Enhancing Language Proficiency: Comprehensive Vocabulary Building Strategies for Effective English Teaching
Abstract
This study investigates the effectiveness of vocabulary building strategies (VBS) in enhancing English language instruction at the University of Duhok, emphasizing student perceptions gathered through a quantitative questionnaire. A total of 86 participants were surveyed to evaluate the impact of VBS on vocabulary acquisition, aiming to identify the most effective teaching methods in this context. The analysis reveals that students have a generally positive perception of VBS, indicating that these strategies significantly contribute to their vocabulary development and overall language proficiency. Furthermore, the study underscores the critical need to integrate VBS into the English curriculum and teacher training programs to ensure that all educators are equipped with effective instructional techniques. The findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be sufficient; instead, personalized and adaptive VBS implementation is essential to cater to the diverse learning styles and needs of students. In addition to curricular improvements, the study advocates for continuous pedagogical evaluation to monitor and enhance the effectiveness of VBS in the classroom. Recommendations include developing tailored curricula that align with VBS principles and fostering a supportive learning environment that promotes vocabulary growth. Finally, the research calls for further qualitative and experimental studies to explore individual learning differences and identify the specific elements of VBS that maximize their effectiveness, thereby paving the way for more informed and effective English language education practices.
Keyword: Vocabulary Building Strategies (VBS), English language instruction, student perceptions, vocabulary acquisition, pedagogical evaluation
Refrences:
1. Nation P, Anthony L. Measuring vocabulary size. InHandbook of research in second language teaching and learning 2016 Nov 18 (pp. 355–368). Routledge.
2. Brezina V, Gablasova D. Is there a core general vocabulary? Introducing the new general service list. Appl Linguist. 2015 Feb 1;36(1):1–22.
3. Anderson RC. Schema-directed processes in language comprehension. InCognitive psychology and instruction 1978 (pp. 67–82). Boston, MA: Springer US.
4. Qian DD. Investigating the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and academic reading performance: An assessment perspective. Lang Learn. 2002 Sep;52(3):513–36.
5. Laufer B, Hulstijn J. Incidental vocabulary acquisition in a second language: The construct of task-induced involvement. Appl Linguist. 2001 Mar 1;22(1):1–26.
6. Anderson JR. A spreading activation theory of memory. J Verbal Learn Verbal Behav. 1983 Jun 1;22(3):261–95.
7. Baleghizadeh S, Ashoori A. The effect of keyword and word list methods on immediate vocabulary retention of EFL learners. Pak J Soc Sci. 2010;30(2):251–61.
8. Beck IL, McKeown MG, Kucan L. Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary instruction. Guilford Press; 2013 Jan 31.
9. Xin JF, Rieth H. Video-assisted vocabulary instruction for elementary school students with learning disabilities. Information Technology in Childhood Education Annual. 2001;2001(1):87–103.
10. Ma W, Adesope OO, Nesbit JC, Liu Q. Intelligent tutoring systems and learning outcomes: A meta-analysis. J Educ Psychol. 2014 Nov;106(4):901.
11. Scott JA, Nagy WE. Developing word consciousness. Vocabulary instruction: Research to practice. 2004;201:217.
12. Goodwin AP, Ahn S. A meta-analysis of morphological interventions in English: Effects on literacy outcomes for school-age children. Sci Stud Read. 2013 Jul 1;17(4):257–85.
13. Stahl SA, Stahl K. Word wizards all! Teaching word meanings in preschool and primary education. InVocabulary instruction: Research to Practice 2004 (pp. 59–78). Guilford Press.
14. Lesaux NK, Kieffer MJ, Faller SE, Kelley JG. The effectiveness and ease of implementation of an academic vocabulary intervention for linguistically diverse students in urban middle schools. Read Res Q. 2010 Apr 6;45(2):196–228.
15. Tseng WT, Schmitt N. Toward a model of motivated vocabulary learning: A structural equation modeling approach. Lang Learn. 2008 Jun;58(2):357–400.
16. Townsend D, Filippini A, Collins P, Biancarosa G. Evidence for the importance of academic word knowledge for the academic achievement of diverse middle school students. The Elem Sch J. 2012 Mar;112(3):497–518.
17. Lambert NM, McCombs BL. How students learn. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association; 1998.