A Closed-Loop "Assessment-Training-Research-Implementation" Model for Enhancing University EFL Teachers' Digital Literacy: A School-Based Study
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62381/H261817
Author(s)
Xiuwen Li*, Ting Zhao
Affiliation(s)
School of Foreign Languages, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, Jilin, China
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Against the dual background of New Liberal Arts construction and educational digital transformation, conventional teacher training usually emphasizes lectures over diagnosis, uniform instruction over stratified strategies, and training delivery over practical transfer, lacking a system connecting diagnosis, learning, practice and reflection together and making it difficult to achieve systematic and school-based improvement. To address this gap, this study draws on Teacher Professional Development, Action Research and Community of Practice to construct a, closed-loop model for the school-based improvement of university EFL teachers’ digital literacy, namely "assessment – training – research - implementation". A one-year action research was conducted in the school of foreign languages of a local university through questionnaires, interviews, case studies and classroom observations. Results show significant improvement of participating teachers’ digital literacy across technical operation, teaching integration, digital ethics, and AI application. Teachers also turn from knowledge transmitters to learning designers, guides, and AI collaborators. This model provides an operational path for the systematic and school-based improvement of university EFL teachers’ digital literacy and can be further extended to other disciplines and institutions.
Keywords
Digital literacy; University EFL teacher; Assessment – training – research - implementation; Teacher professional development
References
[1]Lirui, L., Anqi, W., Lisha, W. et al. Research on policy instruments for teachers' digital literacy: stage characteristics, typical problems, and optimization strategies. Journal of Xihua University (Philosophy and Social Sciences), 2025(6).
[2]Yan, L., Lingyun, S., Quanyuan, J. et al. College and university teachers' artificial intelligence literacy and improvement strategies. Open Education Research, 2025(1).
[3]Di, W., Xujun, G., Chi, Z., et al. Teachers' digital literacy: connotation, standards, and evaluation. e-Education Research, 2023(8).
[4]Xuemei, W., & Maojie, Z. Digital-intelligence literacy of college foreign language teachers: connotation, framework, and development path. Foreign Language World, 2024(5).
[5]Yonghe, X., Yumei, Z., Wenqin, F. et al. Evaluation and analysis of college foreign language teachers' digital literacy competence and their improvement paths . Modern Educational Technology, 2024(10).
[6]Redecker, C. European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators: DigCompEdu. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2017.
[7]Lingqing. S. The actual state of primary and secondary school teachers' digital literacy in China and paths to breakthrough: based on an assessment of 9,405 teachers nationwide. China Educational Technology, 2023(12).
[8]Mengfei, X. & Siyuan, W. Research on digitally empowered reform of teachers' digital literacy assessment: an analysis based on large-scale survey data. China Educational Technology, 2024(4).
[9]Wei, Z. & Jiamin, Y. Practical challenges and responses in improving college foreign language teachers' digital literacy. Education Science, 2025(6).
[10]Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. Effective Teacher Professional Development. Palo Alto, CA: Learning Policy Institute, 2017.
[11]Kemmis, S., & McTaggart, R. Participatory action research: Communicative action and the public sphere // Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2005.
[12]Qiang, W. Action Research for English Language Teachers: From Theory to Practice. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 2002.
[13]Lave, J., & Wenger, E. Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.