The impact of effective vocabulary learning strategies in English learners

Sep 28, 2026

Vocabulary is a crucial part of second language acquisition. This study identifies the vocabulary learning strategies used by learners aged 14 to 17 to enhance vocabulary development. A mixed-method approach combines a survey with closed and open-ended items and analyzes results with IBM SPSS for quantitative evidence and thematic analysis for qualitative findings. The findings show visual strategies (videos and movies) are most popular, followed by dynamic learning and active engagement through games, while social strategy preferences are comparatively lower.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Objectives

Theoretical Framework

The impact of effective vocabulary learning strategies in English learners to improve their vocabulary acquisition DOI: 10.46932/sfjdv5n9-054 Received on: Aug 26th, 2024 Accepted on: Sep 16th, 2024 Carla Doménica Tobar Paredes Bachelor in English Education Institution: Universidad Estatal de Milagro (UNEMI) Address: Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador E-mail: [ctobarp@unemi.edu.ec](ctobarp@unemi.edu.ec) Carla Isabel Lozano Alvarado Master in Pedagogy of Teaching Languages Institution: Universidad Estatal de Milagro (UNEMI) Address: Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador E-mail: [clozanoa@unemi.edu.ec](clozanoa@unemi.edu.ec) Estefanía Alexandra Cisneros Jarrín Bachelor in Social Communication Institution: Universidad Estatal de Milagro (UNEMI) Address: Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador E-mail: [ecisnerosj@unemi.edu.ec](ecisnerosj@unemi.edu.ec) ABSTRACT Vocabulary is a crucial part of second language acquisition. This study aims to identify the vocabulary learning strategies learners from 14 to 17 years old use to enhance their vocabulary. This research has a mixed method. A survey with closed and open-ended responses is essential to gather relevant information about the most frequent vocabulary strategies used by female and male students and show their preferences when learning English vocabulary. The data is collected through the IBM SPSS software for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. This study shows that the most popular strategies students use to acquire vocabulary are related to visual resources such as videos and movies. The second most popular is dynamic learning. Students feel engaged in active strategies like games. However, it shows a lower percentage of social strategy preference. The study highlights the importance of learning vocabulary in English acquisition. Students consider that vocabulary enhances their overall proficiency strategies. Keywords: Vocabulary Learning Startegies, Didactical Videos, Dynamic Learning, English Learning, Young Learners. 1 INTRODUCTION Vocabulary is vital in English learning to improve communicative skills, comprehension, and proficiency. Students can obtain vocabulary through speaking, reading, listening or daily life activities. Increased vocabulary could represent a big challenge for English teachers in our context because English classes sometimes have over forty students, teachers have limited resources, or have multiple English levels in the same grade. Moreover, for the pupils, acquiring vocabulary could represent a threat to overcome. Nation (2006) affirms that a second language learner must know around a 2000-word family base and around 8000 to 9000 to be able to read books or newspapers. Schmitt (1997) defines vocabulary learning strategies as the process through which learners can acquire and use vocabulary knowledge. Teachers are influenced by some factors to choose an effective strategy to teach vocabulary. One of these strategies is the learner’s intrinsic motivation. That is why teachers usually look for attractive tools or strategies that are eyecatching and engaging for the pupils. Considering the different levels, pupils’ abilities, and ways to acquire knowledge, teachers must search and apply distinct strategies to teach vocabulary that results effectively in students. The main aim of this research is to identify the various vocabulary learning strategies pupils use to enhance their vocabulary. The purpose of the research is also to analyze preferences and perceptions ofthe effectiveness of various vocabulary learning strategies. In this way, they determine what are the most effective strategies in a certain age range and if there are some different strategies used by female and male students. Enhancing vocabulary acquisition is a crucial part of English learning that requires trying different strategies, tools and activities and must be unchanging to show results. By exploring a variety of strategies, fostering the p

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

The study aims to identify vocabulary learning strategies used by learners aged 14 to 17 to improve vocabulary acquisition and to analyze their preferences and perceptions of effectiveness.

What research method and tools are used?

The research uses a mixed method: a survey with closed and open-ended responses, IBM SPSS software for quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Which vocabulary learning strategies are most and least preferred?

Visual resources such as videos and movies are the most popular strategies, followed by dynamic learning and active engagement like games; social strategy preference shows a lower percentage.

Sep 28, 2026

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