The Impact of Communicative Language Teaching Activities on English Vocabulary on Secondary Students in Ecuador - Research Study

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jake

Vocabulary plays a central role in learning English as a foreign language because it enables learners to express ideas effectively. This research investigates how four Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) activities develop English vocabulary among eighth-grade students in an Ecuadorian public institution. Using a mixed-method action research design with 21 participants, pre- and post-tests, a questionnaire with open and closed questions, and field notes support a descriptive and thematic analysis. Findings indicate a slight improvement and general student acceptance of the CLT strategy.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Problem context and motivation

CLT activities and prior research

The Impact of Communicative Language Teaching Activities on English Vocabulary on Secondary Students in Ecuador Angie Dayanna Torres Aguilar1 [angie.d.torres@unl.edu.ec](angie.d.torres@unl.edu.ec)[ ](angie.d.torres@unl.edu.ec)[https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7768-1297](https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7768-1297)[ ](https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7768-1297)Universidad Nacional de Loja Loja – Ecuador Hover Ismael Conza Armijos [hover.conza@unl.edu.ec](hover.conza@unl.edu.ec)[ ](hover.conza@unl.edu.ec)[https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6182-0991](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6182-0991)[ ](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6182-0991)Universidad Nacional de Loja Loja – Ecuador ABSTRACT Vocabulary is one of the most important linguistic aspects when learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), since it is the tool to communicate, and with a large vocabulary, people are able to convey their ideas easily. Therefore, this research aimed at developing English vocabulary through four Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) activities among eighth-grade students at an Ecuadorian public institution. This mixed-method study used an action research design among 21 participants by convenience sampling. Pre- and post-tests were used to determine to what extent the CLT activities (opinion-sharing activities, information-gathering activities, information transfer activities, informationgap activities) were effective in the development of English vocabulary. These results were interpreted using descriptive statistics and revealed a slight improvement concerning the pre and post-tests. In addition, a questionnaire with a combination of open and closed-ended questions was applied and field notes were utilized to describe the students’ perceptions about the implementation of the CLT activities. The qualitative data were analyzed with thematic analysis and the findings revealed a general acceptance of the student towards the established strategy. Keywords: CLT activities; communication skills; foreign language learning; teaching methods; vocabulary aspects. 1 Autor principal Correspondencia: [angie.d.torres@unl.edu.ec](angie.d.torres@unl.edu.ec) El Impacto de las Actividades de Enseñanza Comunicativa de la Lengua en el Vocabulario en Ingles en Ecuador RESUMEN El vocabulario es uno de los aspectos lingüísticos más importantes a la hora de aprender inglés como lengua extranjera (EFL), ya que es la herramienta para comunicarse, y con un amplio vocabulario, las personas podrán transmitir sus ideas fácilmente. Por lo tanto, esta investigación tuvo como objetivodesarrollar el vocabulario en inglés a través de actividades de Enseñanza Comunicativa del Lenguaje (Communicative Language Teaching CLT por sus siglas inglés) entre estudiantes de octavo grado de una institución pública de Loja. El diseño de investigación acción de este estudio utilizó un método mixto entre 21 participantes por muestreo de conveniencia. Se utilizaron pruebas previas y posteriores para determinar hasta qué punto las actividades CLT (actividades de intercambio de opinión, actividades de brecha de información, actividades de recopilación de información, actividades de transferencia de información) fueron efectivas en el desarrollo del vocabulario en inglés. Los resultados se interpretaron mediante estadística descriptiva y revelaron una leve mejora con respecto a las pruebas previas yposteriores. Además, se aplicó un cuestionario de tipo mixto con preguntas abiertas y cerradas y seutilizaron notas de campo para describir las percepciones de los estudiantes sobre la implementación delas actividades CLT. Los hallazgos fueron analizados con análisis temático y mostraron una aceptación general del estudiante hacia la estrategia establecida. Palabras clave: actividades CLT; aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras; aspectos del vocabulario; habilidades de comunicación; métodos de enseñanza. Artículo recibido 17 agosto 2023 Aceptado para publicación: 22 septiembre 2023 INTRODUCTION Wi

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study?

The study aimed to develop English vocabulary through four Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) activities among eighth-grade students in an Ecuadorian public institution.

How were the CLT activities evaluated?

The researchers used a mixed-method action research design, including pre- and post-tests, a questionnaire with open and closed questions, and field notes to capture students’ perceptions.

What were the main findings?

Results showed a slight improvement from pre to post-tests and a general acceptance of the CLT strategy by the students.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jake