2018 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
The Effectiveness of Contextualized and Decontextualized Computer Assisted Vocabulary Study
| Project/Area Number |
16K16871
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| Research Institution | Saitama University |
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Principal Investigator |
ヒューズ リアンダー 埼玉大学, 教育機構, 准教授 (80513861)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
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| Keywords | CALL / vocabulary learning |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In order to research contextualized versus decontextualized learning as well as to assist in developing learners' scientific English vocabulary, the researcher designed and refined an online interactive vocabulary learning system called SciVo (at su-apps.org/SciVo). The system facilitates the study of English for biochemistry both as they appear within texts on the subject as well as in decontextualized (flashcard) mode.
Results of a preliminary study on this system showed a significant gain in scientific language proficiency for biochemistry students who completed their assignments using the system versus those who did not complete all of their assignments. Specifically, students who studied each vocabulary word from each assigned section at least 5 times or more using the system (the minimum number of times required for completion of a basic assignment) experienced a 50% higher increase in English proficiency compared to peers who failed to complete this minimum assignment requirement as measured by custom designed pre- and post-tests of proficiency in English for biochemistry.
Next, the researcher conducted a pilot study comparing the effectiveness of the contextualized and decontextualized modes of study in SciVo. Unfortunately, the sample size for the study was limited to 12 participants, and therefore statistically valid results could not be obtained. Thus a different approach was sought.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
After preliminary results suggested the overall effectiveness of SciVo for learning scientific vocabulary, the researcher next sought to compare the system's contextualized versus decontextualized learning modes. However, a large enough sample could not be recruited for this experiment. Thus, the researcher found it necessary to develop an alternative version of the system that could be used by a wider sample of students (rather than just those majoring in biochemistry). Developing this alternate version has taken a significant amount of time, but the system is now nearly complete.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The researcher has nearly completed the alternate version of the online vocabulary learning system which can be used with learners of general English. Because the program can be used with a wider range of students than the original version, it will allow the researcher to recruit more participants for the study, thereby ensuring that a large enough sample can be gathered. Data collection via a basic version of this new system is scheduled to begin at the end of May this year.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Last year, the researcher had planned to use a significant portion of funds for the recruitment of participants in an experiment to test the research hypothesis. However, after further consideration, it was decided that an alternate version of the program be developed instead to widen the pool from which a sample could be taken. So far most of the work on this new alternate version of the program has been done by the researcher himself, and therefore has not incurred much expense. However, further additions are planned for the alternate version of the program which may require outside programming assistance or special software and equipment. Meanwhile, as the researcher plans to present his results abroad, some of the funds are being reserved to cover travel and conference expenses.
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Research Products
(1 results)
