A mobile story mapping-based learning approach to enhancing Japanese as a foreign language learners' oral and communication performances

Speaking is a significant challenge for foreign language learners due to limited practice opportunities, which can lead to low motivation. This study proposed a mobile story mapping-based learning approach to engage students in organising and connecting learning content to real-life contexts using mobile technology for presentations in a foreign language. A quasi-experimental lesson was conducted in a Japanese as a foreign language (JFL) conversation course at a university in Taiwan. Two classes of first-year students participated: one using the mobile story-mapping-based learning (MSML) approach and the other using the conventional mobile learning (CML) approach. Results showed that the MSML group performed significantly better in accuracy, fluency, comprehension, and Japanese oral performance, but not in pronunciation. This study provides a reference for integrating technology in second foreign language education through MSML approach.