ARTICLE
26 July 2026

Chinese College EFL Teacher Beliefs and Practices in Facilitating Students’ Technology-Enhanced Self-Regulated Language Learning

Liuchun Yang1 ,  Jifang Li1
Show Less
1 College of Arts and Sciences Kunming, Kunming 650222, Yunnan, China
EIR 2026 , 4(7), 55–61; https://doi.org/10.26689/EIR.v4i7.16029
© 2026 by the Author. Licensee: Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty Ltd, Australia. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Abstract

Digital technologies increasingly mediate self-regulated language learning (SRLL), but teacher support remains crucial. This paper reviews studies on Chinese college EFL teachers’ beliefs, practices, and barriers regarding technology-enhanced SRLL. It identifies three key directions: the belief–practice discrepancy due to insufficient TPACK for SRLL; the interplay of first- and second-order barriers shaped by institutional contexts; and the scarcity of TPACK-for-SRLL research. Pedagogically, context-specific training is needed; theoretically, SRL should be contextualized within Chinese collectivist culture. The main limitation is reliance on self-reported data and a literature review. Future studies should adopt empirical designs. The paper aims to shift the focus from whether to use technology to how to foster autonomous learners in Chinese EFL classrooms.

Keywords
Technology-enhanced self-regulated language learning
Teacher beliefs
Teaching practices
Barriers
TPACK
Chinese college EFL teachers
References

[1] Reinders H, Lai C, Sundqvist P (Eds.), 2022, The Routledge Handbook of Language Learning and Teaching Beyond the Classroom. Routledge, London.

[2] Viberg O, Andersson A, 2019, The Role of Self-Regulation and Structuration in Mobile Learning. International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning, 11(4): 42–58.

[3] Yang Y, Wen Y, Song Y, 2023, A Systematic Review of Technology-Enhanced Self-Regulated Language Learning. Educational Technology & Society, 26(1): 31–44.

[4] Hwang R, 2014, Exploring the Moderating Role of Self-Management of Learning in Mobile English Learning. Educational Technology & Society, 17: 255–267.

[5] Lai Y, Saab N, Admiraal W, 2022, University Students’ Use of Mobile Technology in Self-Directed Language Learning: Using the Integrative Model of Behavior Prediction. Computers & Education, 179: 104413.

[6] Lai Y, Saab N, Admiraal W, 2022, Learning Strategies in Self-Directed Language Learning Using Mobile Technology in Higher Education: A Systematic Scoping Review. Education and Information Technologies, 27(6): 7749–7780.

[7] Lai C, Li X, Wang Q, 2017, Students’ Perceptions of Teacher Impact on Their Self-Directed Language Learning with Technology Beyond the Classroom: Cases of Hong Kong and US. Educational Technology Research and Development, 65: 1105–1133.

[8] Lai C, 2015, Modeling Teachers’ Influence on Learners’ Self-Directed Use of Technology for Language Learning Outside the Classroom. Computers & Education, 82: 74–83.

[9] Spruce R, Bol L, 2015, Teacher Beliefs, Knowledge, and Practice of Self-Regulated Learning. Metacognition and Learning, 10(2): 245–277.

[10] Bustamante C, 2020, TPACK-Based Professional Development on Web 2.0 for Spanish Teachers: A Case Study. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 33(4): 327–352.

[11] Hsu L, 2016, Examining EFL Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge and the Adoption of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning: A Partial Least Square Approach. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 29(8): 1287–1297.

[12] Nazari M, Xodabande I, 2022, L2 Teachers’ Mobile-Related Beliefs and Practices: Contributions of a Professional Development Initiative. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(7): 1354–1383.

[13] Liu H, Wang L, Koehler MJ, 2019, Exploring the Intention-Behavior Gap in the Technology Acceptance Model: A Mixed-Methods Study in the Context of Foreign-Language Teaching in China. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(5): 2536–2556.

[14] Hsu L, 2013, English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Perception of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning: A Cross-National Study. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(3): 197–213.

[15] Zimmerman BJ, Schunk DH, 2011, Self-Regulated Learning and Performance: An Introduction and an Overview.

[16] Zimmerman BJ, 2002, Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory Into Practice, 41(2): 64–70.

[17] Chien CW, 2019, Taiwanese EFL Undergraduates’ Self-Regulated Learning with and Without Technology. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 13(1): 1–16.

[18] Lai C, 2019, Learning Beliefs and Autonomous Language Learning with Technology Beyond the Classroom. Language Awareness, 28(4): 291–309.

[19] Hromalik CD, Koszalka TA, 2018, Self-Regulation of the Use of Digital Resources in an Online Language Learning Course Improves Learning Outcomes. Distance Education, 39(4): 528–547.

[20] Shyr WJ, Chen CH, 2018, Designing a Technology-Enhanced Flipped Learning System to Facilitate Students’ Self-Regulation and Performance. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 34(1): 53–62.

[21] Lai C, Yeung Y, Hu J, 2016, University Student and Teacher Perceptions of Teacher Roles in Promoting Autonomous Language Learning with Technology Outside the Classroom. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 29(4): 703–723.

[22] Zhang D, Perez-Paredes P, 2021, Chinese Postgraduate EFL Learners’ Self-Directed Use of Mobile English Learning Resources. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 34(8): 1128–1153.

[23] Paris SG, Winograd P, 2003, The Role of Self-Regulated Learning in Contextual Teaching: Principles and Practices for Teacher Preparation.

[24] Inozu J, Sahinkarakas S, Yumru H, 2010, The Nature of Language Learning Experiences Beyond the Classroom and Its Learning Outcomes. US-China Foreign Language, 8(1): 14–21.

[25] Yan Z, 2016, Student Self-Assessment Practices: The Role of Gender, School Level, and Goal Orientation. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice.

[26] Huang Q, 2018, Examining Teachers’ Roles in Online Learning. The EUROCALL Review, 26(2): 3–18.

[27] Viberg O, Kukulska-Hulme A, Peeters W, 2023, Affective Support for Self-Regulation in Mobile-Assisted Language Learning. International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning, 15(2): 1–15.

[28] An Z, Wang C, Li S, et al., 2021, Technology-Assisted Self-Regulated English Language Learning: Associations with English Language Self-Efficacy, English Enjoyment, and Learning Outcomes. Frontiers in Psychology, 11: 558466.

[29] Woolfolk Hoy A, Davis H, Pape S, 2006, Teacher Knowledge and Beliefs. In: Alexander PA, Winne PH (Eds.), Handbook of Educational Psychology, pp. 717–737. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

[30] Lombaerts K, Engels N, van Braak J, 2009, Determinants of Teachers’ Recognitions of Self-Regulated Learning Practices in Elementary Education. The Journal of Educational Research, 102(3): 163–174.

[31] Hubbard P, 2008, CALL and the Future of Language Teacher Education. CALICO Journal, 25(2): 175–188.

[32] Torsani S, 2016, CALL Teacher Education: Language Teachers and Technology Integration. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

[33] Yan Z, Sin KF, 2014, Inclusive Education: Teachers’ Intentions and Behavior Analyzed from the Viewpoint of the Theory of Planned Behavior. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 18: 72–85.

[34] Buabeng-Andoh C, 2012, Factors Influencing Teachers’ Adoption and Integration of Information and Communication Technology into Teaching: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 11: 136–155.

[35] Park M, Son JB, 2022, Pre-Service EFL Teachers’ Readiness in Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 42(2): 320–334.

[36] Scherer R, Tondeur J, Siddiq F, et al., 2018, The Importance of Attitudes Toward Technology for Pre-Service Teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge: Comparing Structural Equation Modeling Approaches. Computers in Human Behavior, 80: 67–80.

[37] Deng F, Chai CS, Tsai CC, et al., 2014, The Relationships Among Chinese Practicing Teachers’ Epistemic Beliefs, Pedagogical Beliefs and Their Beliefs About the Use of ICT. Educational Technology & Society, 17(2): 245–256.

[38] Ertmer PA, Ottenbreit-Leftwich AT, Sadik O, et al., 2012, Teacher Beliefs and Technology Integration Practices: A Critical Relationship. Computers & Education, 59(2): 423–435.

[39] Li G, Jee Y, Sun Z, 2018, Technology as an Educational Equalizer for EFL Learning in Rural China? Evidence from the Impact of Technology-Assisted Practices on Teacher-Student Interaction in Primary Classrooms. Language and Literacy, 20(3): 159–184.

[40] Teo T, Milutinović V, Zhou M, et al., 2017, Traditional vs. Innovative Uses of Computers Among Mathematics Pre-Service Teachers in Serbia. Interactive Learning Environments, 25(7): 811–827.

[41] Ertmer PA, 1999, Addressing First- and Second-Order Barriers to Change: Strategies for Technology Integration. Educational Technology Research and Development, 47(4): 47–61.

[42] Gan Z, Liu F, Yang CCR, 2020, Student-Teachers’ Self-Efficacy for Instructing Self-Regulated Learning in the Classroom. Journal of Education for Teaching, 46(1): 120–123.

[43] Huang F, Qi J, Xie A, 2022, Sustaining Teaching with Technology After the Quarantine: Evidence from Chinese EFL Teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. Sustainability, 14(14): 8774.

Share
Back to top