Academic Vocabulary Development Research Articles

University students’ academic vocabulary development through mobile-assisted learning: Exploring the impacts on receptive and productive knowledge

This study explored the effectiveness of mobile-assisted vocabulary learning through digital flashcards on receptive and productive aspects of academic vocabulary knowledge among Iranian EFL university students. In a quasi-experimental design, 86 participants were divided into three groups: a digital flashcard group (DFs), a traditional paper flashcard (PFs) group, and a control group using word lists, to assess the impact of these methods on vocabulary acquisition over five weeks. The findings revealed that students utilizing DFs exhibited significant improvements in both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge compared to those using PFs and the control method. Notably, the increase in receptive vocabulary was more substantial than in productive vocabulary, highlighting the differential effects of DFs on various aspects of vocabulary learning. This finding underscores the need for targeted strategies to enhance productive aspects of academic vocabulary specifically. The study supports the integration of DFs into English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs to leverage their potential in boosting vocabulary acquisition effectively. However, the lesser gains in productive vocabulary suggest the necessity for complementary instructional methods, which focus on more active vocabulary learning tasks. Based on these findings, the study argues that mobile-assisted vocabulary learning should be considered a practical strategy for supporting academic vocabulary development among university students.

General and Academic Vocabulary Sizes and Reading Comprehension among the First Year BSED English Students

Proficiency in the English language comprises a wide range of skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Among these skills, reading comprehension holds particular importance as it enables students to effectively process and understand written text. An essential factor contributing to successful reading comprehension is vocabulary, which plays a fundamental role in the reading process. This study aimed to explore the relationship between reading comprehension and vocabulary, specifically focusing on general and academic vocabulary commonly used in English learning and academic settings. The research utilized a descriptive-correlational method, employing Pearson’s r method to establish a significant relationship between the two variables. The results revealed significant findings for each type of vocabulary and reading comprehension. The learners demonstrated a very high general vocabulary and an above-average academic vocabulary size. Additionally, the learners exhibited an average level of reading comprehension. These statistical findings emphasize the significant relationship between the variables studied, emphasizing their mutual influence. To enhance students’ academic performance, the researchers suggest implementing modules comprising diverse activities and exercises to promote the development of both academic vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.

Self-regulated learning with mobile devices for university students: exploring the impacts on academic vocabulary development

The present study explored the impact of mobile-assisted self-regulated learning (SRL) on developing university students’ knowledge of academic vocabulary in English. The participants were 49 students in experimental (N = 28) and control (N = 21) learning conditions. Those in the experimental group studied 70 academic words using digital flashcards application installed on their mobile devices (i.e., smartphones), and the control group learned the same words using traditional materials (i.e., word lists). The participants’ vocabulary knowledge was tested before and after the treatment, and their test scores were analyzed using mixed between-within-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings indicated a significant main effect for time in both SRL interventions, as both strategies were effective in scaffolding university students’ academic vocabulary development, and the learning gains were significant in post- and delayed post-tests. Additionally, the findings revealed a significant main effect for mobile-assisted SRL in that participants in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group on post-treatment tests. Accordingly, the results provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of mobile-assisted vocabulary learning in the SRL mode. The study offers implications for addressing the academic vocabulary learning needs of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students.

Word Knowledge Instruction: We Can Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time

AbstractAlthough development of young children’s vocabulary knowledge is critical for their literacy, it often is neglected in classrooms, especially those pressed for time. In this article we explore a literacy coach’s implementation of SAIL (Survey, Analyze, Interpret, Link), an instructional framework that integrates academic vocabulary (AV) development with development of children’s orthographic knowledge during small‐group word‐study instruction. We also examine the teacher’s talk moves and their relationship to students’ learning of AV. The context is a pullout intervention with kindergarten and first‐grade children in a lower‐performing school. We identified five, teacher talk moves that characterize the AV instruction and describe them through transcript excerpts. Children demonstrated significant growth in orthographic knowledge and in learning taught AV. Our discoveries provide support for integration of these two areas. Integration provided a meaningful context for AV learning and opportunity for more efficient teaching, without detriment to learning in either area.

A comparative study of CLIL implementation in upper secondary school in Sweden and students’ development of L2 English academic vocabulary

Although research on content and language integrated learning (CLIL) has shown that CLIL instruction may enhance students’ second or foreign language learning compared to regular foreign language instruction, there are also studies that have indicated similar language development between CLIL and non-CLIL students. However, CLIL can be organized and implemented in many different ways and thus, it is necessary to identify the specific features of various CLIL contexts when comparing learning outcomes. In this study, CLIL implementation at three Swedish upper secondary schools was explored and compared. Further, students’ development of second language (L2) English productive academic vocabulary was compared over three years between CLIL groups at different schools as well as between CLIL and non-CLIL groups ( n = 230), using corpus-based methods. The results revealed significant differences in the progression of L2 academic vocabulary between CLIL groups that may be attributed to substantial differences in CLIL implementation, e.g. with regard to the time allotted for CLIL, teacher availability and the balance between first language (L1) and L2. At the school where the CLIL group’s L2 productive academic vocabulary progressed more than in other groups, both Swedish and English were languages of instruction, increasing the proportion of English over the three years; in the third year, English dominated as the language of instruction. The results indicated similar development of L2 academic vocabulary between CLIL and non-CLIL groups when CLIL implementation was very limited in scale and scope. Further, the results showed that apart from vocabulary, CLIL teachers of non-language subjects generally paid very little attention to other aspects of language.

English

This paper investigates the hindrances of textbooks identified in the process of implementing Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in Chinese universities based on the 4Cs framework. Purposive sampling was employed to elicit data through a series of semi-structured interviews conducted in seven different Chinese universities. The axial coding was used to analyze the data collected. The findings reveal some major hindrances brought from textbooks: content knowledge is mismatched with students’ knowledge background; the language is only instrumental in academic vocabulary development instead of an overall improvement of English skills; textbooks generally reveal a lack of cognitive, cultural and communicative consideration.   Keywords: Hindrances, content and language integrated learning (CLIL), textbooks, Chinese universities.

The Development of Academic Vocabulary in International Foundation Students’ Assessed Academic Writing

Despite extensive research into academic vocabulary in university student writing, little is known about academic vocabulary in international foundation-level students’ assessed academic writing. Considering that academic vocabulary is regarded as a key element of academic writing style and written assignments are one of the main forms of assessment in university contexts, this is an important omission. This study addresses this gap by employing a corpus-based approach to investigate the development of academic vocabulary in assessed academic writing produced by international students (N=193) in a foundation(gateway) programme over an academic year in the context of a British university based in England and its overseas campuses in the United Arab Emirates and Mauritius. The findings show an increase in the usage of academic vocabulary over the course of the foundation programme and highlight the impact of the assignment topic and brief.

Development of academic vocabulary across primary school age: Differential growth and influential factors for German monolinguals and language minority learners.

Academic language has been shown to significantly contribute to success across school subjects. However, to date, there are no empirical studies addressing its development across primary school age. The present study investigated the growth of academic vocabulary and influential conditions from Grades 2 to 4 based on a newly developed and validated test instrument. Drawing on a German sample of 472 children (N = 281 language minority learners) we found evidence of a Matthew effect with the group of language minority learners showing both lower initial level and lower growth rates compared to their monolingual peers. In addition, results of simple and full conditional growth curve models underline the significant impact of family background (parental education, books at home) and of children's nonverbal cognitive abilities on the intercept as well as the growth of academic vocabulary, thereby supporting the assumption of an additional Matthew effect according to family background, particularly in monolingual majority language children. Our results indicate the need for an early promotion of the register of academic language in monolingual as well as language minority students. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

A NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF STUDENT TEACHERS MULTIMODAL PRACTICE EXPERIENCES IN THE INDONESIAN ESP CLASSROOM CONTEXT

Drawing on narrative inquiry aiming to understand the experience of student teachers learning context texts through different modes of meaning. This paper reports on the use of narrative frames as a mean of investigating the intersemiotic practice experiences of student teachers majoring in English education program in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia. Students in depth interview data revealed that multimodal practice has the potential to promote the role of student teachers as designers and navigators in reading English disciplinary texts. In addition, multimodal reading encourages the student teachers to become autonomous language learners. Moreover, multimodality reading tasks can scaffold students in comprehending academic language and in increasing students’ academic vocabulary development as well. These findings have implications for policy makers and teacher educators.

ENGAGING PRE SERVICE TEACHERS IN MULTIMODAL READING WITH LEARNING LOGS: AN ACTION CLASSROOM-BASED RESEARCH

Students’ reading comprehension on disciplinary texts commonly involves the interaction between the cognitive aspect and the text itself, but little is known how it is carried out through multimodal reading. To fill this practical void, this article reports the findings of classroom action research of the pre-service teachers learning disciplinary vocabularies through different modes of meaning, the socially and culturally shaped resources or semiotic structure for making meaning: video viewing and graphic organizers. This study proposes that multimodal reading has the potential to promote the role of student teachers as designers and navigators in reading English disciplinary texts. Pedagogically, this multimodal engagement not only creates interactive content learning but also it encourages the students to become autonomous language learners. In addition to multimodal reading activities, the students were motivated not only to learn about language but also to learn through language. Moreover, multimodality reading tasks can scaffold comprehension and production of the academic language of the students. Finally, students who are engaged in cognitive work in content areas (e.g., statistics for second language research) have the motivation to learn a language that supports their learning. Multimodality reading tasks can support students ‘communication, increasing students’ academic writing and students’ academic vocabulary development as well.

Supplemental Material for Development of Academic Vocabulary Across Primary School Age: Differential Growth and Influential Factors for German Monolinguals and Language Minority Learners

Supplemental Material for Development of Academic Vocabulary Across Primary School Age: Differential Growth and Influential Factors for German Monolinguals and Language Minority Learners

Role of the academic curriculum in the development of the basic learning outcomes (knowledge - skills – capabilities) of the architect using the method of currere

Basic learning outcomes play an important role in giving students the general academic profile that determines the characteristics of the academic program outcome. The research problem is formulated, which is the lack of clarity about the role of the academic curriculum in the development of the basic learning outcomes of the architect in particular. Based on the foregoing, the research has tackled the development of basic learning outcomes (knowledge-skill-capability) for the architect in particular, using the method of Currere that is approved globally in the development of academic curricula and vocabulary (knowledge - skill - capacity) for the purpose of developing the efficiency of the academic outcome. The research adopted a descriptive analytical method using the method of Currere. The results of the research include a diagnose of a number of gaps which were based on reviewing the vocabulary of the course according to the need for it or its compatibility with the academic description of the graduate engineer or the academic outcome. Furthermore, the research determines some conclusions that showed the shortcomings of the academic curriculum and the reality of the practice, as well as the research has recommended with a set of recommendations that maximize the compatibility between the outcomes of the academic program and the requirements of the labor market.

The Development of Academic Vocabulary among Arabic Native Speaking Middle School Pupils: How Much Do They Really Know?

The purpose of this study is to obtain a more fine-grained understanding of academic vocabulary knowledge in Arabic as L1 among middle school pupils. Accordingly, 1197 middle school Arabic native speaking pupils, representing the different Arab subgroups in Israel, have participated in this study. In the first phase of the study, a corpus based Arabic academic vocabulary list (AAVL) was developed, setting ground for developing three assessment tests that measured receptive vocabulary knowledge on different levels, commencing from mere recognition to application and production of academic vocabulary in context. In the second phase, differences in academic vocabulary knowledge were assessed in relation to age (7th and 9th grades) and Arab sub-group (General Arab, Druze and Bedouin). Significant main effects were found for age and Arab subgroup. Significantly higher performance was noted among 9th graders when compared to 7th graders with the Druze sub group outperforming the general Arab and the Bedouin subgroup. The latter sub-group, characterized by the lowest socio-economic background showed the poorest performance. Additionally, three-way interaction was found between academic vocabulary knowledge level, age and Arab subgroup. In both 7th and 9th grade, significant differences were found between the Arab subgroups on the academic cloze test and production of academic vocabulary only. Post-hoc comparisons showed that in both age groups, the Druze subgroup achieved the highest performance in both tests. Significant differences between the general Arab and Bedouin subgroups were noted on the academic cloze test but not on the production of academic vocabulary test. The results of the study and its implications are discussed.

Exploring the knowledge and development of academic English vocabulary of students in New Zealand secondary schools

Exploring the knowledge and development of academic English vocabulary of students in New Zealand secondary schools

Using E-Books to Acquire Foundational Academic Vocabulary

Secondary students identified as English language learners or with learning disabilities present diverse vocabulary and academic challenges related to their exceptional language needs. Limited academic vocabulary may hinder students in accessing academic content and serve as a barrier to achievement. The literature has documented the use of multimedia-delivered instruction as a support in the development of content area academic vocabulary. One such tool, electronic books (i.e., e-books), can be an effective multimedia resource used to supplement standards-based instruction and preteach content area vocabulary specifically designed for students with exceptional language needs. This article describes methods for analyzing content standards and developing differentiated e-books to preteach academic vocabulary to support students with exceptional language needs in acquiring foundational academic vocabulary. The selection and use of specific tools based on students’ academic and linguistic needs will also be illustrated.

The Poor Get Richer: Heterogeneity in the Efficacy of a School-Level Intervention for Academic Language

ABSTRACTWe investigate the impact of a relatively brief cross-curricular intervention, Word Generation, on middle school students' development of taught academic vocabulary. Students (n = 8382) in forty-four middle schools in three urban districts were randomly assigned to treatment or control conditions. Treatment teachers implemented the program with minimal support and varying levels of commitment. Students in treatment schools scored almost a point higher on the curriculum-based vocabulary posttests than those in control schools (Hedges's g = 0.094, p < 0.05). Though there was no main treatment effect on the standardized measures of students' general vocabulary knowledge or reading comprehension, baseline-by-treatment interactions at the school and student level acted to attenuate the Matthew Effect in reading and vocabulary growth.

Visual Thinking Strategies: Teachers' Reflections on Closely Reading Complex Visual Texts Within the Disciplines

The authors offer a new perspective on close reading that uses a range of multimodal texts to capitalize on the visual nature of contemporary society and to support literacy within the academic disciplines. Specifically, a qualitative study explored teachers' perspectives on the use of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), a practice borrowed from museum educators that replicates close reading processes, to support literacy learning within subject areas. The analysis revealed teachers' beliefs that VTS supported students' academic vocabulary development and accountable talk. In addition, the teachers felt that VTS created a safe environment for all students to participate, thus providing access to the curriculum. The authors argue that teachers can adapt VTS to help students meet the needs of 21st century communication modes as they analyze and create print and nonprint texts in different forms of media.

Extramural English and academic vocabulary

In content and language integrated learning (CLIL), where school subjects are taught trough an L2 – in this case English – students often reach higher L2 proficiency levels than students who follow regular education. There are also indications that English encountered and used outside of school, e.g. through books, computer games or films, may be as influential as CLIL instruction for vocabulary growth. However, there is little research on the development of academic vocabulary in this connection, and few studies have considered students’ use of English outside school, when evaluating the effect of CLIL instruction. In this study, male and female CLIL and non-CLIL students’ use of English in their spare time is investigated and compared (N=230). Further, the possible impact of extramural English on students’ progress in academic vocabulary use in writing is investigated. The results indicate that CLIL students use English in their spare time to a significantly greater extent than non-CLIL students. Male CLIL students, who used English outside school most frequently, also included the highest proportion of academic vocabulary in their essays. However, they did not progress more than other students; extramural English does not seem to have any significant impact on progress of academic vocabulary over time.

Selecting Academic Vocabulary Words Worth Learning

The purpose of this teaching tip is to share a new tool for identifying high-utility academic words from instructional texts. The Word and Phrase Tool, when paired with teacher knowledge about students and objectives, can help teachers promote the academic vocabulary development of their students.

A Framework for Explicit Vocabulary Instruction with English Language Learners

Academic vocabulary development is critical to the success of all learners—particularly English language learners (ELLs). This article presents a framework for integrating explicit academic vocabulary instruction for ELLs into middle school classrooms. The framework embodies five research-based principles and serves as a vehicle for structuring meaningful vocabulary interactions on a consistent basis throughout the school year.