The role of Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) as sensitive measures in L2 vocabulary acquisition research

Neurocognitive measures have only scarcely been used in second language (L2) vocabulary research. Traditionally, L2 vocabulary knowledge has been gauged by using off-line measures that allow for conscious thinking and attentional control. Yet, it has been argued that more research is warranted on the role of measures that have the sensitivity to tap into on-line lexical processing. Recording Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) may be an effective technique in order to refine our understanding of L2 vocabulary knowledge. In the current article, we provide a comprehensive review of the relevant literature in order to examine the extent to which ERP research may be valuable to L2 vocabulary research. This review focuses on the potential of ERPs to address the multifaceted nature of vocabulary knowledge. It also examines the role of ERPs to elucidate the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the incremental nature of L2 vocabulary learning. Finally, this paper discusses the extent to which ERPs might contribute to understanding factors that affect L2 vocabulary learning

Effects of captioning on video comprehension and incidental vocabulary learning

This study examines how three captioning types (i.e., on-screen text in the same language as the video) can assist L2 learners in the incidental acquisition of target vocabulary words and in the comprehension of L2 video. A sample of 133 Flemish undergraduate students watched three French clips twice. The control group (n = 32) watched the clips without captioning; the second group (n = 30) watched fully captioned clips; the third group (n = 34) watched keyword captioned clips; and the fourth group (n = 37) watched fully captioned clips with highlighted keywords. Prior to the learning session, participants completed a vocabulary size test. During the learning session, they completed three comprehension tests; four vocabulary tests measuring (a) form recognition, (b) meaning recognition, (c) meaning recall, and (d) clip association, which assessed whether participants associated words with the corresponding clip; and a final questionnaire. Our findings reveal that the captioning groups scored equally well on form recognition and clip association and significantly outperformed the control group. Only the keyword captioning and full captioning with highlighted keywords groups outperformed the control group on meaning recognition. Captioning did not affect comprehension nor meaning recall. Participants' vocabulary size correlated significantly with their comprehension scores as well as with their vocabulary test scores

Differential Effects of Input-based and Output-based Tasks on L2 Vocabulary Learning

This paper reports on a quasi-experimental study that explored the differential effects of input- and output-based tasks on L2 vocabulary learning. The study adopted a pretest- posttest within-participants design, with sixty Vietnamese EFL university students. Participants in the experimental group completed four input and four output tasks in an online learning environment. The target items (ten single words and ten compounds) were counterbalanced across the tasks. The study measured vocabulary gains at four levels of sensitivity: spontaneous use of the target items, form recall, meaning recall and meaning recognition. The analyses showed that the input-based tasks resulted in higher vocabulary gains at the meaning recall level, whereas the output-based tasks resulted in better scores at the form recall level. No difference was found in the spontaneous use and meaning recognition tests.Cet article rend compte d'une étude quasi expérimentale qui a exploré les effets différentiels des tâches basées sur les entrées et les sorties sur l'apprentissage du vocabulaire L2. L'étude a adopté une conception intra-participants prétest-post-test, avec soixante étudiants universitaires vietnamiens EFL. Les participants du groupe expérimental ont effectué quatre tâches d'entrée et quatre tâches de sortie dans un environnement d'apprentissage en ligne. Les éléments cibles (dix mots simples et dix composés) ont été contrebalancés entre les tâches. L'étude a mesuré les gains de vocabulaire à quatre niveaux de sensibilité : utilisation spontanée des éléments cibles, rappel de forme, rappel de sens et reconnaissance de sens. Les analyses ont montré que les tâches basées sur les entrées entraînaient des gains de vocabulaire plus élevés au niveau du rappel de sens, tandis que les tâches basées sur les sorties entraînaient de meilleurs scores au niveau du rappel de forme. Aucune différence n'a été trouvée dans les tests d'utilisation spontanée et de reconnaissance de sens

Teachers’ Voices on Multimodal Input for second or foreign language learning

Multimodal input – which combines written, auditory, and/or visual modalities – is pervasive in everyday life and could serve as a source of rich input in language teaching. In recent years, research has determined that vocabulary learning is one of the clear benefits of being exposed to such input. Regrettably, only a handful of studies have investigated whether and how second language (L2) teachers approach multimodal input in teaching. To further contribute to the research–practice dialogue, we examined factors that influence L2 teachers’ use of multimodal input in L2 teaching. This qualitative case study presents an in-depth analysis of interview data derived from 21 practitioners in various L2 teaching contexts globally. Following three rounds of data analysis, 24 factors were identified and are presented in four themes. The results indicate that teachers: (1) paid close attention to their students’ needs and goals; (2) drew on their own learning and teaching experiences and training supported by research-based practices; (3) relied on sound pedagogical principles; and (4) faced a number of contextual challenges relevant to their curricula and teaching contexts

Pre-learning vocabulary before viewing captioned video: an eye-tracking study

While there is increasing evidence that learners pick up new words while viewing video with captions (i.e. L2 subtitles), little is known about the role of instructional interventions prior to viewing. This study uses eye-movement registration to investigate the effect of pre-learning vocabulary before watching a captioned video. Thirty intermediate L2 learners of French watched a captioned video that contained ten pseudo-words in a within-subject design; five pseudo-words were pre-learned, the other half only appeared in the video. We investigated the effect of pre-learning on participants’ attention allocation to the pseudo-words in the captions, the captions that contained a pseudo-word and the corresponding images as well as in two vocabulary post-tests (i.e. a form and meaning recognition test). Four types of eye-metrics were used to analyse learners’ attention allocation: first and total fixation duration, fixation count, and regression count. Findings indicated that pre-learning does not affect participants’ fixations and time spent on the pseudo-words in the captions, the captions, and the images. However, pre-learned pseudo-words were skipped more often than unknown pseudo-words in the captions. The effect of pre-learning was more pronounced on the vocabulary post-tests. Overall, participants spent more time on test items for unknown pseudo-words.status: publishe

Vocabulary learning through captioned video: An eye-tracking study

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Technology-enhanced listening: How does it look and what can we expect?

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