Abstract

With the new curriculum at the English Language Center (ELC) at Brigham Young University (BYU) including a program focused specifically on preparing students to succeed in academic institutions wherein the language of instruction is English, a need for a systematic approach to vocabulary instruction was identified. Specifically, the Academic Program focuses on the Academic Word List (AWL) in order to provide a broad base of words that can best prepare students for the academic world. This project followed the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) to craft a systematic approach to developing vocabulary learning activities. An analysis of existing gaps in the Academic Program's vocabulary learning objectives, along with an examination of teachers' attitudes and understanding, was conducted. A similar need was also proposed as existing in many Intensive English Programs (IEPs) around the world. This was followed by research into effective principles of L2 vocabulary learning, through which four principles were distilled. These principles are: the use of a variety of strategies, multiple exposures to target words, practice that includes production, and the need for flexibility and practicality in the vocabulary activities. These four principles became the guiding principles in the development of a system for creating effective vocabulary learning activities. This system and many suggested activities comprise a guide, or set of specifications, that can be used by teachers at IEPs, with a specific eye to the ELC to effectively, and with little extra effort, create and utilize their own effective vocabulary learning activities.

Degree

MA

College and Department

Humanities; Linguistics and English Language

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2010-07-06

Document Type

Selected Project

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd3714

Keywords

vocabulary learning, second language, ESL, EFL, specifications, vocabulary learning activities, Academic Word List, Intensive English Program

Language

English

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