Online Independent Vocabulary Learning Experience of Hong Kong University Students

Abstract

In response to the limited vocabulary size of its undergraduates, an independent vocabulary learning platform, VLearn was designed and launched in a university in Hong Kong. As an elearning environment that supports self-directed vocabulary learning of Chinese learners, the primary aim of VLearn is to equip users with appropriate knowledge and skills for vocabulary expansion. This paper introduces the contents of VLearn, and the theoretical underpinnings of its design. It also reports on the vocabulary learning experience of its users during an eight week evaluation study. Suggestions are made on how independent vocabulary building at higher education, as well as comprehensive vocabulary instruction at early years could be supported by means of technology.

Revisiting Second Language Vocabulary Teaching: Insights from Hong Kong In-Service Teachers

“…More importantly, they highlight the need to address Brown's (2010) concern that language teachers often equate vocabulary learning with the mastery of certain aspects of lexical knowledge such as meaning and pronunciation, resulting in scant or even no attention being devoted to other aspects. Whilst establishing a form-meaning connection for unknown words can be perceived as an initial step in vocabulary learning, Tang et al (2016) advise ESL teachers to develop a rounded view of word knowledge to ensure adequate coverage of the various aspects of lexical knowledge.…”

“…The teachers in the current study reported having few opportunities to participate in professional development activities with an explicit focus on vocabulary teaching and learning, and they considered the theoretical literature to have exerted a limited impact on the development of their beliefs. Given the significant impact of teaching on learning and growing concerns over students' lexical deficiencies in second and foreign language contexts (Choi and Ma 2015;Tang 2007;Tang et al 2016), it is crucial to ask whether language teachers are being equipped with the professional knowledge required to construct appropriate beliefs about effective vocabulary teaching and make informed pedagogical decisions that maximise student learning.…”

“…The case study reported herein thus sought to identify the beliefs about vocabulary teaching, and the factors shaping those beliefs, held by four in-service secondary ESL teachers in Hong Kong, where the need to enhance students' vocabulary development is frequently highlighted (see, e.g. Choi and Ma 2015;Tang 2007;Tang et al 2016). Through analysis of data gathered from interviews with these teachers, the paper identifies several issues relating to vocabulary teaching that warrant attention and discusses their implications for L2 education and teacher development.…”

Scaffoldingand Reinforcement: Using Digital Logbooks in Learning Vocabulary

“…To enhance teaching of vocabulary, logbooks can be used to gather authentic data on learners' preferred activities and the process of learning new words, thus, to find a pattern and build further strategies on this pattern. Research studies on the use of logbooks to build vocabulary and enhance autonomy in vocabulary learning show good results (Papadopoulou, 2007;Pemberton, et al, 2009;Tang, et al, 2016). Tang et al (2016) report that in a programme in which at "stage 2 was an eight week self-report study in which participants were provided with vocabulary learning logbooks to record their vocabulary learning experiences….…”

“…Research studies on the use of logbooks to build vocabulary and enhance autonomy in vocabulary learning show good results (Papadopoulou, 2007;Pemberton, et al, 2009;Tang, et al, 2016). Tang et al (2016) report that in a programme in which at "stage 2 was an eight week self-report study in which participants were provided with vocabulary learning logbooks to record their vocabulary learning experiences…. The data collected helps understand the usefulness of vocabulary learning, and how university students tackle new words in an independent vocabulary learning environment."…”