Research on the Influence of Retrieval Practice on ESL Vocabulary Memory
Abstract
The approaches and methods that can maximize the teaching and learning efficiency in education settings tremendously interest teachers. Retrieval practice is not a way that produces learning, but also a retrieval event may represent a more fruitful and mighty learning activity than an encoding event. Based on this theoretical foundation, a pilot study has been designed and conducted to test the effectiveness of retrieval practice in vocabulary memorization in a university setting. In this study, 10 participants (from English Major and Business Major) have been voluntarily recruited from Guangzhou Xinhua University. According to the parallel contrast between the experimental and control groups, the differences in scores in the vocabulary tests were collected and greatly marked statistical significance. In this study, retrieval practice has been testified as an effective strategy in learners' long-term retention of vocabulary memorization. The findings support the theory that retrieval practice improves and strengthens learning by retrieval-specific mechanisms rather than simply elaborative study processes. Retrieval practice is an effective tool to enhance vocabulary learning and remembering in an ESL context.
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