Low vs. High Proficiency Students’ Attitudes Toward Academic Optimism Regarding the Use of Mobile Phones for Listening Instruction: A Mixed Methods Study

In recent years, academic optimism (AO) has emerged as a significant variable that can positively influence students’ learning outcomes. On the other hand, mobile assisted language learning (MALL) is now considered significant to education work around world. However, little research has explored students’ AO in MALL contexts. The current study explored Iranian high and low proficiency students’ AO in relation to listening comprehension in the context of MALL. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative instruments such as questionnaires and interviews. The quantitative analysis of the data revealed that first, AO and MALL-driven listening were positively correlated and second, high proficiency students had more positive attitudes toward MALL in relation to their AO. The analysis of qualitative data indicated that proficiency level played a significant role in the students’ perceptions with high-proficiency students being more AO-oriented than the low proficiency students. The study concludes with implications for teachers and students in developing students’ AO and listening comprehension, especially in MALL contexts.