Vocabulary Learning through Using Mechanical Techniques Vocabulary Learning Strategy

Abstract

Vocabulary learning and teaching is a key issue that has always been one of the related subjects for both teachers and learners of foreign languages. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of vocabulary learning strategy of using Mechanical Techniques in reading comprehension as a Direct vocabulary learning strategy by Iranian EFL learners for their lexical knowledge improvement. To achieve the aim of the study, fifty-eight pre-intermediate language learners were elected and appointed into two experimental and control groups based on a vocabulary pre-test. During the period of the study the experimental group was taught Mechanical Technique vocabulary Learning Strategy and the second group was assigned as a control group. To assess the impact of vocabulary learning strategy the researchers have used the model proposed by Oxford (1990) “Strategies Inventory for Language Learning. At the end of the study, the students in experimental and control group participated in a post test. The results showed that using Mechanical Technique by the students in the experimental group is effective in enhancing their vocabulary storage. Measuring lexical improvement indicated that using Mechanical Techniques vocabulary learning strategy at pre- intermediate level can lead to higher achievement of vocabulary storage of Iranian pre-intermediate EFL undergraduate learners in reading comprehension skill.