ERIC Number: EJ1226942
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2155-7098
EISSN: N/A
Computer-Assisted Synonymous Phrase Learning: A Feasible Approach to Lexical Development
Chen, Mei-Hua
International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching, v9 n2 Article 1 p1-18 2019
It is not uncommon to see lists of semantically equivalent phrases in pedagogical materials. However, empirical investigations of the effect of synonymous phrase learning on vocabulary development are rarely attempted. The current study promotes computer-assisted synonymous phrase learning by introducing PREFER, a corpus-based paraphrasing system. The organized information including synonymous phrases, Chinese translations, usage patterns, and example sentences would help EFL learners develop vocabulary knowledge in terms of form, meaning, and use. The performances of 49 EFL first-year college students were evaluated using a 15-set multi-select test. The results showed that students consulting PREFER made greater progress than those consulting existing online tools. The improvements of the less proficient students were especially significant, which was to be expected. More importantly, the analyses of learners' errors indicated that their learning difficulties primarily resulted from the lack of attention to word form and the function words (i.e., word form and use) while learning vocabulary.
Descriptors: Computer Assisted Instruction, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Vocabulary Development, Teaching Methods, College Freshmen, Student Attitudes, Error Patterns, Syntax, Phrase Structure, English (Second Language), Second Language Instruction, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A