Vocabulary Learning Exercises: Evaluating a Selection of Exercises Commonly Featured in Language Learning Materials

Authors

Tatsuya Nakata, Kansai University
Stuart Webb, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2016

First Page

123

Last Page

138

Abstract

This chapter examines common second language (L2) vocabulary learning activities using a framework proposed by Nation (2013a). In particular, Nation’s first guideline, which focuses on efficacy, will be examined in detail. Nation and Webb’s (2011) Technique Feature Analysis (TFA) will be used to determine which components of the activities contribute to learning. The chapter aims to gauge the relative efficacy of three vocabulary learning activities: Learning from flashcards, cloze exercises, and crossword puzzles; shed some light on their strengths and weaknesses; and show how they might be modified to be made more effective.

Notes

From the book Second Language Acquisition Research and Materials Development for Language Learning (1st edition, 2016) which can be purchased here

Citation of this paper:

Nakata, T., & Webb, S. A. (2016). Vocabulary learning exercises: Evaluating a selection of exercises commonly featured in language learning materials. In B. Tomlinson (Ed.), Second Language Acquisition Research and Materials Development for Language Learning (pp. 123-138). Oxon, UK: Taylor and Francis.