Author(s)

ZiWan Xie

Affiliation(s)

Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou 510420, Guangdong, China.

Corresponding Author

ZiWan Xie

ABSTRACT

This study investigates how Chinese university students perceive the use of Rednote as a tool for autonomous English listening learning. Although English listening development relies on sustained exposure to meaningful input, classroom-based practice in Chinese universities is often constrained by limited hours and exam-oriented instruction. Social media platforms have therefore become an important supplementary channel for self-directed listening. Rednote, with its short videos, creator-led explanations, and personalised recommendation system, offers easily accessible listening materials, yet its entertainment orientation and uneven content quality may also pose challenges. A mixed-methods questionnaire was administered to 120 university students who had prior experience using Rednote for listening practice. Quantitative results consistently show positive attitudes, with students reporting increased motivation, greater confidence, reduced anxiety, and a stronger willingness to engage in listening beyond the classroom. Participants also recognise practical benefits such as flexible access, diverse resources, and improved autonomy. However, they note several limitations, including distractions from entertainment content, the fragmentation of short-video input, and the need to evaluate the reliability of user-generated posts. Qualitative responses further illustrate these tensions, highlighting how learners balance Rednote’s convenience with the effort required for self-regulation. Overall, the findings provide a focused account of Chinese EFL university students’ perspectives on using Rednote to support autonomous English listening learning.

KEYWORDS

Rednote; Autonomous English listening; EFL learners; Social media learning; Learner perceptions

CITE THIS PAPER

ZiWan Xie.Perspectives of Chinese EFL university students on using rednote for autonomous English listening learning. World Journal of Educational Studies. 2025, 3(8): 53-59. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wjes3109.

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