Vocabulary learning strategies used by Armenian EFL students

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate and reveal the common types as well as the most useful vocabulary learning strategies employed by Armenian EFL students. In this regard, a sample of 50 high school EFL students was investigated. The instruments used for data collection were a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. First, the participants were asked to complete the questionnaire concerning vocabulary strategy use, then 15 students from the sample were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data collected through questionnaire were analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program; descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean as well as standard deviation) was applied. The qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews were analyzed with the help of content analysis. The results of the questionnaire analysis revealed that the participants mainly used social, cognitive and determination strategies during vocabulary learning. From the result of the semi-structured interview it became obvious that strategies such as using flashcards, using dictionaries, reading English stories, watching English movies/ ted talks, listening to English songs, keeping vocabulary notebook, studying the spelling of the words as well as doing self dictation were perceived as the most useful strategies for vocabulary learning by the participants.