An Investigation of Vocabulary Learning Strategies of ESP Students

Abstract

English is an indispensable language, especially in the digital age. For students who are not specialized in English vocabulary, understanding effective vocabulary learning strategies becomes crucial, helps increase their chances of being hired, and improves coherence in written and spoken communication. This study investigates the vocabulary learning strategies most and least commonly employed by ESP students. The research involved 59 participants from three majors: business administration, accounting, and tourism. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires and interviews. The findings highlight students' preference for metacognitive strategies and their positive attitude toward technology as a supportive tool for vocabulary acquisition. Additionally, cognitive and memory strategies linked to learned vocabulary were occasionally utilized. The implications of this research extend to teachers, students, and curriculum designers, providing insights for developing appropriate methods to enhance ESP vocabulary learning.