Teaching English Language

Teaching English Language

Working Memory in Second Language Learning: A Meta-Synthetic Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of English, Faculty of humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
2 Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
10.22132/tel.2025.477591.1689
Abstract
This study aimed to meta-synthesize the existing research on the role of working memory in L2 language learning. First, an initial pool of 125 JCR-listed articles was formed. Then, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 55 articles (N = 5189) were selected. Using the Nvivo 12 software and taking the Grounded Theory as the method of analysis, the articles were subjected to word-by-word content analysis to extract common patterns and recurring themes. The findings of the study indicate that the degree to which WM is involved in the L2 might vary depending on the L2 proficiency level, the nature of the L2 task, and the type and language of the WM test. The implications of the study are discussed in terms of the role of WM in task-based instruction, the trainability of WM, and how the findings of the study broaden our understanding of the role of WM in L2 learning.

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Volume 19, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 393-436

  • Receive Date 09 September 2024
  • Revise Date 15 December 2024
  • Accept Date 19 January 2025