Proceedings of the 18th International Conference of the Asia Association of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (AsiaCALL–2-2021)

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Using Word Games to Improve Vocabulary Retention in Middle School EFL Classes

Authors
Nguyen Ngoc Vu1, *, Phan Thi My Linh2, Nguyen Thi Hong Lien1, Nguyen Thi Thu Van3
1Hoa Sen University, 8 Nguyen Van Trang District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2Mynah Education Vietnam, Block C An Loc apartment, Nguyen Oanh street Ward 17 Go Vap District HCMC
3Sai Gon University, 273 An Duong Vuong District 5, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
*Corresponding author. Email: vu.nguyenngoc@hoasen.edu.vn
Corresponding Author
Nguyen Ngoc Vu
Available Online 24 December 2021.
DOI
10.2991/assehr.k.211224.011How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Word Game; Vocabulary Retention; Constructivism; Middle School EFL Classes
Abstract

Vocabulary learning is one of the most challenging aspects of learning a foreign language, especially vocabulary retention at the beginner level. There are currently a number of lexical instruction strategies available, but their use in the Vietnamese EFL context is still limited. Therefore, the appropriateness and efficacy of incorporating word games into English lexical instruction at a middle school in South Vietnam were investigated in this report. Mixed method research was conducted on two classes in grade 7 for eight weeks in order to measure the efficacy of using games in the selected school. Two classes (experimental and control) with 64 students whose English proficiency is more or less the same based on preliminary test scores learned the same vocabulary lessons—the formerly used games to learn vocabulary, while the latter used the conventional approach. Pretests, posttests, questionnaires, and interviews were used to collect the data. The experimental group’s increase in vocabulary retention was statistically better than the other in the post-test findings after eight weeks of treatment. Furthermore, qualitative analysis revealed that the experimental group participants found word games to be inspiring, fun, and efficient. This paper concludes that using games to teach vocabulary has proven to be a viable method for English teaching and learning in middle school EFL classes. Learners had more chances to be exposed to the target language in a fun and comfortable learning atmosphere by playing word games and improved their ability to acquire and maintain vocabulary.

Copyright
© 2021 The Authors. Published by Atlantis Press SARL.
Open Access
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.

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Volume Title
Proceedings of the 18th International Conference of the Asia Association of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (AsiaCALL–2-2021)
Series
Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research
Publication Date
24 December 2021
ISBN
978-94-6239-496-4
ISSN
2352-5398
DOI
10.2991/assehr.k.211224.011How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2021 The Authors. Published by Atlantis Press SARL.
Open Access
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.

Cite this article

risenwbib
TY  - CONF
AU  - Nguyen Ngoc Vu
AU  - Phan Thi My Linh
AU  - Nguyen Thi Hong Lien
AU  - Nguyen Thi Thu Van
PY  - 2021
DA  - 2021/12/24
TI  - Using Word Games to Improve Vocabulary Retention in Middle School EFL Classes
BT  - Proceedings of the 18th International Conference of the Asia Association of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (AsiaCALL–2-2021)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 97
EP  - 108
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211224.011
DO  - 10.2991/assehr.k.211224.011
ID  - Vu2021
ER  -