Reading and Listening Outcomes of Learners in the Duolingo English Course for Japanese Speakers

Abstract

This study evaluated the reading and listening proficiency levels of 81 English language learners who completed the Basic content (CEFR A2) of the Duolingo English course for Japanese speakers. Participants self-reported having little to no prior proficiency in English and using Duolingo as their only learning tool. Their language skills were assessed with the reading and listening sections of the STAMP 4S English Test by Avant Assessment. The results show that, on average, learners at the end of A2 scored Intermediate High in both reading and listening, which is one sublevel above the expected learning outcomes (Intermediate Mid) of the course. These findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of Duolingo’s English course for Japanese speakers in developing learners’ reading and listening comprehension skills.