ERIC Number: ED564185
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Aug
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Vocabulary Acquisition in L2: Does CALL Really Help?
Averianova, Irina
Research-publishing.net, Paper presented at the 2015 EUROCALL Conference (22nd, Padova, Italy, Aug 26-29, 2015)
Language competence in various communicative activities in L2 largely depends on the learners' size of vocabulary. The target vocabulary of adult L2 learners should be between 2,000 high frequency words (a critical threshold) and 10,000 word families (for comprehension of university texts). For a TOEIC test, the threshold is estimated to be 3,000-4,000 words. The average English vocabulary size of most Japanese university students is significantly beyond these thresholds. Since incidental learning of English vocabulary in Japan is impossible due to the low exposure to the target language, vocabulary should be acquired through intentional learning. This paper reports on the outcomes of two different approaches to intentional vocabulary learning experienced in one Japanese university: using a Web-based vocabulary-learning tool "Word Engine" and non-electronic techniques of rote learning and memorization. During the period when independent vocabulary acquisition with "Word Engine" was included in course requirements, research revealed a significant improvement in mean scores in standardized TOEIC tests and course examinations for students of the equivalent cohorts, i.e. the same year of study and similar curriculum level and content, as well as general student satisfaction with the program and increased motivation towards independent deliberate vocabulary learning. [For full proceedings, see ED564162.]
Descriptors: Vocabulary Development, Second Language Instruction, Computer Assisted Instruction, Educational Technology, Teaching Methods, Language Skills, English (Second Language), Foreign Countries, Intentional Learning, College Students, Web Based Instruction, Conventional Instruction, Scores, Standardized Tests, Second Language Learning, Language Tests
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Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Japan
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Test of English for International Communication
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A