Theoretical foundation in designing and developing a mobile app to support ESL learning for STEM learners

Abstract

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has become an emerging trend amid the pandemic alongside the rise of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, the decline in STEM learners’ pursuing STEM is worrying, and one reason is the decline in English language proficiency. Hence, this paper aims to review theories in design and develop ME4STEM (Mobile English for STEM) to enhance STEM learners’ English vocabulary. This paper adheres to the Design and Development Research (DDR). The design and development of ME4STEM is underpinned by English for specific purposes, mastery learning, cognitivism, social constructivism, problem-based learning, and cognitive theory of multimedia learning theories. Referring closely to the theories, the development of ME4STEM consists of 6 elements: 1) learning videos, 2) practices, 3) reviews, 4) mini-assessments, 5) language exploration, and 6) discussions. The rationale for designing and developing ME4STEM is to encourage learners to learn in a personalized space and at their own pace, especially in this pandemic. ME4STEM is a prototype, contributing to Smart CALL by serving as a bridge between STEM and the English language, leveraging opportunities for interdisciplinary study along with contributing to society by providing sustainable and novel English for STEM supplementary material. ME4STEM caters to all aspects of Smart CALL: personalization, contextualization, and socialization, thus contributing to emerging CALL trends.