Development of MUET tidbits: a mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) application for foundation-level students

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is a high-stakes national examination required for entry into Malaysian higher education institutions, highlighting the need for effective and integrated preparation tools. This study develops and evaluates MUET Tidbits, a Mobile- Assisted Language Learning (MALL) application designed as a comprehensive platform to support students in mastering the four core MUET components: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Guided by the ADDIE instructional design model, the application was developed and field-tested with 63 foundation students. The findings indicate that MUET Tidbits provides a structured and accessible learning experience through the integration of authentic materials, including past-year questions and MUET-based audio, thereby enhancing test familiarity and learner engagement. Additionally, its minimalist user interface facilitates ease of navigation and usability. Conclusively MUET Tidbits demonstrates considerable potential as an effective digital learning tool for MUET preparation. Further empirical research is recommended to assess its impact on students’ performance, while its scalability and accessibility suggest strong commercial potential as a marketable educational resource.