Vocabulary Learning Strategies Through Secondary Students at Saudi School in Malaysia

Aizan Yaacob,Ayman Saad Alobaisy,Waleed Mugahed Al-Rahmi,Noraffandy Yahaya,Yahya M Al-Dheleai,Mahdi M Alamri,Aspalila Shapii

doi:10.1177/2158244019835935

Abstract

This study is dedicated to the research of vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) employed by a group of Saudi Arabian learners in an EFL (English as a foreign language) context. The rationale for the study is to clarify a pronounced lack of research on the EFL context in Saudi Schools Abroad (SSA), and a dearth of prior research into VLSs in this context. In particular, this research intends to explore how do students at Saudi School Malaysia (SSM) employ VLSs in their actual learning process. Therefore, this study is conducted on cognitive theory of learning studies, the mental processes involved in the learning process. Moreover, this study conducted an analysis of studies dedicated to VLSs through secondary students at Saudi school in Malaysia based on previous research problems of models and theories. In addition, this study applied quantitative approach, and the questionnaire was conducted using 105 students. The results of this study revealed the percentage and frequency have further underscored this role and the significance of vocabulary learning in both students and teachers. Also, the results show that students at SSM have employed the five categories of VLSs at a medium level and almost at a close range.

Highlights

There has been significant development in the political, social, financial, and economic sphere of Saudi Arabia (S.A.) since 1925; English has been introduced in schools as a foreign language (FL) by the Ministry of Saudi Education (MSE) for meeting new challenges (Al-Ahaydib, 1986)
The current study focuses on such aspects related to students’ knowledge and use of appropriate and effective vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) to see their actual use of such strategies and to understand certain factors which affect their use of VLSs
To improve students’ performance and achieve better learning, this article investigated VLSs employed by secondary students at Saudi School Malaysia (SSM)

Summary

Introduction

There has been significant development in the political, social, financial, and economic sphere of Saudi Arabia (S.A.) since 1925; English has been introduced in schools as a foreign language (FL) by the Ministry of Saudi Education (MSE) for meeting new challenges (Al-Ahaydib, 1986). For the development of economy, updated and sophisticated technological process, and internationalization (Spolsky, 1998), a very significant role is played by the English language. It is important for the usage and development of the Internet and the World Wide Web (Pakir, 2000). English is spoken, written, read, understood, and widespread in most parts of the world. It is considered as the most common language as Kachru and Nelson What has been mentioned above is a brief introduction of the significance of English across the world and the status and functions of English in S.A

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion