The Use of Picture-word Inductive Model and Readers’Theater to Improve Chinese EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning Achievement

Oct 15, 2026

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Vocabulary is a foundational element of language learning and a core focus for Chinese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). An experimental study examines the effectiveness of the Picture-word Inductive Model (PWIM) and Readers’Theater on Chinese primary EFL learners’ vocabulary achievement. Participants were 34 fifth-grade students who received instructional treatments based on PWIM and Readers’Theater using Chinese Cheng-yu, followed by vocabulary tests before and after the intervention. Posttest results showed significant improvement, and questionnaire results indicated high learner satisfaction with the approach.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Article history

Received, accepted, published

Abstract

Vocabulary learning focus

Study design and outcomes

Introduction

Background of the study

Statement of the problem

Advances in Language and Literary Studies ISSN: 2203-4714 [www.alls.aiac.org.au](www.alls.aiac.org.au) | The Use of Picture-word Inductive Model and Readers’Theater to Improve Chinese EFL Learners’Vocabulary Learning Achievement
Cui Gu1*, Thanachart Lornklang2
1Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, 340 Suranarai Rd. Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
2Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, 340 Suranarai Rd. Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Corresponding Author: Cui Gu, E-mail: [gucuitina@gmail.com](gucuitina@gmail.com) | | | --- | --- | | ARTICLE INFO
Article history
Received: March 08, 2021
Accepted: May 09, 2021
Published: June 30, 2021
Volume: 12 Issue: 3
Advance access: June 2021 Conflicts of interest: None
Funding: None
The study is inanced by the graduate school of Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University in the academic year 2019.
Key words:
Picture-word Inductive Model (PWIM), Readers’Theater,
Chinese Cheng-yu,
Chinese Learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Vocabulary Learning Achievement, Language Learning | ABSTRACT
Vocabulary, as the fundament of any language, is one of the most crucial aspects of language learning. And it also draws great attention from Chinese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) . This study conducted an experiment to examine the effectiveness of the picture-word inductive model (PWIM) and readers’ theater on Chinese primary EFL learners’ vocabulary learning achievement. The samples were 34 fifth-grade students from a primary school of China. The students received a vocabulary learning treatment with the lesson plans constructed based on the picture-word inductive model and readers’ theater using Chinese Cheng-yu, and an English vocabulary learning achievement test was conducted before and after the treatment. Results of the test showed that the students’mean scores in the posttest were significantly improved than in the pre-test, and results of the questionnaire showed that the participants were highly satisfied with learning English via picture-word inductive model and readers’theater. The results indicated that learning English via picture-word inductive model and readers’ theater is an effective way for improving learners’ English vocabulary learning achievement as it provides the visual support and opportunities for learners to engage in vocabulary acquisition. | INTRODUCTION Background of the Study With the proceeding of globalization, international communications among all countries are becoming increasingly frequent and closer. In the meantime, English is functioning asa bridge connecting people speaking different languages. Asa basic element of any languages, vocabulary is one of the most crucial aspects of language learning (Chen & Chung, 2008) . Laufer and Hulstijn (1998) claimed that vocabulary knowledge is the prerequisite for learning a foreign language, and vocabulary learning should be a lifetime task for language learners. Hence, improving learners’ vocabulary learning ability is the essential task for language teachers. Picture-word inductive model is originally developed by Calhoun (1999) to help young learners improve their English literacy with the aids of pictures. It is an inductive teaching method that develops not only learners’ vocabulary learning ability but also the overall aspects of English literacy. Readers’ theater, in education settings, “is an activity that requires students to perform a text (Young & Nageldinger, 2017, p. 50) .” It is a teaching technique that appears in language classrooms frequently in recent years. Different from traditional theaters, readers’ theater requires no props, no memorization, no memorized lines, and even no costumes, which encourages the students to read scripts loudly with appropriate expressions (Martinez et al., 1998; Young & Nageldinger, 2017) . Published by Australian International Academic Centre

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

To examine whether the Picture-word Inductive Model (PWIM) and Readers’Theater can improve Chinese primary EFL learners’ vocabulary learning achievement.

How was the vocabulary learning intervention implemented?

Students received lesson plans constructed around PWIM and Readers’Theater using Chinese Cheng-yu, and an English vocabulary achievement test was administered before and after the treatment.

What were the study’s key findings?

The posttest mean scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores, and the questionnaire indicated participants were highly satisfied with learning English through PWIM and Readers’Theater.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Adam