International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

search-icon

Effectiveness of Using Mobile Dictionary App to Enhance Vocabulary Knowledge of EFL Learners with Different Level of Motivation

Open access
Vocabulary knowledge is crucial for learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), yet mastering it presents significant challenges. Understanding how to effectively enhance vocabulary acquisition is essential due to its fundamental role in language proficiency. While numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of mobile learning for enhancing both receptive vocabulary knowledge (RVK) and productive vocabulary knowledge (PVK), there is a lack of research investigating the relationship between vocabulary acquisition in receptive and productive and learner motivation within a mobile learning context. The current research aims to investigate the effect of using a mobile dictionary app on English vocabulary learning among undergraduates with varying levels of motivation. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest and posttest. One freshman class, consisting of 32 participants, was involved in the study. The Intrinsic/Extrinsic Motivation Scale of English Learning (I/EMSEL) and Core English Vocabulary (CEV) Test were used as instruments for data collection. Participants were divided into three groups based on their motivational levels: high, medium, and low. The learning effects of these groups were measured using pre-test and post-test assessments during a 12-week intervention. Data analysis was conducted using paired sample T-tests and one-way ANOVA. The results indicated that the mobile dictionary app effectively promotes vocabulary knowledge acquisition in both receptive vocabulary knowledge (RVK) and productive vocabulary knowledge (PVK) across different motivational levels. However, students with high motivation showed significantly greater improvements compared to those with medium and low motivation. These findings suggest that mobile learning tools are more effective for vocabulary acquisition in highly motivated students. Educators should focus on enhancing learner motivation to maximize the benefits of these tools. Future research should explore how motivation influences vocabulary learning and identify other factors that impact the effectiveness of mobile learning.
Al-Said, K. (2023). Influence of teacher on student motivation: Opportunities to increase motivational factors during mobile learning. Education and Information Technologies, 28(10), 13439-13457.
Bai, B., & Wang, J. (2023). The role of growth mindset, self-efficacy and intrinsic value in self-regulated learning and English language learning achievements. Language teaching research, 27(1), 207-228.
Bateman, J. A., & Wildfeuer, J. (2014). A multimodal discourse theory of visual narrative. Journal of Pragmatics, 74, 180-208.
Bernacki, M. L., Greene, M. J., & Lobczowski, N. G. (2021). A systematic review of research on personalized learning: Personalized by whom, to what, how, and for what purpose (s)?. Educational Psychology Review, 33(4), 1675-1715.
Chen, C. M., Ming-Chaun, L., & Kuo, C. P. (2023). A game-based learning system based on octalysis gamification framework to promote employees’ Japanese learning. Computers & Education, 205, 104899.
Chen, J., & Yang, K. (2009, 3 1). A Survey and Reflection on English Learning in Private Universities. Journal of Educational Institute of JiLin Province, pp. 74-75.
Chun, D., Kern, R., & Smith, B. (2016). Technology in language use, language teaching, and language learning. The Modern Language Journal, 100(S1), 64-80.
Ciampa, K. (2014). Learning in a mobile age: an investigation of student motivation. Journal of computer assisted learning, 30(1), 82-96.
Ciampa, K. (2014). Learning in a mobile age: an investigation of student motivation. Journal of computer assisted learning, 30(1), 82-96.
Corno, L., & Snow, R. E. (1986). Adapting teaching to individual differences among learners. Handbook of Research on Teaching, 3, 605-629.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer.
Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (1999). A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125(6), 627-668.
Dörnyei, Z. (1998). Motivation in second and foreign language learning. Language teaching, 31(3), 117-135.
Dörnyei, Z. (2001). Motivational strategies in the language classroom. Cambridge University Press.
Drigas, A. S., & Angelidakis, P. (2017). Mobile applications within education: An overview of application paradigms in specific categories. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 11(4).
Elmahdi, O., & Hezam, A. M. (2020). Challenges for methods of teaching English vocabulary to non-native students. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(5).
Falloon, G. (2013). Young students using iPads: App design and content influences on their learning pathways. Computers & Education, 68, 505-521.
Gouws, R. H., & Prinsloo, D. J. (2021). Lexicographic Data Boxes Part 1. Lexicographic Data Boxes as Text Constituents in Dictionaries. Lexikos, 31, 330-373.
Halliday, M. A. K. (1978). Language as social semiotic: The social interpretation of language and meaning.
Hamari, J., Koivisto, J., & Sarsa, H. (2014). Does gamification work?--a literature review of empirical studies on gamification. 2014 47th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 3025-3034.
Hidi, S., & Renninger, K. A. (2006). The four-phase model of interest development. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 111-127.
Karakoç, D., & Köse, G. D. (2017). The impact of vocabulary knowledge on reading, writing and proficiency scores of EFL learners. Journal of language and linguistic studies, 13(1), 352-378.
Klimova, B., & Polakova, P. (2020). Students’ perceptions of an EFL vocabulary learning mobile application. Education Sciences, 10(2), 37.
Kohnke, L. (2020). Exploring learner perception, experience and motivation of using a mobile app in L2 vocabulary acquisition. International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT), 10(1), 15-26.
Kukulska?Hulme, A., & Viberg, O. (2018). Mobile collaborative language learning: State of the art. British Journal of Educational Technology, 49(2), 207-218.
Lai, Y., Saab, N., & Admiraal, W. (2022). University students’ use of mobile technology in self-directed language learning: Using the integrative model of behavior prediction. Computers & Education, 179, 104413.
Lasagabaster, D. (2011). English achievement and student motivation in CLIL and EFL settings. Innovation in language Learning and Teaching, 5(1), 3-18.
Li, K. C., Lee, L. Y. K., Wong, S. L., Yau, I. S. Y., & Wong, B. T. M. (2018). Effects of mobile apps for nursing students: learning motivation, social interaction and study performance. Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, 33(2), 99-114.
Lin, J. J., & Lin, H. (2019). Mobile-assisted ESL/EFL vocabulary learning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 32(8), 878-919.
Lin, J. J., & Lin, H. (2019). Mobile-assisted ESL/EFL vocabulary learning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 32(8), 878-919.
Lin, Y. J., & Wang, H. C. (2021). Using virtual reality to facilitate learners’ creative self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation in an EFL classroom. Education and Information Technologies, 26(4), 4487-4505.
Liu, I. F. (2020). The impact of extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, and social self-efficacy on English competition participation intentions of pre-college learners: Differences between high school and vocational students in Taiwan. Learning and motivation, 72, 101675.
Nagy, W., & Townsend, D. (2012). Words as tools: Learning academic vocabulary as language acquisition. Reading research quarterly, 47(1), 91-108.
Nikou, S. A., & Economides, A. A. (2018). Mobile?Based micro?Learning and Assessment: Impact on learning performance and motivation of high school students. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 34(3), 269-278.
Nurmanova, C. M. K., & Komiljonova, M. A. (2024). The Crucial Role of Vocabulary in English Language Proficiency. Academic research in educational sciences, 5(CSPU Conference 1 Part 2), 205-208.
O’Halloran, K. L. (2011). Multimodal discourse analysis. The Bloomsbury handbook of discourse analysis, 249-282.
Oxford, R., & Shearin, J. (1994). Language learning motivation: Expanding the theoretical framework. The modern language journal, 78(1), 12-28.
Palshkov, K., Shetelya, N., Khlus, N., Vakulyk, I., & Khyzhniak, I. (2024). Impact of mobile apps in higher education: Evidence on learning. Amazonia Investiga, 13(74), 115-128.
Pulido, D. (2007). The relationship between text comprehension and second language incidental vocabulary acquisition: A matter of topic familiarity?. Language Learning, 57, 155-199.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation and , social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
Scheiter, K., Gerjets, P., & Heise, E. (2014). Distraction during learning with hypermedia: difficult tasks help to keep task goals on track. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 76754.
Schmitt, N. (2014). Size and depth of vocabulary knowledge: What the research shows. Language learning, 64(4), 913-951.
Tavakoli, H. (2013). A Dictionary of Language Acquisition: A Comprehensive Overview of Key Terms in First and Second Language Acquisition: A Comprehensive Overview of Key Terms in First and Second Language Acquisition.
Tu, Y., Zou, D., & Zhang, R. (2020). A comprehensive framework for designing and evaluating vocabulary learning apps from multiple perspectives. International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 14(3), 370-397.
Ummat, L. S., & Retnowati, E. (2022). The Influence of Social Capital, Intrinsic Motivation, Self-Esteem on Student Learning Outcomes. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 1(3), 25-30.
Usmonaliyeva, M. (2024). Teaching English Language to Primary Students Using Innovation Technologies. ?????? ???????????????? ????????????, 17(4), 106-111.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Wardak, M. (2020). Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL): Teacher Uses of Smartphone Applications (apps) to Support Undergraduate Students’ English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Vocabulary Development. Lancaster University (United Kingdom).
Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of practice: Learning, meaning, and identity. Cambridge University Press.
Wu, Z. (2014). Washback effects of the reformed CET-4 on college English teaching and learning in China: Students’ perspectives. Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Xue, X. D. (2005). A Survey of English Learning Situation among Non-English Majors in Non-governmental Colleges. Journal of Ping Yuan University, 84-79.
Zou, D., Wang, F. L., Xie, H., & Kohnke, L. (2018). Game-based vocabulary learning in China and Hong Kong: Students’ evaluation of different word learning APPs. In Technology in Education. Innovative Solutions and Practices: Third International Conference, ICTE 2018, Hong Kong, China, January 9-11, 2018, Revised Selected Papers 3 (pp. 44-55). Springer Singapore.
(Dan et al., 2024)
Dan, C., Ismail, L., & Razali, A. B. (2024). Effectiveness of Using Mobile Dictionary App to Enhance Vocabulary Knowledge of EFL Learners with Different Level of Motivation. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(7), 204–224.