Increasing Vocabulary through intensive Exercises for English Literacy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Word comprehension is a crucial component in acquiring reading comprehension skills. Successful vocabulary development ensures that students will develop metacognitive skills to assist in comprehending advanced texts when they leave the learning-to-read phase and are expected to read-to-learn.

METHODS

This action research is purely descriptive in nature. The researchers gave a pre-test on vocabulary development to all Grade VI pupils such as context clues, synonyms and antonyms, and others. The lowest scorers will be the respondents of this study. Survey on the level of interest of pupils towards the E word games, giving pre-test and enhanced exercises for English vocabulary were also conducted. Monitoring and observation were done.

RESULTS

Before the implementation, participants were passive but after the implementation vocabulary exercises, their participation in the teaching and learning processes were encouraged. The pupils' work was also analyzed to see whether there was an increase in the number of correct answers. After a series of exercises, the post-test showed an increase in their scores. It showed that the use of enhanced vocabulary exercises was able to arouse their interest to engage in reading activities leading to more active participation in classroom activities.

DISCUSSIONS

This study proved that the use of vocabulary exercises helped pupils understand what they are reading. Vocabulary development among learners is an essential component of reading success. It also helped encourage their participation and promote their interest. It is also important that teachers give students tools for acquiring knowledge to develop vocabulary. Repeated meaningful encounters with words in read-aloud, in conversation, in personal reading, in discussion, or in media viewing can lead students to build vocabulary. Teachers should model effective word learning strategies for students. This study proposes the suggestion of using ICT to improve the implementation of the strategy.