter university with sub-standard English language skills and a general lack of interest in learning the language (Al-Dera, 2011; Hamouda, 2013; Rahman & Alhaisoni, 2013 ).

            English is a particularly important language for Saudi Arabian students and Saudi Arabia’s government in general. English is seen as the primary language of international trade, science, and technology, and since Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil-producing country, English is perceived as an integral part of the human resource development agenda of the Saudi government (Alseweed, 2009). Given the Saudi government’s commitment to improving English language skills in Saudi Arabia as evidenced by 6 years of compulsory English at school and the unsatisfactory results, several studies have been conducted on identifying the reasons for the unsatisfactory acquisition of English language among Saudi students and how to best motivate Saudi students for improved results (Alsewee, 2009; Liton, 2012; Khan, 2011).