Development of Academic English Vocabulary Achievement and Retention of Chinese Students Employing the Exercises on Using Context Clues Strategies
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of teaching English vocabulary that emphasized Academic Words by employing the exercises on using context clues strategies to improve the students’ English vocabulary achievement and retention. The current research explored the students’ opinions toward the materials. The sample consisted of 26 Chinese students of Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University who registered in Academic English Course, semester 2, the academic year 2020. The instruments used were the materials constructed using context clues strategies, an achievement test on retention, and questionnaires on students’ opinions. The data were analyzed through mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The research results revealed that the students’ English vocabulary learning achievement materials differed significantly at the 0.05 level. However, the students’ vocabulary retention immediately after using the materials and 14 days after completing them did not show a difference. In addition, the students’ opinions toward the materials were at a high level. The current study shows that creating exercises to enhance learning in specific areas, such as using strategies to learn vocabulary, can be examined. It is an opportunity for students to practice using the language and become more proficient.
Article Details
References
Anukakul, K., & Pipatsrisawat, S. (2021). Principles of determining the meaning of unfamiliar words from context. Panyapiwat Journal, 13(1), 318-335.
Atkinson, R. C. & Shiffrin, R. M. (1968). Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes. In K. W. Spence & J. T. Spence (Eds.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory (volume 2, pp. 89-195). New York, NY: Academic Press.
Best, J. W. (1977). Research in Education. (3rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Coxhead, A. (2000). A new academic word list. TESOL Quarterly, 34(2), 213-238.
Coxhead, A. (2021). Vocabulary in English in tertiary contexts: Connecting research and learning. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 14(1), 1-14.
Cronbach, L. J. (1974). The dependability of behavioral measurement theory of generalizability for scores and profile. New York, NY: Wiley Press.
Ebrahimian, S. & Nabifar, N. (2015). The effect of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) on reading comprehension in Iranian EFL context. Journal of Academic and Applied Studies, 1(4), 1-8.
Innaci, D. L. & Sam, D. P. (2017). Using context clues as a vocabulary learning strategy: An experimental study. Veda’s Journal of English Language and Literature- LOELL, 4(3), 39-43.
Kupthanarot, N., Wichulata, B., & Chomaithong, K. (2016). Contextual guessing strategies for teaching English vocabulary. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rangsit University, 12(special), 25-42.
Kuder, G. F., & Richardson, M. W. (1937). The Theory of Estimation of Test Reliability. Psychometrika, 2, 151-160. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02288391
Malik, L. R. (2016). The implementation of contextual clues to increase students’ vocabulary mastery of second year students at Mts Negeri 1 Tulang Bawang (A Script). (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Lampung University, Bandar Lumpung.
Mart, C. T. (2012). Guessing the meanings of words from context: Why and how. International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, 1(6),177-181.
Marzano, R. J. (2004). Building background knowledge for academic achievement: Research on what works in schools. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Nation, I. S. P. (2003). Learning vocabulary in another language (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Nation, I. S. P. & Coady, J. (1988). Vocabulary and reading. In R. Carter & M. McCarthy (Eds.), Vocabulary and language teaching. (pp. 97-110). London: Longman.
Platapianthong, T. (2019). The development of vocabulary learning achievement and retention using mnemonics and vocabulary picture books for grade 6 students of Anuban Nakhon Pathom School (An independent study in Master of Education Program in English language teaching). Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom.
Promwong, C., Netbprasert S., & Linsagun S. (1977). Teaching system. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Press.
Schmitt, N. (2008). Instructed Second Language Vocabulary Learning. Language Teaching Research, 12(3), 329-363.
Stahl, S. A., & Nagy, W. (2006). Teaching word meanings. London: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Thawai, P. (2017). A study of English vocabulary achievement and retention of students in Faculty of Education Dhonburi Rajabhat University by using English vocabulary game. Samut Prakarn: Dhonburi Rajabhat University.
Wilkins, D. A. (1972). Linguistics and language teaching. London: Edward Arnold.
Wilson, A. (2013). The impact of inferring word meaning: Context clues. Retrieved from https://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/29
Zhou, Y. (2010). English language learning strategy use by Chinese senior high school students. English Language Teaching, 3(4), 152-158.