Title: Comparing vocabulary learning of EFL learners by using two different strategies (mobile learning vs. flashcards)

Authors: Mahnaz Saeidi; Mohammad Amin Mozaheb

Addresses: Department of English Language, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran. ' Department of English Language, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract: Vocabulary learning is one of the most important aspects of language learning. There are a number of techniques and technologies which enhance vocabulary learning in the year 2012, e.g. wordlists, flashcards and m-learning. Mobile phones are among those devices which not only meet the expectations of their users for communication, but are also good devices for language learning. Mobile phones can be used anywhere and anytime, and students are free to use them inside or outside the classroom setting. The present study compared the use of two strategies for vocabulary learning (i.e. flashcards and m-learning) among 80 students studying English Literature and Translation at BA level in a non-profit, non-governmental university in the city of Tehran, the capital of Iran. The findings showed that the use of mobile phones for language learning and vocabulary learning would be a better strategy compared to the use of other paramount techniques, such as flashcards.

Keywords: vocabulary learning; flashcards; mobile phones; CALL; language learning; m-learning; mobile learning; m-learning; English as a foreign language; EFL; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2012.050050

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2012 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.303 - 315

Received: 01 Jun 2012
Accepted: 04 Sep 2012
Published online: 23 Dec 2014 *

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