The Influence of Data-Driven Exercises Through Using a Computer Program on Vocabulary Improvement in an EFL Context

Subject Areas :

Touraj Talaei ¹ , Zahra Fotovatnia ²

1 - Language Institute, Borujerd, Iran
2 - Assistant Prof., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch

Received: 2011-11-12 Accepted : 2012-01-12 Published : 2013-03-01

Keywords: : Linguistic corpus, Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Data-Driven Learning (DDL),

Abstract :

The present study was conducted to evaluate data driven learning (DDL) combined with Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as an approach to improving vocabulary knowledge of Iranian postgraduates majoring in teaching English, English literature and translation. The purpose was to help language learners get familiar with DDL as a student-centered method taking advantage of a computer program for enhancing the knowledge of vocabulary. This research paper analyzed the efficiency of DDL from different angles including the participants' ability to remember the word meanings and make meaningful and grammatical sentences after doing DDL exercises using the Microsoft Power Point program. The results of the study showed that this technique could significantly enhance the participants' vocabulary knowledge in all the above mentioned aspects. The analysis of the questionnaire given to the participants to elicit their attitudes towards DDL showed that most of them were interested in this technique. The results of this article can be helpful for the language teachers who teach the learners at advanced levels of language proficiency and advanced students who would like to learn new items of vocabulary on their own.

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