Pedagogy First: Vocabulary Acquisition Through Quizlet

Abstract

Learning a second language involves the acquisition, review, and constant use of words suited to the students’ learning proficiency. In the context of the Philippines, language teachers can attest to the vocabulary difficulties that the Filipino youth are experiencing in terms of retaining, using, and learning new words. To solve this trend, application of modern approaches and strategies must be implemented to promote individual learning of vocabulary outside of the classroom. Consequently, this quantitative study aims to analyze the effects on the use of Quizlet application in vocabulary teaching to Grade 11 senior high school students. Fifty students from St. Augustine School-Tanza were randomly selected and was divided into the following: 25 students as a control group and 25 as an experimental group. The scores of the groups in the pre-test and post-test were used to assess vocabulary retention and usage. The participants were invited for a focus group discussion in order to gather their perceptions on Quizlet as a tool for learning. The findings of the study revealed that the use of Quizlet significantly improved vocabulary retention and usage and is deemed by the experimental group as a practical and motivating substitute for teaching vocabulary before the actual class starts. The result fosters the idea that language teachers should consider more profoundly how Quizlet may be applied in teaching other significant areas in English. It is recommended that the procedures stated herein be tested in other written exercises and the results serve as a basis for further diagnosis with Quizlet.