ABSTRACT

Although computer-assisted vocabulary acquisition tools have been widely applied to English as a foreign language learning, the kinesthetic and tactile potential of such tools has not been fully utilized. Embodied cognition suggested that the change of practice modality (from handwriting to keyboarding), involves different sensory-motor experiences and arguably influences language learning result. The present study is a quasi-experiment investigating the effect of using keyboard-based computer application on English vocabulary acquisition in a naturalistic vocational school setting. Over the course of an academic year, the experimental group (N = 35) used the application to practice English words, whereas the control group (N = 34) practiced words through traditional approaches (listening, reading and writing). The results indicated that the participants using keyboarding application achieved significantly higher vocabulary learning performance than the control group. The attitude questionnaires and interview data also exhibited enhanced interest, motivation, and engagement for the experimental group participants.

摘要

尽管计算机辅助词汇习得工具已广泛应用于英语作为外语的学习中，但此类工具的动觉和触觉潜力尚未得到充分利用。具身认知表明，练习方式的变化（从手写到键盘）涉及不同的感觉运动体验，并且可以说影响语言学习的结果。本研究是一项准实验，调查在自然职业学校环境中使用基于键盘的计算机应用程序对英语词汇习得的影响。在一个学年的过程中，实验组 ( N  = 35) 使用该应用程序练习英语单词，而对照组 (N = 35) 使用该应用程序练习英语单词，而对照组 ( N = = 34) 通过传统方法（听、读、写）练习单词。结果表明，使用键盘应用程序的参与者比对照组获得了显着更高的词汇学习成绩。态度问卷和访谈数据也显示出实验组参与者的兴趣、动机和参与度有所提高。