A Comparison of Vocabulary Learning Strategies among Elementary Iranian EFL Learners

Abstract

Abstract-A multitude of factors are involved in learning a second language, among which knowing ample vocabulary plays a crucial role. Despite many efforts for vocabulary learning, one of the first problems of foreign language learners, especially Iranian EFL learners, is how to commit lots of foreign words to memory. The present study aimed to compare three vocabulary learning strategies (flashcard strategy, sentence writing method, and vocabulary notebook strategy) with the traditional way of vocabulary learning (repetition) among Iranian elementary EFL learners to find out which one was the most efficient approach to vocabulary learning and best increased long-term retention of meaning. To do this end, four groups (three experimental groups and one control group) were chosen to take part in the experiment. The groups were all homogenized in the wake of administering a vocabulary pretest, and then each of the experimental groups was exposed to its pertinent treatment. After the completion of the experiment, and in the light of a vocabulary posttest, the results showed that there existed differences among the four strategies in terms of vocabulary learning and retention. In terms of vocabulary learning, the difference among the four groups was significant, but the difference on posttest which examined the long-term retention of the new vocabularies was not statistically significant. The study revealed that flash card strategy was the best strategy for vocabulary learning process among elementary level learners.

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“…Other supporting factors can be in the form of vocabulary learning strategies to facilitate the students in remembering the vocabularies. This was along with another study, indicating that mastery of foreign vocabulary is easy to learn when we use certain strategies such as flashcards so we can memorize the vocabularies on our memory [10].…”

A Comparison of English Vocabulary Learning Strategies Employed by Bilingual and Multilingual Students

“…A lack of vocabulary is the main obstacle that students need to overcome during their language learning process, inasmuch as without sufficient vocabulary knowledge their ideas and feelings cannot come to life, preventing students from becoming proficient language learners and communicators (Yolcu & Mirioglu, 2020). Since enriching students' vocabulary knowledge is essential if they are to gain competence in a foreign language, it is important to consider how students can learn vocabulary efficiently (Kashani & Shafiee, 2016). Moreover, today there is growing awareness that students need to be taught "how to learn", rather than just being given knowledge directly (Kashani & Shafiee, 2016), with vocabulary learning strategies being central in this context.…”

“…Since enriching students' vocabulary knowledge is essential if they are to gain competence in a foreign language, it is important to consider how students can learn vocabulary efficiently (Kashani & Shafiee, 2016). Moreover, today there is growing awareness that students need to be taught "how to learn", rather than just being given knowledge directly (Kashani & Shafiee, 2016), with vocabulary learning strategies being central in this context. Vocabulary learning strategies can be explained as the actions taken by students to consciously organize and acquire knowledge with reference to new words (Nation, 2001).…”

“…They play a significant role in vocabulary development, in the sense that they facilitate and accelerate the learning process for students by providing them with information about the ways in which words can be learned and retrieved (Yolcu & Mirioglu, 2020). By using these strategies, students can take responsibility for monitoring their own learning, eventually enabling them to become independent language learners (Kashani & Shafiee, 2016).…”

“…(Schmitt, 1997, p.125) Broadly, Schmitt (1997) divides vocabulary learning strategies into two groups: discovery strategies used by learners to find out the meaning of a new word they face for the first time, and consolidation strategies applied by learners to internalize the meaning of a new word over time. Discovery strategies consist of determination and social strategies, while consolidation strategies include memory, cognitive, metacognitive and social strategies (Kashani & Shafiee, 2016).Social strategies, which are based on interactions with other people, can be employed to both discover and consolidate the meanings of new words (Oxford, 1990).…”