English Vocabulary Construction: Which Memory Strategy To Use?

Résumé: This research paper, which revolves around vocabulary development, aims to reveal how the EFL learners construct their vocabulary and the memory strategies that help them retain newly acquired or learned words. The study also aims to determine the most effective memory strategy. To fulfil this goal, the study targeted 68 university EFL learners, most of whom are enrolled in Algerian universities. The author of this research adopted a mixed-methods approach, using strategies and techniques suitable for both qualitative and quantitative methods. The data were collected by means of a web-based questionnaire, which was sent as Google Forms to the students’ Facebook groups. To address the issue of missing data during data analysis, we resorted to the listwise deletion approach. This investigation led us to the assumption that EFL learners primarily develop their vocabulary through reading, utilising a memory strategy that involves incorporating newly learned words into a context. Our investigation also revealed the EFL learners’ inefficiency in learning through associations. Ultimately, ‘Creating mental linkages’ proved to be far more effective than other memory strategies.

Publié dans la revue: جسور المعرفة