Exploring The Usage of Social Media to Enhance English Language Skills Among ECE Students At UPTM

Abstract

This research explores the usage of social media to enhance English language skills among Early Childhood Education (ECE) students at UPTM. The purpose of the study is to examine the English language proficiency of ECE students, with a specific focus on the influence of their regular use of social media on language acquisition. Adopting a mixed-method research design, the study integrates quantitative data analysis, utilising descriptive statistics to examine the impact of social media usage on language proficiency, with qualitative analysis techniques to delve into the nuances of learners’ experiences and perceptions of. Grounded in Behaviourism Theory and Second Language Acquisition (SLA), the research seeks to understand how social media serves as a platform for language learning and development. The findings and discussions highlight the significant role of social media in providing access to authentic language input, opportunities for practice, and social reinforcement, thus contributing to the enhancement of English language skills among ECE students. However, despite the social media exposure, ECE students struggle to apply English in class, revealing a learning environment gap. Consistent integration of English practice is crucial for effective language acquisition.