Integrating TikTok in Higher Education: A Case of English as a Foreign Language Teacher Education Program

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Integrating TikTok in Higher Education: A Case of English as a Foreign Language Teacher Education Program
Language: English
Authors: Carmen Benitez-Correa (ORCID 0000-0001-9745-4938), Paul Gonzalez-Torres (ORCID 0000-0003-1964-2671)
Source: Educational Process: International Journal. Article e2025135 2025 15.
Availability: UNIVERSITEPARK Limited. iTOWER Plaza (No61, 9th floor) Merkez Mh Akar Cd No3, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 34382. e-mail: editor@edupij.com; Web site: http://www.edupij.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Social Media, Social Networks, Language Teachers, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, English (Second Language), Teacher Education Programs, College Students, Comparative Analysis, Private Colleges, Grammar, Contrastive Linguistics, Intervention, Cognitive Ability, Academic Achievement, Retention (Psychology), Video Technology, Learning Processes, Independent Study, Teaching Methods, Foreign Countries, Language Proficiency, Student Attitudes
Geographic Terms: Ecuador
ISSN: 2147-0901
2564-8020
Abstract: Background/purpose: Limited studies have explored TikTok's potential in higher education, but scarce research has been conducted about the impact of this tool on developing research and linguistic competencies in Latin-American TEFL students. This research addresses this gap by analyzing the effectiveness of TikTok in supporting these competencies while also exploring students' perceptions of its use in this context. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TikTok videos in enhancing research and linguistic competencies among higher-education students in an EFL teacher education program. Additionally, it aims to explore students' perceptions of TikTok as an educational tool. Materials/methods: Using a mixed-method approach, this study combines a quasi-experimental design, surveys, and structured interviews to assess changes in academic competencies and collect student perceptions. Eighty-seven participants from a private university in Ecuador were divided into control and experimental groups across two courses: Research Methods in ELT and Contrastive Grammar. The intervention involved integrating TikTok videos into the curriculum over four months, with students in the experimental group engaging with and creating TikTok content related to course material. Results: Results indicated improvements in the experimental group, demonstrating the positive impact of TikTok on student performance. Additionally, data revealed that students found TikTok to be an engaging and effective supplementary learning tool that supports effective learning by reducing cognitive load and fostering active, self-paced learning. However, the participants noted challenges such as technological limitations and potential distractions. Conclusion: TikTok videos demonstrate a positive impact on student performance, which supports effective learning experiences and enhances academic competencies through improved retention and comprehension. Additionally, students generally perceive TikTok as an engaging and effective tool for classroom learning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1475873
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Background/purpose: Limited studies have explored TikTok's potential in higher education, but scarce research has been conducted about the impact of this tool on developing research and linguistic competencies in Latin-American TEFL students. This research addresses this gap by analyzing the effectiveness of TikTok in supporting these competencies while also exploring students' perceptions of its use in this context. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TikTok videos in enhancing research and linguistic competencies among higher-education students in an EFL teacher education program. Additionally, it aims to explore students' perceptions of TikTok as an educational tool. Materials/methods: Using a mixed-method approach, this study combines a quasi-experimental design, surveys, and structured interviews to assess changes in academic competencies and collect student perceptions. Eighty-seven participants from a private university in Ecuador were divided into control and experimental groups across two courses: Research Methods in ELT and Contrastive Grammar. The intervention involved integrating TikTok videos into the curriculum over four months, with students in the experimental group engaging with and creating TikTok content related to course material. Results: Results indicated improvements in the experimental group, demonstrating the positive impact of TikTok on student performance. Additionally, data revealed that students found TikTok to be an engaging and effective supplementary learning tool that supports effective learning by reducing cognitive load and fostering active, self-paced learning. However, the participants noted challenges such as technological limitations and potential distractions. Conclusion: TikTok videos demonstrate a positive impact on student performance, which supports effective learning experiences and enhances academic competencies through improved retention and comprehension. Additionally, students generally perceive TikTok as an engaging and effective tool for classroom learning.
ISSN:2147-0901
2564-8020