Enhancing vocabulary acquisition through Memrise in an English second-language class: Action research at a TVET college

Abstract

 As the basis of a language, vocabulary is important because it promotes dialogue and the expression of individual ideas and opinions, has an impact on reading comprehension, and improves academic achievement. The purpose of this action research was to use the Memrise application to improve the vocabulary of English Level 2 second-language students (ESL) in the TVET (technical and vocational education and training) sector. The study of a first-year cohort of ESL students at Level 2 was selected through purposive sampling and the data were collected using pre- and post-testing, questionnaires and reflective journal entries documenting the teacher’s self-reflection and observations on Memrise usage. Memrise was used in Author One’s classroom during a six-week period. Using Guskey’s (2002) model of teacher change, the research revealed improved, varying degrees of academic achievement among students following the implementation of the application. In addition, the study highlighted these students’ preference for technology-enhanced learning experiences, such as the Memrise application, over traditional text-based approaches. This research not only challenged the teacher– researcher to embrace technology in order to engage in enhanced teaching practices, but also provided the student cohort with an engaging pathway towards vocabulary acquisition, a process that fostered mutual development.