Enhancing Malaysian University English Test Reading Skills: Investigating ESL Students' Performance and Perspectives on MUETBot Intervention

Abstract

The ability to read effectively in English is crucial for ESL students, especially for those preparing for standardized tests like the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the impact of MUETBot, a chatbot learning tool, on ESL students' reading skills, focusing on MUET preparation. Eighty ESL students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia, were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group used MUETBot after in-class instruction, while the control group practiced with conventional MUET papers. Pre and post MUET reading tests, along with semi-structured interviews, were used for assessment. The findings based on the achievement in pre and post MUET reading tests revealed that there was a significant difference t(39)=.000, p < .05 in the MUET reading skills of students involved in the MUETBot intervention. Student responses from the interview indicated a positive attitude toward MUETBot, emphasizing its convenience and effectiveness in practicing MUET reading skills. This implies that MUETBot is a valuable supplementary tool in ESL education, offering personalized and interactive learning experiences. Future research could explore MUETBot's effectiveness across different language skills and its long-term impact on language proficiency, advancing language learning tools in ESL instruction.