Activation activities as a catalyst for increased rates of vocabulary and grammar learning

Authors

  • Izaskun Villarreal Olaizola Universidad Pública de Navarra
  • Iranzu Ardaiz Mañeru Universidad Pública de Navarra

Keywords:

Activating, EFL, vocabulary, grammar, motivation

Abstract

Accessing or activating prior knowledge seems to be essential when fostering meaningful learning. The current study explores the effects of activating prior language knowledge on vocabulary and grammar by comparing an experimental EFL secondary school group against a parallel control group. The treatment for the experimental group consisted on tailored vocabulary and grammar activating activities for ten sessions. With a pre-post-test design, data were collected from: (1) a pre-and a post-test to measure vocabulary and grammar; (2) a pre-and-post textbook unit test; (3) a satisfaction questionnaire after the experimental period. The various analyses confirmed the benefits of activating in EFL classes, as experimental learners produced more vocabulary items and scored higher in all the tests. The results for the grammatical activities, also pointed to the merits of activating for grammatical features. Furthermore, experimental learners showed a positive motivation towards the activating activities and expressed their willingness to continue with them

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Published

2017-03-23

How to Cite

Villarreal Olaizola, I., & Ardaiz Mañeru, I. (2017). Activation activities as a catalyst for increased rates of vocabulary and grammar learning. Huarte De San Juan. Filología Y Didáctica De La Lengua, (17), 229–253. Retrieved from http://revista-hsj-filologia.unavarra.es/article/view/3016

Issue

No. 17 (2017)

Section

Otros

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