Solving the Vocabulary Retention Problem

1986 ◽  
Vol 74 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Verbal Material ◽  
Vocabulary Retention ◽  
Verbal Association ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Mnemonic Techniques

The main problem in learning foreign language vocabulary is retention. There exists a considerable amount of evidence pointing to the superiority of mnemonic techniques over rote repetition in the learning of verbal material. An investigation was carried out comparing the learning of FL vocabulary in three different conditions : (1) making formal and semantic links with known words (2) making verbal links of a solemy semantic nature (3) using habitual methods. The first experimental group demonstrated superiority, although scores were not significant on an anamysis of variance. Indications were given by the data that training and encouragement in the use of formal and semantic verbal association will lead to better vocabulary retention.

Pragmatic instruction in L2-Russian

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-95
Author(s):  
Daniele Artoni ◽  
Valentina Benigni ◽  
Elena Nuzzo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Written Discourse ◽  
Instructional Treatment ◽  
Completion Task ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
National Corpus ◽  
Pragmatic Instruction

Over the last three decades, a growing number of studies have investigated the effects of instruction on the acquisition of pragmatic features in L2. The bulk of this research has focused mainly on the teaching of English as a second/foreign language. However, instructional pragmatic studies in L2-Russian are lacking. The main purpose of our study is to contribute towards filling this gap by analysing the effects of pragmatic instruction on the acquisition of two speech acts by Italian learners of Russian. Furthermore, we aim to explore whether the Multimodal Russian Corpus (MURCO), a multimedia subcorpus of the Russian National Corpus, can be an effective tool for teaching speech acts in L2-Russian. Our research was composed of one experimental group (n = 18) and one control group (n = 11); each was composed of two intact classes of Italian university students at an intermediate level of L2-Russian, who were pre- and post-tested using a written discourse completion task. The experimental group was subjected to a programme of pragmatic instruction – eight thirty-minute MURCO-based lessons devoted to requests and advice, while the control group was taught according to the standard syllabus, that is, with no pragmatic instruction. The results revealed that the use of the target pragmatic features varied significantly in the experimental group, but not in the control group, thus showing a general positive effect of the instructional treatment based on the MURCO corpus. However, some limitations were identified with regard to the usability of this tool by teachers and learners.

Electronic texts or learning through textbooks: An experimental study

ReCALL ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 539-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
NINETTE CARTES-ENRIQUEZ ◽  
M. I. SOLAR RODRIGUEZ ◽  
R. QUINTANA LETELIER
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Lab ◽  
Electronic Texts ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Traditional Class

This is an experimental study in the area of Didactics applied to the learning of English as a foreign language and complemented by CALL. The main objective of this work is to know the degree of incidence existing between two groups of students: one, based on conference-style classes where students, guided by the teacher, have to search for information about a topic in the computer lab and present it in front of the class and, in the other, where students are taught by the teacher according to a printed text. The experimental design consisted of a pre-test/post-test plus the application of different techniques to develop the different linguistic and cognitive strategies, between these tests. The methodology used by the Experimental Group forced learners to generate their own knowledge, so they had to apply the information and work by themselves in Workshops; and the Control Group participated in the classroom according to the communicative approach, guided by the teacher in the traditional class. Statistics were applied to the scores obtained between both tests, and the scores obtained weekly in the different competences contributed to knowing whether there were significant differences between both groups.

MODERN LINGUODIDACTICS AND MNEMONICS: FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING STUDENTS HOW TO MEMORIZE NEW VOCABULARY

2021 ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
Tat’yana A. Markelova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Visual Images ◽  
The Internet ◽  
English Classes ◽  
False Idea ◽  
Mnemonic Techniques

The paper deals with the search and application of effective methods of memorizing foreign language vocabulary, based on integrative and personal development approaches within the framework of modern linguodidactics. The Internet era, which maximally simplifies the process of searching for and translating foreign words, engender among students a false idea that there is no need to form special skills of memorizing foreign language vocabulary. In this regard, the development of new ways how to activate memory for educational purposes is of particular relevance, as well as the study of such mental processes of memory as memorizing, preserving, reproducing and forgetting. The author refers to some aspects of linguodidactics’ and mnemonics’ historical evolution, foreign and Russian experience of using mnemonic techniques in the process of studying and teaching foreign languages. Memorizing based on mnemonic encoding into images (when objects are linked with existing information in the memory) contributes to the process of mastering foreign language vocabulary, it becomes faster and easier, and it results in a long-term memorization of the material. In the paper, the author shares the practical experience of applying and teaching mnemonic techniques at English classes. The latter include phonetic associations, visual images, pictures, kinesthetic representations. In conclusion, the author makes an inference that it is advisable to teach students the technique of mnemonics as one of the effective ways to facilitate the process of memorizing new vocabulary.

scholarly journals The Effect of Aural and Visual Storytelling on Vocabulary Retention of Iranian EFL Learners

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Maryam AminAfshar ◽  
Ahmad Mojavezi
Keyword(s):  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vocabulary Test ◽  
Vocabulary Retention ◽  
Visual Storytelling ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Do So

EFL learners at all ages and proficiency levels are usually confronted with various problems in vocabulary learning and retention. This study sought to introduce strategies for improvement of vocabulary learning and retention. Therefore, the effects of using aural/visual storytelling on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and retention were investigated. To do so, 50 intermediate female EFL learners were randomly assigned to two groups. After the administration of teacher made English Vocabulary Test as the pre-test, aural storytelling method was used for the control group, and visual storytelling method was used for the experimental group. After three months of instruction, the aforementioned teacher made English Vocabulary Test, as the post-test, was given to the students of both groups to assess their improvements. Two weeks after post-test, they were given a delayed post-test to measure their retention of English vocabulary knowledge. The reliability of the English Vocabulary Test using Cronbach's Alpha was estimated equal to 0.80. Finally, Using ANCOVA, the results revealed that, the experimental group’s participants outperformed those of control group in both learning and retention of English vocabulary. So, it can be noted that the training program according to visual could have impressive impact on the learning and retention of vocabulary knowledge.

Using comprehension strategies for students' self-efficacy, anxiety, and proficiency in reading English as a foreign language

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung-Chang Liao ◽  
Ya-Huei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Comprehension Strategies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Verbal Persuasion ◽  
Reading Comprehension Strategies ◽  
English Reading ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Experimental Group

We examined whether or not instructing Taiwanese students in the use of comprehension strategies when they are reading English as a foreign language, reduces their English reading anxiety and increases their English reading self-efficacy and proficiency. We used a quasiexperimental design and conducted a 15-week course. The experimental group (n = 31) received instruction in reading comprehension strategies and the control group (n = 31) received instruction by traditional teaching methods. The results show that the experimental group had less anxiety when reading English and higher proficiency than the control group. In regard to self-efficacy when reading English, the experimental group also performed better than the control group in terms of self-affirmation, perseverance, verbal persuasion, and performance overall. However, there was no statistically significant difference for learning attitude between the groups.

scholarly journals The Effect of Using Group Work Technique on Developing Attitudes of non-English Major Students towards Learning English as a Foreign Language

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (103) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Asst. Instr. Hayder Abdulzahra Shalash
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Group Work ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Major ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Work Technique ◽  
Learning English

       The present study aims at investigating the effect of applying group work technique on developing non-English major students' attitude towards learning English as a foreign language .Two null hypotheses have been formulated; the first hypothesis states that there is no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control group in their attitude towards learning EFL after the experiment. The second one states that there is no statistically significant difference in (pre-post questionnaire) of the experimental group students' attitude towards learning EFL. To achieve the aim of the study, and verify its hypothesis, the researcher has applied eight week experiment. A sample of 62 students has been chosen and divided into experimental and control groups. It has been chosen randomly from the second year students in the Basic Education College/ Department of History/Academic year (2017-2018).        The attitude questionnaire for both groups was applied before and after the experiment. After processing the results statistically, it was found that there is a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group. Having used the t-test formula, it was found that there is statistically significant development in the experimental group students' attitude towards learning EFL, which in turn indicates that the use of GWT is more effective than the traditional method.  Conclusion and recommendations were drawn.  

scholarly journals The Impact of Text Messaging on Iranian University Students as an English as a Foreign Language Instructional Tool to Enhance Learner Autonomy and Perception

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 184-202
Author(s):  
Behnam Behforouz ◽  
Anca Daniela Frumuselu
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Instructional Tool ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This paper investigates the efficiency of text messaging as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructional tool to enhance learner autonomy and perception at the Islamic Azad University-South Tehran Branch, Iran. The study considers seventy-four learners to participate in the study after the administration of an Oxford Placement Test to measure their proficiency level. Participants are randomly assigned in experimental and control groups, including 37 participants each. A questionnaire is used as a pretest and posttest to measure learners` autonomy. Participants from the experimental group use text messaging (the treatment) to receive instructions, whereas those from the control group receive traditional classroom instructions in a face-to-face channel. A semi-structured interview is also used to collect date on experimental group participants` perception in using MALL in classrooms. The results reveal remarkable differences between the experimental and control groups’ means on their learner autonomy scores. However, the impact of the independent samples t-test has shown that there is no statistically meaningful gender difference among the learners regarding their autonomy scores. The findings based on the semi-structured interview showed complimentary views on MALL. The current study is beneficial since its outcomes could be relevant for EFL curriculum developers and English language teachers in the use of mobile learning and text messaging in the English classroom.

scholarly journals The effects of music, relaxation and suggestion on tertiary students’ affect and achievement in learning Japanese as a Foreign Language

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 16.1-16.22
Author(s):  
Kuninori Shimbo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Accelerated Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Original Form ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Experimental Group

This study investigates the effects of the three major factors of Suggestopedia – music, relaxation and suggestion – on the students’ affect and development of communicative competence in tertiary Japanese language classes. A review of literature on Suggestopedia, the original form of Accelerated Learning (AL), shows that its effects are controversial, surrounded by misunderstanding and lack of appropriate evaluation. There is a need to clarify the nature of AL and the effects of its factors. Two existing classes were randomly assigned as a control group (n= 29) and an experimental group (n= 25). This quasi-experimental study lasted for 12 weeks with 3 stages of 4 weeks each. The results oft-tests showed that there existed no major significant differences between the two groups. When differences between each stage were examined carefully, however, it was found that self-concept increased significantly with the introduction of suggestion. The findings did not support the general claims that AL has positive effects on language learning, but it was found that among the three independent variables suggestion influenced students’ affect positively. The finding implies that the teacher’s positive messages are powerful tools to enhance students’ affect in learning a foreign language.

scholarly journals The Effect of Using Flipped Classroom Model on Libyan University Students' English Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 64-84
Author(s):  
Mustafa Braiek ◽  
Abdulhamid Onaiba ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Language Test ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Learning English

This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of using flipped classroom model on learning English as a foreign language and students’ attitudes towards flipped classroom. The sample of study consisted of 31 students at Faculty of Arts, Misurata University. The participants were divided into two groups: 16 students for the experimental group and 15 students for the control group. The data collection tools used in this study were an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) test and a questionnaire to explore students’ attitudes towards flipped classroom. Participants in both groups were pre-tested using the EFL test before the experiment. Then, the experimental group was taught using flipped classroom strategy while the control group was taught using the traditional teaching method. After the experiment, students in both groups were post-tested using the EFL test while the questionnaire was administered to the students of the experimental group only. The results of the study showed that applying the strategy of the flipped classroom had a significant effect in increasing the students’ performances in learning English. The questionnaire responses showed positive attitudes regarding the use of flipped teaching.

scholarly journals Using the SCAMPER Model to DevelopTranslation Skills for Major Students in the Faculty of Education, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
AWEJ-tls for Translation & Literary Studies ◽  
Fatma Farid Fakhry Tharwa
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Translation ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
School Year ◽  
Delayed Translation ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Experimental Group

This paper aims at identifying the effectiveness of using the SCAMPER model in developing translation and raising the attitudes towards adaptation among major students in the faculty of education, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. It tries to answer the following questions: To what extent would using the SCAMPER model raise translation skills among major students in the faculty of education – Majmaah University .the the second question is To what extent would using SCAMPER model raise the attitudes towards translation among major students.To accomplish the purpose of the study, the researcher showed the experimental group with a sample involved (40) students for the SCAMPER Model in the first term of the school year 2018-2019. The researcher used (pre -post & delayed) translation test, a scale of students' attitudes towards translation to collect data. The study's results suggested that there were statistically important differences at (α ≤ 0.05) in the whole mean grade in the pre post translation test to the group in favor of posttest. Also, there were statistically important differences at (α ≤ 0.05) in the whole mean grade in the pre-post scale of students attitudes towards translation to the group in favor of post implication. Also, the researcher recognized these differences in using the SCAMPER Model in teaching English language translation. In light of these outcomes, the study suggested the necessity of applying the SCAMPER Model in teaching the English language to get better results in students’ translation learning and retention in English as a foreign language. Similarly, the SCAMPER Model would be used with other English skills and sub-skills.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document