LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 21:10 October 2021
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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Vocabulary Development in College Students Using
Quizlet Digital Flashcards - A Study

Jescintha, R., M.A., NET., (B.Ed.)

Abstract

"One forgets words as one forgets names. One's vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die." - Evelyn Waugh (qtd. in Bose). Vocabulary is crucial not only during the learning process but also throughout one's life. To communicate effectively it is essential that one should possess ample vocabulary. A major complaint imposed on English as Second Language (ESL) learners is their inability to communicate effectively in English language. In order to communicate fluently, the L2 learner needs to possess sufficient vocabulary in the target language which is generally lacking in ESL learners, and this lack of vocabulary causes difficulty in their speaking and writing.

Quizlet is one among the most popularly used online tools that has been reported to be highly effective with language learners of different ages. It is a Digital Flashcard application with a desktop and mobile phone version. It has gained tremendous popularity in recent times. The experimental design study presented here has employed Quizlet to teach vocabulary to college students. 70 I year B.Com. (A&F) General English students from Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women, Perambur, Chennai, were the samples for this study. The target vocabulary was chosen from the prescribed General English textbook entitled Communicative English.

The researcher designed a lesson plan to train the students using the Quizlet app for a week. After administering the pre-test, the researcher divided the class into groups based on their scores. Based on the lesson plan, Constructivist learning theory was used in teaching vocabulary to Group 1 students, and Behaviourist learning theory was used in teaching vocabulary to Group 2 students. At the end of the week, each group took a post-test.

Constructivist classroom environment is where students made their own digital flashcards compared to a Behaviourist classroom where the students used only the digital flashcards designed by the teacher.

Quantitative data (pre-test and post-test scores) and Qualitative data (feedback responses) were collected by the researcher. The findings indicated that both the Group 1 and Group 2 participants showed significant improvement in their vocabulary post-test scores. This study acknowledges and recommends using Quizlet application for teaching vocabulary to college students at undergraduate level.

Keywords: Quizlet, Digital Flashcards, Vocabulary Development, Behaviourism, Constructivism.

Background of the Study

Learning Theories

“A theory can be described as a set of hypotheses that apply to all instances of a particular phenomenon, assisting in decision-making, philosophy of practice and effective implementation through practice… Technology is pedagogically neutral and can be applied quite merrily to many theories and pedagogies” (Nichols, 2003). Although there are many different approaches to learning, there are three basic types of learning theories: Behaviourism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Jescintha, R., M.A., NET., (B.Ed.)
Assistant Professor of English
St. Anne's Arts and Science College, Madhavaram
Chennai 600110, Tamilnadu, India
jescintha.r@gmail.com
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