The Effectiveness of Using SCRATCH Applications in Developing Sixth Graders' English Vocabulary, Its Retention, and Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of using applications in developing sixth graders' English language vocabulary, its retention, and self-efficacy. To achieve this aim, the adopted the experimental approach and recruited a sample of (44) EFL(English as a Foreign Language) male learners researching at Belal Ben Rabah Elementary School for boys (A) in the middle area of Gaza Strip. The researchers chose two out of four classes in the school and purposively assigned one class as the experimental group consisting of (22) students and the other as the control group consisting of (22) students. The traditional method was used in teaching vocabulary to the control group, while the applications were used with the experimental one in the second term of the school year (2016-2017). As a main tool for the research, theresearchers used an achievement test of four questions designed and validated to be used as pre- and post-test. The test was applied in the beginning to ensure the equivalence of the two groups’ achievement levels and then it was applied as a posttest to detect any discrepancies attributable to using Applications. In addition, the used the same test to measure the vocabulary retention after using applications then a self-efficacy scale to investigate the level of self-efficacy beliefs to the students gained towards learning English in general and vocabulary in particular. The findings of the research revealed that there were significant differences in learning English vocabulary between the experimental and control groups in favor of the experimental group, and this was attributed to using applications. Based upon the previous findings, the research recommends the suitability of using applications in teaching and learning English vocabulary to bring about better results in students' achievement. Also, the researchers suggested that further research should be carried out on the effectiveness of using applications on teaching different English language approaches as well as other school subjects such as science.