scholarly journals Comparing the efficacy of digital flashcards versus paper flashcards to improve receptive and productive L2 vocabulary

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Dizon ◽  
Daniel Tang

<p><span>Several researchers have compared the efficacy of digital flashcards (DFs) versus paper flashcards (PFs) to improve L2 vocabulary and have concluded that using DFs is more effective (Azabdaftari &amp; Mozaheb, 2012; Başoğlu &amp; Akdemir, 2010; Kiliçkaya &amp; Krajka, 2010). However, these studies did not utilize vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) as a way to support the vocabulary development of those using PFs. This is significant because DFs often offer a range of features to promote vocabulary development, whereas PFs are much more basic; thus, learners who study via paper materials are at a disadvantage compared with those who use DFs. Given the success that VLSs have had in fostering L2 vocabulary enhancement (e.g., Mizumoto &amp; Takeuchi, 2009), their incorporation could have influenced the previous studies. Therefore, one of the primary aims of this study was to find if there were significant differences in receptive and productive L2 vocabulary improvements between students who used PFs in conjunction with 3 VLSs – dropping, association, and oral rehearsal – and those who used the DF tools Quizlet and Cram. Additionally, the researchers examined the learners’ opinions to see if there was a preference for either study method. A total of 52 EFL students at two Japanese universities participated in the 12-week study. Pre- and post-tests were administered to measure the vocabulary gains in the PF group (n = 26) and the DF group (n = 26). Results from a paired t-test revealed that both groups made significant improvements in receptive and productive vocabulary. However, the difference between the gains was not significant, which contrasts with past comparison studies of DFs and PFs and highlights the importance of VLSs. A 10-item survey with closed and Likert-scale questions was also administered to determine the participants’ opinions towards the study methods. Higher levels of agreement were found in the experimental group, indicating that the students viewed DFs more favorably than PFs.</span></p>

Author(s):  
Dr. Bachiri Housseine ◽  

Learning second language (L2) vocabulary can be a challenge for L2 students. As researchers and TEFL practitioners, we perpetually strive to seek ways to help our students with necessary linguistic tools to be ultimately both productive and resourceful. Moroccan EFL students in L2 are able to use learning strategies, which are valued in the school system, in order to, among other things, expand their vocabulary knowledge for the purpose of being able to communicate verbally and non-verbally. It is complex, however, to determine to what extent these strategies are used. In fact, very few studies have emphasized vocabulary learning strategies. Therefore, this study is of interest to Moroccan university students so as to determine which strategies to use, how often, and whether their use has an impact on students’ vocabulary growth.


Author(s):  
Emad A. Alghamdi

Given the crucial role of vocabulary knowledge in language development, the literature is replete with studies that explore the effects of various vocabulary learning strategies. This chapter taps into two areas of research on vocabulary learning, multimodal glossing and digital gaming, and reports on an experimental study whose aim was to investigate the effect of providing EFL students (n=162) with three gloss conditions (L1 test + picture, L2 text + picture, and picture-only) when they play a video game on their vocabulary acquisition and retention. The students took two vocabulary tests immediately after playing the game, and again two weeks later. The findings revealed that while all groups benefited from multimodal glossing, the L1 text + picture gloss group significantly performed better than the other two groups in the acquisition and retention of the targeted words. The chapter concludes by discussing the limitations of the current study and suggesting new directions for future research.


2022 ◽  
pp. 580-601
Author(s):  
Emad A. Alghamdi

Given the crucial role of vocabulary knowledge in language development, the literature is replete with studies that explore the effects of various vocabulary learning strategies. This chapter taps into two areas of research on vocabulary learning, multimodal glossing and digital gaming, and reports on an experimental study whose aim was to investigate the effect of providing EFL students (n=162) with three gloss conditions (L1 test + picture, L2 text + picture, and picture-only) when they play a video game on their vocabulary acquisition and retention. The students took two vocabulary tests immediately after playing the game, and again two weeks later. The findings revealed that while all groups benefited from multimodal glossing, the L1 text + picture gloss group significantly performed better than the other two groups in the acquisition and retention of the targeted words. The chapter concludes by discussing the limitations of the current study and suggesting new directions for future research.


Author(s):  
Hui Li ◽  
Gengsheng Xiao

This research aims to examine the effect of hypertext reading on productive vocabulary acquisition, and investigate how other influential factors mainly including students’ English proficiency and their use of vocabulary learning strategies affect the outcome of productive vocabulary acquisition. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are adopted in this study. A test and a questionnaire survey were conducted. Two parallel classes of English major, who are all sophomores, are randomly selected as the control group and the experimental group respectively. According to the results of analysis, some conclusions are drawn. First, though participants can acquire productive vocabulary both in traditional reading and hypertext reading, hypertext reading is more effective. Second, the effectiveness of hypertext reading in productive vocabulary acquisition is more significant for learners of extremely high/low English proficiency than those of intermediate level. Third, vocabulary learning strategies that are employed influence the effect of hypertext reading on productive vocabulary acquisition.


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