Jariya Charernsuk. The use of dictionary applications on smartphones as a tool to enhance English vocabulary learning skills. Master's Degree(Teaching English as a Global Language). Burapha University. Library. : Burapha University, 2018.
The use of dictionary applications on smartphones as a tool to enhance English vocabulary learning skills
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of some dictionary
applications on smartphones and explore students opinions towards the use of them
in enhancing English vocabulary learning skills. A mixed methods research design
was used to elicit informative data and evidence for the research outcomes.
The quantitative phase employed the pretest and posttest in order to identify the
students improvement of their vocabulary learning skills. For the qualitative phase,
observations accompanied with the researchers reflections, and semi-structured
interview data were collected. Thirty Matthayomsuksa 3 students in Chachoengsao
province volunteered for the study conducted during the extra-curricular time
allotment. After the intervention, it was found that the dictionary applications on
smartphones were a helpful tool in facilitating vocabulary learning skills and other
language skills, in particular, pronunciation. The learners autonomous learning also
started to prosper as in transferring the skills to learn English used in other subjects or
environments. Moreover, the learners initial feeling of confusion in handling the
dictionary applications turned positive and motivated towards the later part of the
intervention. Thus, teachers who want to implement an online dictionary are
encouraged to collaboratively set criteria for appropriate applications to be used in
class so that learners can maximize the use of this device for educational purposes.
The results of this study also point to the need for further research on the use of
dictionary applications in enhancing pronunciation competence and fluency. Finally,
a wider group of samples with a longer period of intervention may lead to different
research findings.