Effects of Contextual versus Definitional Computer‐assisted Vocabulary Instruction on Immediate and Long‐term Vocabulary Retention of Advanced ESL Students |
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| Authors: | Paul Markham |
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| Institution: | Department of Curriculum and Instruction , University of Maryland |
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| Abstract: | This paper investigates the role of definitional information versus contextual information in computer‐assisted vocabulary instruction. A group of 58 advanced ESL students participated in the main data‐collection phase. The results revealed that context‐embedded vocabulary exercises facilitate better long‐term retention of words that exist in context. This finding is noteworthy in that the context‐embedded condition is the natural vocabulary condition commonly observed in reading. Students seldom encounter direct definitions or a series of related synonyms in the natural passage condition. Definitional knowledge, however, appears to be important in developing a basic concept of a given word in the initial phases of vocabulary development. |
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