Effectiveness of keyboard-based English vocabulary practice application on vocational school students

ABSTRACT

Although computer-assisted vocabulary acquisition tools have been widely applied to English as a foreign language learning, the kinesthetic and tactile potential of such tools has not been fully utilized. Embodied cognition suggested that the change of practice modality (from handwriting to keyboarding), involves different sensory-motor experiences and arguably influences language learning result. The present study is a quasi-experiment investigating the effect of using keyboard-based computer application on English vocabulary acquisition in a naturalistic vocational school setting. Over the course of an academic year, the experimental group (N = 35) used the application to practice English words, whereas the control group (N = 34) practiced words through traditional approaches (listening, reading and writing). The results indicated that the participants using keyboarding application achieved significantly higher vocabulary learning performance than the control group. The attitude questionnaires and interview data also exhibited enhanced interest, motivation, and engagement for the experimental group participants.

KEYWORDS:

• English vocabulary
• application
• embodied cognition
• vocational school
• keyboard

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Design, Implement, and Evaluation of Keyboard-based Innovative Language curriculum. This funding was supported by Shanghai MENG HONG management consultancy Ltd. [grant number 310-KW212-C-6135-18-010009].

Notes on contributors

Zhenhua Wu

Zhenhua Wu is an associate professor at college of education, Shanghai Normal University, China. His research interests focus on technology in language learning and STEM education. E-mail: [email protected]

Feng-Kuang Chiang

Dr Feng-kuang Chiang is a distinguished professor in the Department of Educational Technology at Shanghai Normal University, China. His research focused on STEM education, learning space and integration of information technology and curriculum. E-mail: [email protected]