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This study explores the impact of mobile learning applications on the vocabulary acquisition, motivation, and engagement of Iraqi ESP medical students. This study was conducted with 60 students from Meisan University, who were randomly divided into an experimental group using the Quizlet mobile application and a control group following traditional vocabulary learning methods. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, pretest and posttest assessments, including a vocabulary test, motivation questionnaire, and engagement questionnaire, were administered to both groups. The results demonstrate that the experimental group showed significant improvements in vocabulary acquisition, motivation, and engagement compared to the control group. These findings highlight the potential of integrating mobile learning applications in ESP contexts to enhance learning outcomes. The results of this study suggest that educators, syllabus designers, and policymakers should consider incorporating mobile technology into language learning strategies to foster more engaging and effective educational experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this exploratory mixed‐methods study, we introduce and test our AI‐powered vocabulary learning system—ARCHe, which embeds four AI functions: (1) automatic feedback towards for pronunciation, (2) automatic feedback for towards handwriting, (3) automatic scoring for student‐generated sentences and (4) automatic recommendations. Specifically, our study of 140 students taught by six teachers in three primary schools in Singapore explores the links between these AI functions and students' learning engagement and outcomes via the analysis of their pre‐ and post‐tests, post‐surveys, focus group discussions and artefacts created via ARCHe. Results show improved Chinese character and vocabulary test scores after using ARCHe. Students' perceptions of ARCHe automatic recommendations and feedback towards pronunciation positively influence their emotional engagement. Also, students who perceived ARCHe automatic recommendations and feedback on handwriting more favourably than others reported greater cognitive engagement. Meanwhile, students whose groups created more sentences in classroom‐based collaborative learning than others were more likely to show learning gains. This study provides insights for learning designers and educators on AI's potential in language learning, with recommendations for future research directions. Practitioner notes What is already known about this topic AI‐enabled automatic feedback or recommendations might improve students' learning engagement, scaffold their learning processes and enhance their learning outcomes. Students' perceived usefulness of a mobile learning system positively influences their learning engagement. Leveraging AI technology and adopting innovative feedback approaches can improve mobile language learning experiences for students of varying needs and preferences. What this paper adds This study introduced and tested a self‐designed AI‐powered vocabulary learning system for young students—ARCHe, which embeds four AI functions (feedback for both pronunciation and handwriting, scoring of sentences and recommendations). Students who perceived ARCHe feedback towards pronunciation or recommendations as more useful than others showed greater emotional engagement. Students who viewed ARCHe feedback towards handwriting as more useful than others wrote sentences with greater complexity during group activities in class. By contrast, those viewing ARCHe recommendations as more useful than others did wrote shorter sentences. Students in groups that wrote more sentences during their class activities were more likely to show learning gains (unlike the non‐significant effects of home‐based individual activities). Implications for practice and/or policy This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in AI‐enhanced language learning by showcasing how AI can empower mobile‐based vocabulary learning for young students. The study sheds light on specific AI functions that affect language learning engagement. The findings offer specific recommendations for classroom instruction and AI system upgrades and provide insights into the development of online language learning with AI. What is already known about this topic AI‐enabled automatic feedback or recommendations might improve students' learning engagement, scaffold their learning processes and enhance their learning outcomes. Students' perceived usefulness of a mobile learning system positively influences their learning engagement. Leveraging AI technology and adopting innovative feedback approaches can improve mobile language learning experiences for students of varying needs and preferences. What this paper adds This study introduced and tested a self‐designed AI‐powered vocabulary learning system for young students—ARCHe, which embeds four AI functions (feedback for both pronunciation and handwriting, scoring of sentences and recommendations). Students who perceived ARCHe feedback towards pronunciation or recommendations as more useful than others showed greater emotional engagement. Students who viewed ARCHe feedback towards handwriting as more useful than others wrote sentences with greater complexity during group activities in class. By contrast, those viewing ARCHe recommendations as more useful than others did wrote shorter sentences. Students in groups that wrote more sentences during their class activities were more likely to show learning gains (unlike the non‐significant effects of home‐based individual activities). Implications for practice and/or policy This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in AI‐enhanced language learning by showcasing how AI can empower mobile‐based vocabulary learning for young students. The study sheds light on specific AI functions that affect language learning engagement. The findings offer specific recommendations for classroom instruction and AI system upgrades and provide insights into the development of online language learning with AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two experiments (N = 179), we studied the effects of contextual similarity and training mode on the comprehension of new vocabulary. Participants were trained on new vocabulary in blocks of semantically similar, phonologically similar, or unrelated items. Each participant was trained through passive exposure, active comprehension, or active production. Same number of items were trained in clusters of 9 in Experiment 1 and clusters of 3 in Experiment 2, manipulating difficulty during training. Results showed a detrimental and persistent effect of semantic similarity, and a less robust effect of phonological similarity, both of which grew larger over time. We also found a negative and largely independent influence of production mode on learning, which, contrary to the similarity effect, shrank with time. Neither effect was modulated by difficulty at training time. These findings shed further light on the factors influencing new vocabulary learning and open new avenues for larger-scale and classroom-level studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the well acknowledged importance of motivation in second language (L2) learning, longitudinal research regarding the effects of motivation on growth in L2 proficiency remains limited. Furthermore, limited investigation has been done on how motivation and L2 proficiency interactively develop and affect each other. Thus, this study examined the impact of motivation on growth in kanji proficiency and the dual developmental trajectories of motivation and kanji proficiency using the self-determination theory. Learners of Japanese with Chinese as their First language (L1) responded to a questionnaire and took kanji tests three times in one academic semester (n = 192). The results of the univariate latent growth curve (LGC) modeling identified intrinsic motivation and introjected regulation as positive and negative predictors, respectively, of kanji proficiency growth, suggesting the importance of enjoyment and the detrimental nature of introjected regulation in kanji learning by L1 Chinese learners. The results of multivariate LGC modeling demonstrated a lack of reciprocal developmental association between kanji proficiency and intrinsic motivation. Moreover, perceived competence rather than actual growth in kanji proficiency influenced the enhancement of intrinsic motivation, indicating the importance of subjective interpretations of L2 development in promoting motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores whether middle-school students can exploit explicitly addressed crosslinguistic lexical similarities between German and English to learn vocabulary more efficiently. Across six weeks, 260 Swiss German learners of English as a foreign language (17 classes) completed three vocabulary learning tests (T1, T2 and T3). Additionally, 7 of these 17 classes attended a 90-minute intervention between the first and second test: During a 45-minute introductory lesson students discovered four systematic orthographic correspondence rules (e.g. to as in ship and Schiff), followed by three 15-minute sessions to consolidate their knowledge. The intervention group's improvement in cognate learning was significantly larger in comparison to the control group. The difference was observed across both test modes and all rules introduced. While learners' initial English vocabulary size correlated with their overall performance, it did not affect intervention uptake. This suggests that these younger learners benefitted from form-focused instruction, independent of proficiency and type of correspondence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The learning of academic vocabulary, which consists of words commonly found in academic discourse across disciplines, is crucial for success in higher education. However, studies have shown that English as a second language (ESL) students face significant challenges acquiring this vocabulary, particularly during their first year of university. Given the pivotal role that learners' beliefs play in language learning, understanding their beliefs regarding their academic vocabulary learning (AVL) can provide educators with insights into the teaching strategies that effectively address the difficulties learners encounter. Accordingly, this mixed‐methods study examined the beliefs of 172 first‐year ESL undergraduates in Hong Kong regarding their AVL. Quantitative findings indicated that although students generally recognised the importance of developing academic vocabulary, their beliefs about their competence and effective learning methods varied. The students' English proficiency level was also found to be associated with their beliefs. An analysis of open‐ended responses further revealed that the students faced challenges related to the infrequent occurrence of academic vocabulary in non‐academic contexts, its complex nature, as well as the difficulty of retaining newly learned words. The paper concludes by discussing pedagogical implications and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise of computer-assisted online learning tools such as the Language Reactor, advanced captioning options such as dual subtitles (i.e. simultaneous display of on-screen texts in the first language and the second/foreign language) have gained much attention. However, little is known about how dual-subtitled viewing may be optimised to foster second/foreign language learning in multimedia learning environments. In this study, I extended Laufer and Hulstijn (Applied Linguistics, 22(1), 1–26, 2001) Involvement Load Hypothesis (ILH) to the context of audiovisual input and examined the effects of dual-subtitled viewing under multiple ILH-based interventions on vocabulary learning. University Chinese-speaking low-intermediate EFL learners (n = 72) were divided into four groups and exposed to dual-subtitled videos with varying ILH-based interventions. Using a counterbalanced 4 × 4 experimental design, I compared learners' immediate vocabulary gains and retention of target words under four different treatments across four experimental sessions, including interventions featuring an involvement load of 4 (moderate need + search + strong evaluation), an involvement load of 3 (moderate need + search + moderate evaluation), an involvement load of 2 (moderate need + search), and an involvement load of 0 (absence of need, search or evaluation). The approach to data analysis was twofold: between-groups and within-groups. ANOVA results revealed that vocabulary gains were the highest when learners viewed dual-subtitled videos under treatments with higher involvement loads. The article ends with a consideration of practical and theoretical implications for language learning through this form of audiovisual multimedia learning condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted assessment on young L2 learners' vocabulary knowledge, immunity, and resilience, considering parental and teacher support roles. Sixty junior high school students in Afghanistan, aged 13 to 14, participated in the study. They were divided into an experimental group receiving AI-assisted assessment and a control group with traditional instruction. The research employed a pretest–posttest control group design, using teacher-made vocabulary tests validated for reliability and instruments measuring immunity and resilience. The findings revealed that AI-assisted assessment significantly improved vocabulary knowledge and emotional resilience compared to the control group. While parental support showed a positive trend toward vocabulary enhancement, teacher support did not significantly impact the outcomes. The study highlights the potential of AI in language education, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among educators, parents, materials developers, syllabus designers, and policymakers to maximize the benefits of AI tools. These findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced technologies into educational frameworks to support cognitive and emotional development in learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study on intentional retrieval practice compared the benefits of presenting words in either informative or uninformative sentence contexts. Participants first studied a list of English words with their translations. Then, they were all exposed to half of the words with informative sentences containing meaning clues in the Context Inference (CI) condition and half with uninformative sentences devoid of such clues in the Memory Retrieval (MR) condition as part of retrieval-based practising. Participants were required to type the L1 translation for each word presented using a mobile application. Data were collected by both form-recall and meaning-recall tests immediately afterwards and then a week later. In addition, this study focused on the relationship between working memory capacity (WMC) and word retention in these two conditions to explore the suggestion that individuals may benefit differently from retrieval practices. Although the results showed that both conditions contributed to word retention, the MR condition was significantly more effective than the CI condition for the participants’ long-term retention. Further, the results revealed an overall positive effect of WMC on word retention in both conditions, with high-WMC individuals achieving higher retention scores than low-WMC individuals. However, this effect was not modulated by the type of context condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inconsistent findings about learning outcomes in VR (virtual reality) learning necessitate further robustness of empirical data. This article addressed this gap by comparing the learning outcomes across VR, phone, and mobile learning on two dimensions: recall accuracy and recall speed, as well as learners' attitudes. Additionally, this paper attempted to investigate the differences between 5 and 10 min time duration. By inviting a total of 28 participants to the lab experiments on English vocabulary acquisition, this study yielded no statistically significant difference in vocabulary recall accuracy between VR, computer, and mobile learning. Nonetheless, the significant difference in vocabulary recall speed was generated. Besides, the time spent on vocabulary acquisition was significantly shorter in VR than in computer and mobile learning. Additionally, pairwise comparisons revealed that learners' perceptions and attitudes toward SUS resulted in significantly lower scores in VR than in computer- and mobile-based learning. Further, merely two of the nine items on the VR sickness scale demonstrated a significant raise in visual fatigue as well as significant decline in headache between 5 and 10 min learning duration. Future research should anticipate a larger sample size to ensure the validity of research findings and further construct a 3D modeling for the same language learning settings for non-college, primary, as well as secondary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While existing research into L2 classroom discourse has highlighted how knowledge and knowledge positions are negotiated, no attention seems to have been paid to what might be called conceptual epistemic domains. Drawing on 22 hours of video-recorded data from Iranian EFL classrooms, our conversation analytic study illustrates how invoking conceptually accessible epistemic domains creates interactional space for teachers to introduce conditionally relevant vocabulary. We define conceptual epistemic domains as areas of world knowledge to which learners have ostensible access. The bottom-up analysis of our data showcases that such practices serve two pivotal pedagogical functions: (1) providing contingent assistance; (2) initiating and maintaining warm-up activities. In the former, the teachers invoke the conceptually accessible epistemic domain facing learners' claims of insufficient knowledge to elicit relevant further talk. In the latter, the teachers sequentially build up a shared conceptual access to conduct a warm-up activity. Both cases unfold interactional space where relevant vocabulary items emerge as learnables. We argue that by bringing to the fore what is conceptually accessible to the learners, teachers orient to relevant vocabulary items as teachable objects. Our findings thus shine light on an interactional resource through which the need for vocabulary teaching is talked into being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study sought to investigate the role of assistive technology (AT) in English vocabulary learning by students with visual impairment (VI) in an English as a foreign language (EFL) context. It also endeavored to elicit their attitudes towards AT through a semi-structured interview. To this end, 22 students with VI were divided into an experimental and a control group. Before the experiment, their initial vocabulary knowledge was measured through a pretest. Over five sessions, the experimental group was assigned to learn the target vocabulary items via a screen reader, i.e., non-visual desktop access (NVDA). In the absence of NVDA, the control group was exposed to the same vocabulary items by implicit instruction. Then, both groups received a posttest. The results of an independent samples t-test run on the data obtained from the post-test demonstrated that the experimental group built significantly larger vocabulary items than the control group. Responses given to a semi-structured interview revealed that learners prompted by AT acknowledged that the assistance afforded by NVDA, as a supplementary tool, facilitated learning the target vocabulary items. Based on the findings of the present study the incorporation of AT into the instructional materials of students with VI is recommended.

Abstract This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted assessment on young L2 learners’ vocabulary knowledge, immunity, and resilience, considering parental and teacher support roles. Sixty junior high school students in Afghanistan, aged 13 to 14, participated in the study. They were divided into an experimental group receiving AI-assisted assessment and a control group with traditional instruction. The research employed a pretest–posttest control group design, using teacher-made vocabulary tests validated for reliability and instruments measuring immunity and resilience. The findings revealed that AI-assisted assessment significantly improved vocabulary knowledge and emotional resilience compared to the control group. While parental support showed a positive trend toward vocabulary enhancement, teacher support did not significantly impact the outcomes. The study highlights the potential of AI in language education, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among educators, parents, materials developers, syllabus designers, and policymakers to maximize the benefits of AI tools. These findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced technologies into educational frameworks to support cognitive and emotional development in learners.

This paper aims to guide the training of all Latin instructors and learners who want to optimise the process of acquiring the language by applying the results of research carried out in the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), specifically here those related to the acquisition of vocabulary. Consequently, some theoretical considerations on the psycholinguistic operations that govern vocabulary learning are first offered, in order to build a better understanding of language acquisition and to make instructors and learners more knowledgeable about the vocabulary learning process, from the noticing of an unknown word and its integration into the subject's competence to the expansion and development of knowledge about the acquired words. The theoretical aspects of vocabulary learning will be illustrated at all times with practical examples taken from methods and books for learning Latin, as well as, in the fourth section, with a wide catalogue of practical advice – must-do items for the class – that can be easily implemented by Latin instructors.

Existing studies have evidenced that mobile-assisted vocabulary learning, which allows students to create artefacts and engage in productive skills, can help them in vocabulary learning. However, there remains little research and validated approaches for designing seamless vocabulary learning experiences for young learners. In this paper, a seamless vocabulary learning system was specifically designed for young learners. The study involved three classes of primary 2 students to investigate the learning effectiveness of seamless vocabulary learning, with a focus on analyzing student-generated artefacts. The results validated the effectiveness of seamless vocabulary learning for young learners, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the connection between home-based learning and classroom-based learning. The study also indicated the pivotal role of providing students with opportunities to improve their artefacts constantly across different learning contexts.

Although many studies addressing gamified approaches have documented the performance and perceptions of adult EFL learners, little research has been conducted with younger students and with a focus on specific linguistic components. Therefore, the present study assessed the impact of a gamified approach involving the use of Kahoot! on the vocabulary learning and vocabulary self-efficacy of 122 primary EFL school learners. A quasi-experimental design was applied where participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 57) that was exposed to vocabulary learning through Kahoot! and a control group (n = 65) that received traditional coursebook instruction. Ten target words were assessed through a vocabulary learning post-test, while vocabulary self-efficacy was evaluated through a questionnaire. Results revealed that both groups performed equally well regarding lexical gains, and that students in the experimental group significantly increased their vocabulary self-efficacy when compared to the control group. Pedagogical implications are discussed.

Introduction: Vocabulary knowledge achievement is crucial for effective language learning. However, there is a gap in vocabulary knowledge achievement, particularly at the Seto High School in Ethiopia. This study addresses this gap by focusing on Grade 11 students and investigating the effect of vocabulary learning strategies on students' vocabulary knowledge achievement and motivation. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving two natural classes of Grade 11 students, with 30 students in the experimental group and 30 in the control group, selected through convenience sampling. A mixedmethod research design was also used to gather comprehensive data. The data collected included pretest and posttest assessments of vocabulary knowledge achievement, a vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) questionnaire, and semi structured interviews. The analysis of the data utilized statistical methods such as means, standard deviations, independent t - tests, and correlations to evaluate the effects of vocabulary learning strategies on students' vocabulary knowledge achievement and motivation. Results: High reliability was observed for both the VLS questionnaire and the tests. Pretest results revealed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in vocabulary knowledge achievement between the experimental and control groups. Posttest results demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement in vocabulary achievement in the experimental group compared to the control group. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant (p < 0.05) association between VLS use and vocabulary knowledge achievement. Survey results and qualitative data showed that students predominantly relied on dictionary-based and I keep vocabulary notebook vocabulary learning strategies before training, with a noticeable shift toward increased use of guessing, keyword, and semantic mapping strategies after training. These findings underscore the effectiveness of VLS training in enhancing vocabulary knowledge among Grade 11 students. Finally, some recommendations are proposed. Conclusion: The study concluded that training in vocabulary learning strategies had a significant impact on students' vocabulary knowledge achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To acquire language, learners have to map the language onto the environment, but languages vary as to how much information they include to constrain how a sentence relates to the world. We investigated the conditions under which information within the language and the environment is combined for learning. In a cross‐situational artificial language learning study, participants listened to transitive sentences and viewed two scenes, and selected which scene was described by the sentence. There were three conditions, involving different language variants. All variants had free word order but varied as to whether or not they contained morphosyntactic information that defined the subject and object roles of nouns in the sentence. We found that participants were able to learn information about word order and vocabulary from each variant, demonstrating that learners are not reliant on information within a language only, but can combine constraints from language and environment to support acquisition. Data and analyses are available at: https://osf.io/hxqzc/?view_only=ea6ba6fff6bb468e8de2e8596f029dca A one‐page Accessible Summary of this article in nontechnical language is freely available in the Supporting Information online and at https://oasis‐database.org [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of Digital-Game Based Language Learning (DGBLL) in helping students learn and retain English vocabulary items in a foreign language context. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected from 80 students enrolled in four different levels of the General Foundation Program at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ibra, Oman. The students were exposed to practice learning the meaning of ten vocabulary items per level using Kahoot and Wordwall games. Three tests were administered: a pre-test in week 1, a post-test after practicing the vocabulary items using the previously mentioned digital games in week 4, and a retention test in week 6. In addition, students’ perceptions regarding the efficacy of DGBLL in the vocabulary learning process were measured via a questionnaire following the post-test. The findings indicated the students’ positive attitudes in terms of utilizing DGBLL as a learning approach to mastering vocabulary regardless of gender or class level. Additionally, the findings demonstrated the effectiveness of DGBLL in vocabulary learning and retention. Hence, the study recommends using digital games to promote vocabulary learning and retention, resulting in a more engaging foreign language educational environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the effects of task conditions (i.e., with and without a sentence-writing task), multimedia input (definition only, definition + information, definition + information + videos), and combinations of these two variables on the learning gains of new words. This study involved a 2 × 3 research design. In total, 235 Chinese EFL learners were allocated to the six conditions. Vocabulary learning outcomes were measured by pre- and post-tests on 24 target items. The results showed that the definition + information + videos group scored significantly higher than the definition + information and the definition-only groups. Additionally, the sentence-writing task increased the effectiveness of vocabulary learning versus the condition without this task. The combination of the definition + information + videos condition and sentence-writing task was identified as the most effective technique for learning lexical items. This study highlighted the effectiveness of combining multimedia input with a sentence-writing task to learn new words. Relevant teaching and theoretical implications were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the study is to examine the impact of video games on vocabulary acquisition among Saudi university students, as well as what types of games are most effective and students' perceptions of their use. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 100 students divided into control and experimental groups. Over twelve weeks, the experimental group used video game-based learning activities, while the control group followed traditional methods. Vocabulary gains were measured using pre-tests and post-tests. Qualitative data from questionnaires and interviews with the participants have supplemented the results. The findings show that the students who used video games reported greater engagement, motivation, and reduced language anxiety, appreciating the contextual learning and immediate feedback provided by video games. These findings support the use of video games as effective tools for vocabulary acquisition, offering an interactive and immersive learning experience. Students' positive perceptions further highlight the benefits of integrating video games into language learning. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of video game-based learning and its influence on other language skills, as well as explore different game types in various educational settings. This study provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance language education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some meta-analyses have confirmed the efficacy of technology-enhanced vocabulary learning. However, they have not delved into the specific ways in which technology-based activities facilitate vocabulary acquisition, or into first-language vocabulary learning. We conducted a systematic review that retrieved 1,221 journal articles published between 2011 and 2023, of which 40 met our inclusion criteria. Most of the sampled studies focused on teaching receptive vocabulary knowledge and vocabulary breadth. All utilized cognitive strategies. Their common design features included noticing and receptive or productive retrieval, and most implicitly drew upon dual-coding theory. Our findings highlight the need for a balanced approach to vocabulary learning, encompassing both vocabulary breadth and depth, as well as receptive and productive knowledge. They also suggest that affective and social learning strategies should be promoted alongside the cognitive ones that are currently dominant. Additionally, our identification of commonly and rarely used design features can guide curriculum designers to develop more effective tools. Lastly, we argue that the design of technology-enhanced learning should be theory-driven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The output hypothesis, proposed by Swain, plays a crucial role in language learning. It emphasizes the importance of learners' production (output) alongside comprehensible input. Pushed output, which reflects the accurate and concise language use of learners, has gained popularity in classrooms. Simultaneously, integrating technology into teaching has become important. However, research on how technology and pushed output impact vocabulary learning remains limited. This study examines the effects of three scenarios--pushed email, a pushed class, and a non-pushed class--on vocabulary development. 'Within-subject design' means each participant in the study experienced these three scenarios in a different order. Data was collected using diverse approaches. Productivity and vocabulary knowledge ratings were used to answer the set research questions. A total of 54 third-year adult Saudi EFL students at Albaha University participated. The participants were taught with no pushed output, with pushed output, and with email-pushed output in three groups, in three contexts, and using three target lexical item sets. In the productive and Vocabulary Knowledge Scales (VKS) tests, learners who completed vocabulary learning with pushed output performed better in the short and long terms. The email and pushed output outside class scenarios had a greater effect than in class. The findings urge further research into long-term technology-enhanced vocabulary learning exercises for speaking skills utilising the pushed output technique. Such studies could expand the sample and compare findings across Middle Eastern nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a self-regulated vocabulary learning mobile application (SRVL-MAPP) to improve English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ English vocabulary learning achievement and motivation. To evaluate the effectiveness of SRVL-MAPP, an experiment was conducted with 60 fourth-grade students from a primary school in Henan Province, China. These students were divided into two classes and randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which used SRVL-MAPP, or the control group, which used a mobile vocabulary learning application (NSRVL-MAPP) without the SRL mechanism, with 30 students in each group. The experiment lasted for three weeks. The results revealed that students in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group in both vocabularies learning achievement and motivation. In addition, the results also indicated that SRVL-MAPP significantly improved the English vocabulary learning achievement and motivation of field-dependent learners, while no such effect was observed for field-independent learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of three word-focused exercise conditions on vocabulary learning. The exercises were developed based on the involvement load hypothesis. This study also explores how individual differences (e.g. second-language English proficiency level and working memory) affect vocabulary learning outcomes. A total of 180 Chinese students were equally and randomly assigned to 3 exercise conditions (reading comprehension plus marginal glosses, reading plus gap-fill and reading plus sentence writing). The Vocabulary Knowledge Scale was adapted to measure pre- and post-test vocabulary gains. An n -back task was developed to assess learners' working memory capacity. Results showed that the sentence-writing group yielded the best performance in vocabulary learning, followed by the gap-fill group and finally the reading-comprehension group. General linear model results revealed that learners' English proficiency level and working memory significantly predicted their vocabulary gains. This study expands on prior research by exploring learner-related factors in vocabulary learning. Relevant implications are discussed based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second language (L2) learning research suggests that virtual reality (VR) has the potential to enhance the development of language skills due to its immersive nature and its situated learning opportunities. This quantitative, between-subjects study compared the effectiveness of three learning conditions. University students (N = 63) studied vocabulary annotated on: (1) 360° pictures viewed using a VR headset, (2) 360° pictures viewed on a desktop monitor, and (3) standard two-dimensional (2D) pictures viewed on a desktop monitor (control condition). After the experiment, the students completed productive and receptive posttests measuring vocabulary recall. Through multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA), the study revealed that learning new vocabulary with annotated 360° pictures viewed on a desktop monitor is associated with significantly higher posttests scores, compared with learning using a VR headset or standard 2D pictures. Kruskal-Wallis H tests showed vocabulary learning with 360° to be engaging, but effective only when studied on the 2D monitor. This study has practical implications for VR-assisted language learning and for the design of teaching materials to enhance L2 vocabulary learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behavioural intention (BI) has been predicted using other variables by adopting the technology acceptance model (TAM). However, few studies have examined whether BI can predict learning performance. Objectives: The present study used an extended TAM to investigate whether students' BI is a predictor of their listening learning performance (LLP) through vocabulary learning performance (VLP) in the context of mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening learning by using two mobile learning tools. Methods: A total of 129 college students with a pre‐intermediate level of English were recruited as participants, and a 10‐week mobile vocabulary‐assisted, listening‐learning course was conducted in 2022. In each task of this course, the students had to learn target words from a listening passage on Quizlet and then engage in listening activities on Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab. Quantitative responses obtained through an online questionnaire were analysed through partial‐least‐squares structural equation modelling. Results: The analysis results indicated that BI significantly predicted LLP through VLP. Perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) were significant antecedents of BI. However, PEU did not significantly predict PU because of the difficulty of navigating between the two technological tools used in this study. The extended model demonstrated its effectiveness in explaining listening learning performance, as evidenced by an explained variance (R2) of 69%. Conclusion: The extended model validates the influence of BI on learning performance and it can also draw teachers' focus toward the significance of enhancing students' BI to improve their listening learning performance. Pedagogical implications based on the results are provided in this paper. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: TAM was used to study learners' acceptance of mobile‐assisted language learning.TAM incorporates latent variables to explore mobile‐assisted language learning.Investigating factors influencing BI is a primary research focus in extended TAM literature.Mobile tools could improve listening learning and vocabulary retention. What this paper adds to that: Learning performance was considered as a dependent variable in an extended TAM.BI might predict students' learning performance in vocabulary and listening in an extended TAM.Teachers used two mobile tools to design mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening tasks.Pre‐learning the target words facilitate students' listening learning performance. Implications for practice and/or policy: We show the importance of BI on predicting listening learning performance.The impact of BI on other factors became another focus of TAM research.Results highlight pre‐learning target words' importance for better listening performance.Existing mobile tools improve listening performance, avoiding new system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seamless learning refers to a learning model in which students can accomplish their learning tasks with the help of technology whenever they are curious in different real-life learning contexts. In the era of artificial intelligence, seamless learning technologies are expected to collect big data from mobile and computer devices, enable analytics to have an in-depth understanding of learning behaviors and patterns, and be flexible in employing suitable educational models to facilitate learning and teaching. This paper aims to build a seamless learning platform for language learners and language instructors by coining the extension of seamless learning based on the theories of mobile learning, ubiquitous learning, and task-based language learning. In order to facilitate formal and informal learning for foreign language learners across individual and social learning spaces, we present Taskcave- a seamless learning platform. Taskcave assists language instructors in assigning vocabulary learning tasks to the students and monitoring their learning activities using an analytic dashboard. Taskcave allows the students to log their learning activities digitally, interact with their classmates, engage in collaborative learning, and receive feedbacks from the teacher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Higher Education & Science / Yüksekögretim ve Bilim Dergisi is the property of Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this research was to investigate how the use of green screen technology affects vocabulary acquisition in LOTE (languages other than English) learners, particularly Chinese students learning French as a second foreign language. Two groups (a control group and an experimental group) with a total of 58 students participated in the study. Data were collected through in-class and delayed vocabulary tests, learning questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. The study results demonstrate significant benefits in terms of providing an authentic learning experience, improving understanding, increasing motivation, and facilitating interaction. The results also confirm the technology's effectiveness in enhancing both immediate and long-term vocabulary retention. The effectiveness is particularly evident for location-related words, as the technology provides visual context that facilitates recall of these words, which may not have easily retrievable mental images compared to more concrete words with tangible references. Further research can also be undertaken to compare the impact of virtual background on vocabulary retention with other immersive technologies. Nevertheless, virtual backgrounds are likely to be a cost-effective and accessible tool that can already offer promising improvements in learning outcomes and can be easily implemented with existing software like Zoom (5.2.0 or higher) and Tencent Meeting (1.3.0 or higher). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the perspectives and experiences of Saudi EFL students as a Foreign Language students between the ages of 20 and 24 regarding using email as a technologically enhanced approach to studying vocabulary. The research's aim is to investigate the opinions of students regarding using email as a technology-based method of instruction to study vocabulary. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform curriculum development and instructional strategies in English programs, especially increasing digital integration in education. The research question guiding this research is: What are the experiences and attitudes of Saudi adult EFL students regarding using email as a technology-enhanced method of instruction to study vocabulary? During five weeks, three groups of students from Albaha University, were divided into three groups and taught using three instructional approaches. Likert scales and closed-ended and open-ended questions, the survey gauged students' perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of the teaching methods. The findings revealed that the participants held favorable views regarding using email to learn vocabulary. They recognized advantages which included increased motivation, the ability to learn independently, and the ease of storing and accessing materials. Conversely, some students experienced technical obstacles and reported a possible adverse effect on their handwriting ability. This study reveals the impact of the digital divide, which has been further exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on learning. The study's discoveries will aid in developing curricula and instructional English major programs, improving the overall quality of language learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamification in second language acquisition research is a popular topic, but there are few empirical comparative studies in the literature. This quasi-experimental mixed-approach study enrolled 77 Japanese university EFL learners to enable a comparison between two digital vocabulary flashcard learning software conditions carefully designed by the author; the gamified group's software (group 1; n = 26) had daily awards (i.e., consecutive day awards, medals related to daily participation, and a bonus point counter in an effort to encourage spaced learning principles and discourage cramming) and the non-gamified group's (group 0; n = 51) did not. The daily awards had a significant effect in encouraging the gamified group to spread out their study efforts throughout the 12-week study period more effectively than the control group as they completed a lower median number of tasks per active study day (non-gamified: 104.76, gamified: 82.11; p = .021, r(75) = -.264) but studied on more days to complete a similar total number of vocabulary tasks (non-gamified: 2313.00, gamified: 2228.50; p = .601). Moreover, the gamified group significantly outperformed the non-gamified group in terms of vocabulary knowledge score gains between the pretest and posttest; p = .03, r(50) = .300. These results show the numerous and significant positive pedagogical impacts of gamified daily awards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Primary Education Research Journal is the property of International Primary Education Research Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article explores the challenges faced by classroom teachers in vocabulary instruction and the methods and techniques they use. The research aims to help teachers understand the difficulties in vocabulary instruction and use different strategies to overcome them. The article is based on teachers' experiences to evaluate the effectiveness of various teaching methods. This study can be a useful resource for library users conducting research on vocabulary instruction. [Extracted from the article]

This study addresses a gap in research by aiming to investigate the efficacy of augmented reality technology on vocabulary development for early EFL childhood pupils diagnosed with learning disabilities—a demographic known for significant learning challenges. A quasi-experimental design involving 30 pupils split into experimental and control groups was employed. The experimental group was taught using AR technology, while the control group received conventional instruction. Over a three-month period, both groups were assessed using a pre and post-test designed to measure vocabulary skills: recognition, recall, guessing, and production. Results revealed that the experimental group, exposed to augmented reality, outperformed the control group in all four vocabulary learning skills. This enhancement can be attributed to augmented reality's ability to engage the pupils' visual, aural, and kinesthetic senses, making learning more immersive and interactive.

The implementation of effective strategies in the teaching and learning of language skills is highly recommended at the tertiary level. In this respect, the teaching of vocabulary requires the use of pertinent strategies to facilitate and boost students’ learning process. This goes hand in hand with the theme of this research paper which addresses the approaches, methods, and practices of teaching. Accordingly, the present study explores the most frequent strategies employed by teachers of English when teaching technical vocabulary to computer engineering students at the national school of applied sciences. Previous studies revealed that morphological incompetence hinders understanding of complex words, and thus impedes the acquisition of vocabulary. This study aims to examine the role of effective teaching strategies in acquiring English technical vocabulary. A semi-structured observation protocol was designed to collect data necessary to answer the research questions. Major findings revealed that English teachers frequently employ verbal strategies related to word definition, word synonyms and word translation to teach vocabulary to their computer engineering students. Nonverbal strategies were less frequently used. It is hoped that the findings of this research will be beneficial for ESP practitioners in implementing effective teaching strategies to teach specific vocabulary.

Besides explicit inference of word meanings, associating words with diverse contexts may be a key mechanism underlying vocabulary learning through reading. Drawing from distributional semantic theory, we developed a text modification method called reflash to facilitate both word-context association and explicit inference. Using a set of left and right arrows, learners can jump to a target word’s previous or subsequent occurrences in digital books to synthesize clues across contexts. Participants read stories with target words modified by reflash-only, gloss-only, gloss + reflash, or unmodified. Learning outcomes were measured via Vocabulary Knowledge Scale and a researcher-developed interview to probe word-context association. We modeled the learning trajectories of words across five weeks among three adolescent L2 English learners (113 word-learner pairings) using Bayesian multilevel models. We found that reflash-only words made more gains than words in other conditions on both outcomes, controlling for key covariates such as types of existing knowledge. Our analysis also revealed that context synthesis may be particularly useful for learning specific types of words like homonyms, which has significant pedagogical implications.

The problems of epileptic EFL learners are more serious than those of normal learners. Mostly, in the context of language learning, they perform weakly in productive and verbal skills. This study investigated whether a social, meta-cognitive, and problem-solving skills training package affects foreign language anxiety, and vocabulary learning of epileptic EFL learners. The participants were selected through purposive sampling from among those referring to the Long Term Video EEG Monitoring Center in Kerman. To collect the data, the FL Anxiety Scale, TOEFL Vocabulary Test, Quick Placement Test, and the Social, Meta-cognitive, and Problem-solving Skills Training Package were recruited. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, and ANCOVA were run. The findings of the study showed that the effectiveness of the mentioned training package on Iranian epileptic EFL learners’ FL anxiety and vocabulary learning in online was more effective than in the traditional context. The results have implications for the epileptic EFL learners and EFL teachers.

Using instructional games in vocabulary learning is beneficial, but their effects in the Iraqi EFL context have been overlooked. This study investigated the effects of instructional games on Iraqi primary school students’ vocabulary learning and retention. To fulfill the objectives of the study, a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was adopted. The present study's participants were 40 Iraqi primary school students selected based on a convenience sampling. The participants were divided into two groups, one experimental (N= 20) and a control group (N=20). The students in the experimental group (EG) received vocabulary instruction in the form of game-based teaching. The control group (CG) was instructed using conventional teaching procedures. In this study, a textbook (Family and Friends 2) was used as the material, and two tests were utilized as the measurement instruments. It was found that the group of Iraqi primary school students who were instructed through the games considerably outperformed the group of students who received the traditional teaching in the classroom. Furthermore, the results revealed that the Iraqi primary school students who received vocabulary through instructional games had much better vocabulary retention than those who underwent the traditional teaching methods. The findings might have some implications for the material developers and EFL teachers in Iraq.

Vocabulary is often overlooked by educators, yet it is one of the most important aspects of language learning. It is essential for all four language abilities, as it is linked to writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Without comprehensive vocabulary knowledge, students may not be successful in acquiring English as a language. One potential way for English language students to improve their vocabulary is to use multimedia sources like animated movies. Animated movies can provide significant benefits to students by using visual aids that enhance comprehension and facilitate improved learning outcomes. This paper aims to understand the effectiveness of vocabulary learning and teaching through animated movies. This article investigates the efficacy and role of animated films in the acquisition of vocabulary. The articles reviewed for this paper focus on the development, analysis, and examination of animated movies for enhancing vocabulary acquisition. In addition, the paper examines the research design, method, and theory that support the use of animated films in research. The review paper implies that animation films enhance vocabulary more effectively than traditional classroom settings.

Via a 90-min classroom experiment, this study examined the effects of interactive reading on EFL students' content and vocabulary learning. Specifically, two intact Chinese college EFL classes with the same level of English proficiency participated in this study. One was taught with a "read plus intra/inter-group discussion" (Read-Discuss) approach and the other was instructed with a traditional approach involving no student-student interaction. After the experiment, the students took two immediate posttests (one on content and one on vocabulary) and, three weeks later, retook the same tests (delayed posttests). The results of statistical analyses indicate that whereas in the immediate posttests both classes attained a similar level of learning on both the content and vocabulary tests, in the delayed posttests, the Read-Discuss class significantly outperformed the traditional class, demonstrating that the Read-Discuss approach produced significantly better consolidated learning/retention in both content and vocabulary. Pedagogical/research implications of the results are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of Mobile-Assisted-Language-Learning (MALL) apps have been developed to enlarge students' vocabulary. However, few studies have discussed the potential to learn words deeply and productively. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a mind mapping MALL app as an aid to assist northern Taiwan EFL participants in learning vocabulary. The research questions aimed to examine changes in vocabulary learning outcomes, and the perspectives the participants held regarding the app. Data were collected through tests (pretest, posttest and delayed posttest), visualized vocabulary knowledge mind mappings, and surveys. The posttest results showed the use of the mind mapping MALL app enhanced EFL vocabulary learning (t = 3.68, p<.05; Cohen's d = 0.81, r = 0.38). In addition, based on the questionnaire responses, experimental participants agreed that not only did the MALL app provide them with a feasible way to move from receptive ways of learning to productive ways of learning, but it also bolstered word consciousness and word retention. Analytical ANCOVA results also verified that learners benefited more from the mind mapping app with respect to learning performance in their delayed posttest (t = 3.45, p<.05; Cohen's d = 0.77, r = 0.36). The findings may be construed as an effective method towards learning foreign words and further exploring the potential of vocabulary learning and MALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDigital game-based learning has shown usefulness in developing EFL vocabulary knowledge and encouraging learner application of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies. Previous literature revealed that applying SRL strategies might improve motivation. High motivation, in turn, may promote vocabulary knowledge development – These findings may be generalised in digital game-based learning and explain its effectiveness. However, so far, motivation and its associated interplay have barely been considered in this learning context. To address the gap, we developed a self-regulated digital game-based EFL vocabulary learning (SR-DGBVL) program and conducted mixed-method research on motivation, application of SRL strategies, vocabulary knowledge development, and their interplay therein. One-hundred-and-one Chinese university students (experimental group: 50; control group: 51) engaged in our study and were evaluated through pre-test, immediate post-test, and delayed post-test of vocabulary knowledge, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. Results revealed that the SR-DGBVL participants experienced significantly greater improvements in vocabulary knowledge and reported higher levels of motivation compared to those in the conventional vocabulary learning context. We also found motivation to be a full mediator between the use of SRL strategies and vocabulary knowledge development. Interestingly, the application of SRL strategies appeared consistent across different learning methods. From these findings, we suggest long-term SRL training, investigation of SRL strategies with consideration of motivational variables, and longitudinal qualitative studies on learners’ SRL strategy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that watching videos with dual subtitles can promote vocabulary learning. This study investigated the extent to which vocabulary learning may be enhanced through repeated viewings of dual-subtitled videos. A 3x3 counterbalanced experimental design was adopted to examine English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' immediate vocabulary gains and retention under different learning conditions across three experimental sessions, including (a) immediate repeated viewing, (b) spaced repeated viewing, and (c) no repeated viewing. Participants were 60 Chinese-speaking lower-intermediate university EFL learners. They were divided into three groups and given each of the three treatments in each experimental session. ANOVA results revealed that viewing dual-subtitled videos with repetition allowed learners to achieve greater vocabulary gains than viewing with no repetition, with evidence indicating the superiority of immediate repetitions over spaced repetitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocabulary learning is a process requiring the connection of mental concepts to new word-labels. The Revised Hierarchical Model claims that beginning learners recognize the meaning of L2 words via a process of translation, needing considerable time and effort to forge direct connections between L2 words and mental concepts. However, might young children, as they are still rapidly acquiring L1 vocabulary, be able to bypass the L2-to-L1 translation required by adult L2 learners, and instead link new L2 words directly to pre-existing mental concepts? This study tested over 1,000 4th-6th graders in Japanese elementary schools on their ability to match newly learned L2 words with corresponding pictures or L1 translations. The results demonstrate that students connect L2 vocabulary to pictures more quickly, and this effect becomes more robust when students are taught via pictures, which suggests that young learners are indeed capable of accessing concepts without translating from their L1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal English learning plays a crucial role in vocabulary learning, yet few scholars have explored the use of large language models for this purpose. In light of this, our study, integrating Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate factors influencing 568 Chinese English learners' use of large language models for vocabulary learning. Our findings identified six significant factors from those models—perceived autonomy, perceived competence, perceived relatedness, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence—that significantly shape learners' intentions and behaviors towards utilizing large language models for vocabulary learning. Notably, effort expectancy emerged as the most influential factor, while facilitating conditions did not significantly impact usage intentions. This research offers insights for future curriculum design and policy formulation, highlighting the importance of understanding learners' perspectives on technology use in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of memory in language learning is indispensable. A child uses an extraordinary amount of memory when learning to recognise words in the language, creating rules for their use, and connecting speech to the environment and mind. Memory and learning are interdependent, as memory is the process of encoding, storing and retrieving information that is crucial to learning. The value of learning new words, along with the role of memory and mnemonic devices in the process of vocabulary acquisition, is rarely discussed. The article aims to give a comprehensive account of the word and its significance, as well as the numerous aspects that influence word learning, together with the value of learning new words and the functions of memory and mnemonic devices involved in the process of vocabulary acquisition. The various memory models, the efficient processing of information with the aid of mnemonics and how mnemonics have changed over time in studying languages and other subjects are reviewed here. The other major aspects of this study are the dual coding method and an explanation of how mnemonics operate and how mnemonics have evolved with time in studying languages and other subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]