Predictors of Vocabulary Achievement: Testing a Model of Life Syllabus and Web-Based Language Teaching

Abstract

This research was done to investigate the effect of life syllabus and web-based language learning on the vocabulary improvement of the study participants and to seek the attitudes of the learners on the use of web-based approach in language class based on life syllabus. Michigan test (version1997) was presented and students were divided into one experimental group who learned their course vocabularies making use of free vocabulary learning sites of IELTS English language learning site every day for 8 weeks based on life issues and one control group who received ordinary classroom instructions each session. The results appeared to manifest that learners’ perception improved by incorporating web based instruction in language learning classroom based on life syllabus. The findings indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups with regard to their vocabulary knowledge. Web-based language teaching instruction enhanced EFL learners' vocabulary knowledge. As Life Syllabus proved to be useful with Iranian EFL learners, EFL teachers also can adopt the technique in their classes to advance their students' language learning and improve their memory. This paper addressed important issues in life education. it showed that a systematic effort in providing robust and theoretical-based training based on web based language teaching is necessary. By considering the importance of life syllabus and web based language teaching, this paper had begun an initial effort in designing training for teaching vocabularies.