Effective Smart Phone Applications in College English Test Preparations

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mobile applications on Chinese college students learning English as a Foreign Language within the context of preparing for the College English Test. A quantitative method, combining pretests and posttests with questionnaires, was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile application learning. One experiment class adopted this new preparation method, while one control class followed the convention in instruction. Before the experiment, the two groups are at the same level of English proficiency. As a result of the 16-week experiment, the two groups of students significantly vary in grades on their College English Test. Findings revealed that integrating Apps improved Chinese college students’ College English Test achievements and generally demonstrated positive attitudes toward Apps adoption in preparation for the College English Test and future English language learning. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the use of Apps in English language learning, demonstrating the potential of Apps in English language learning.