Using Digital Tools to Improve Vocabulary in Fourth-Grade Primary School Students


Abstract views: 415 / PDF downloads: 266

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52380/ijcer.2023.10.3.480

Keywords:

Vocabulary instruction, Turkish learning areas, Educational technology, Digital tools, Primary school fourth-grade students

Abstract

he purpose of this study was to improve the vocabulary of fourth-grade primary school students through action plans based on digital tools. The study was conducted within the framework of participatory action research design, one of the qualitative research approaches. The participants were 32 fourth-grade students from a public elementary school in Konya during the spring semester of 2023. The study started with a pre-test using Bulut's (2013) vocabulary test to assess the students' vocabulary levels. Subsequently, four action plans were developed, consisting of eight activities focusing on different Turkish learning areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). These action plans were implemented over an eight-week period. Following the intervention, a post-test was conducted, and the pre- and post-test results were compared to assess the students' progress. Additionally, qualitative data including observation notes, digital diaries, teacher and student interviews, video recordings, and research meetings were analyzed to gather feedback on the implementation process. The results indicated an improvement in students' vocabulary skills. The use of digital tools suitable for various learning domains and the incorporation of diverse text types in the activities fostered student engagement, enjoyment, and a comprehensive approach to vocabulary development. Furthermore, the implementation of group strategies positively influenced students' motivation and willingness to learn.

References

Akkoyunlu, B., & Yılmaz-Soylu, M. (2008). Development of a scale on learners' views on blended learning and its implementation process. The Internet and Higher Education, 11(1), 26-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2007.12.006

Akman Dömbekci, H., & Erişen, M. A. (2022). Nitel araştırmalarda görüşme tekniği. Anadolu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 22(Özel Sayı 2), 141-160. https://doi.org/10.18037/ausbd.1227330 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18037/ausbd.1227330

Akyol, H. & Temur, T. (2013). Kelime hazinesinin geliştirilmesi. In A. Kırkkılıç, & H. Akyol (Eds.), İlköğretimde Türkçe öğretimi (pp. 15-48). Pegem Akademi Yayınları.

Anson, C. M. (2021). A heuristic approach to selecting technological tools for writing instruction and support. In M. Gustafsson & A. Eriksson (Eds.), Negotiating the intersections of writing and writing instruction (pp. 63-87). University Press of Colorado DOI: https://doi.org/10.37514/INT-B.2022.1466.2.03

Aslan, Ş. (2018). Sosyal bilimlerde araştırma yöntemleri: Nicel, nitel ve karma tasarımlar için bir rehber. Eğitim Yayınevi

Barab, S. A., Gresalfi, M., & Ingram-Goble, A. (2010). Transformational play: Using games to position person, content, and context. Educational Researcher, 39(7), 525-536. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X10386593

Bargal, D. (2008). Action research: A paradigm for achieving social change. Small Group Research, 39(1), 17–27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496407313407

Başal, A. (2015). The implementation of a flipped classroom in foreign language teaching. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 16(4), 28-37.

Biemiller, A. (2006). Vocabulary development and instruction: A prerequisite for school learning. Handbook of Early Literacy Research, 2, 41-51.

Biemiller, A., & Boote, C. (2006). An effective method for building meaning vocabulary in primary grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98(1), 44-62. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.98.1.44

Blake, R. (2013). Brave new digital classroom: technology and foreign language learning. Georgetown University Press.

Bloom, P. (1993). Language acquisition in the absence of experience. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 16(04), 597-612.

Brophy, J. E. (2013). Motivating students to learn. Routledge.

Bruner, J. (1996). The culture of education. Harvard University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674251083

Bulut, B. (2013). Etkin dinleme eğitiminin dinlediğini anlama, okuduğunu anlama ve kelime hazinesi üzerine etkisi [Master's dissertation, Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi].

Castek, J., Dalton, B., & Grisham, D. L. (2012). Using multimedia to support generative vocabulary learning. In E. H. Hiebert & M. Sailors (Eds.), Finding the right texts: What works for beginning and struggling readers (pp. 14-30). Guilford Press.

Castillo-Cuesta, L., & Quinonez-Beltran, A. (2022). Using digital comics for enhancing efl vocabulary learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(5), 478-491. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.5.24

Chiang, H. H. (2019). A comparison between teacher-led and online text-to-speech dictation for students' vocabulary performance. English Language Teaching, 12(3), 77-93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v12n3p77

Chinnery, G. M. (2006). Emerging technologies: Going to the MALL: Mobile assisted language learning. Language learning & technology, 10(1), 9-16.

Chun, D. M., & Plass, J. L. (1996). Effects of multimedia annotations on vocabulary acquisition. The Modern Language Journal, 80(2), 183-198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1996.tb01159.x

Cunningham, A. E., & Stanovich, K. E. (1997). Early reading acquisition and its relation to reading experience and ability 10 years later. Developmental Psychology, 33(6), 934–945. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.33.6.934

Curry, L. A., Nembhard, I. M., & Bradley, E. H. (2009). Qualitative and mixed methods provide unique contributions to outcomes research. Circulation, 119(10), 1442-1452. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.742775

Darsalina, L., Syamaun, A., & Sari, D. F. (2016). The application of comic strips in teaching vocabulary. Research in English and Education Journal, 1(2), 137-145.

Derince, Z. M. & Özgen, B. (2021). Eylem araştırması. In F. N. Seggie & Y. Bayyurt (Eds.), Nitel araştırma yöntem, teknik, analiz ve yaklaşımları (3th ed., pp. 151-166). Anı Yayıncılık.

Dhini, B. F., & Ardiasih, L. S. (2021). Enhancing learners’listening skills with h5p: A moodle-based online learning platform. In 34th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities - Vol II (pp. 169-185). The Open University of Sri Lanka.

Dickinson, D. K., Golinkoff, R. M., & Hirsh-Pasek, K. (2010). Speaking out for language: Why language is central to reading development. Educational Researcher, 39(4), 305-310. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X10370204

Durgunoğlu, A. Y., Mir, M., & Üney-Küsefoglu, B. (1993). The development of bilinguals’ metalinguistic awareness: A crosslinguistic study. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 8(4), 385–399.

Faradisa, S. N. (2021). The use of plotagon to enhance vocabulary acquisition for secondary school students [Doctoral dissertation, Ar-Raniry University].

Fesel, S. S., Segers, E., & Verhoeven, L. (2018). Individual variation in children's reading comprehension across digital text types. Journal of Research in Reading, 41(1), 106-121. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9817.12098

Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books.

Gee, J. P. (2003). What video games have to teach us about learning and literacy. Computers in Entertainment (CIE), 1(1), 20-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/950566.950595

Godwin-Jones, R. (2010). Emerging technologies: Mobile apps for language learning. Language Learning & Technology, 14(2), 2-11.

Golonka, E. M., Bowles, A. R., Frank, V. M., Richardson, D. L., & Freynik, S. (2014). Technologies for foreign language learning: a review of technology types and their effectiveness. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 27(1), 70-105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2012.700315

Graham, S., & Perin, D. (2007). Writing next: Effective strategies to improve writing of adolescents in middle and high schools – A report to Carnegie Corporation of New York. Alliance for Excellent Education.

Gürgür, H. (2017). Eylem araştırması. In A. Saban & A. Ersoy (Eds.), Eğitimde nitel araştırma desenleri (2nd ed., pp. 31-80). Anı Yayıncılık.

Herr, K., & Anderson, G. L. (2005). The action research dissertation: A guide for students and faculty. SAGE Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452226644

Hmelo-Silver, C. E., Duncan, R. G., & Chinn, C. A. (2007). Scaffolding and achievement in problem-based and inquiry learning: A response to Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006). Educational psychologist, 42(2), 99-107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520701263368

Hoff, E. (2003). The specificity of environmental influence: Socioeconomic status affects early vocabulary development via maternal speech. Child Development, 74(5), 1368-1378. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8624.00612

Hsu, H. K., Wang, S. K., & Comac, L. (2008). Using audioblogs to assist English-language learning: An investigation into student perception. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 21(2), 181-198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09588220801943775

Hsu, T. C. (2019). Effects of gender and different augmented reality learning systems on English vocabulary learning of elementary school students. Universal Access in the Information Society, 18, 315-325. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-017-0593-1

Hwang, W. Y., Shadiev, R., Hsu, J. L., Huang, Y. M., Hsu, G. L., & Lin, Y. C. (2016). Effects of storytelling to facilitate EFL speaking using web-based multimedia system. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 29(2), 215-232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2014.927367

Janssens, K. A., Bos, E. H., Rosmalen, J. G., Wichers, M. C., & Riese, H. (2018). A qualitative approach to guide choices for designing a diary study. BMC medical research methodology, 18(1), 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0579-6

Jarrahi, M.H., Goay, C., Zirker, S., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Using digital diaries as a research method for capturing practices in situ. In G. Symon., K. Prichard., & C. Hine (Eds.), Research methods for digital work and organization: Investigating distributed, multi-modal, and mobile work (pp. 1-24). Oxford University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198860679.003.0006

Jiang, M. Y. C., Jong, M. S. Y., Wu, N., Shen, B., Chai, C. S., Lau, W. W. F., & Huang, B. (2022). Integrating automatic speech recognition technology into vocabulary learning in a flipped English class for Chinese college students. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1-16. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.902429 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.902429

Karatay, M., & Taş, M. (2021). Eylem araştırması’nın eğitim alanında kullanımı ve önemi. Uluslararası Toplum Araştırmaları Dergisi-International Journal of Society Researches, 11(38), 17-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.736788

Keith, R. E., Crosson, J. C., O’Malley, A. S., Cromp, D., & Taylor, E. F. (2017). Using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) to produce actionable findings: A rapid-cycle evaluation approach to improving implementation. Implementation Science, 12(1), 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-017-0550-7

Kervin, L., & Derewianka, B. (2011). New technologies to support language learning. In B. Tomlinson (Ed.), Materials development in language teaching (2nd ed., pp. 328-351). Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781139042789.017

Kırkgöz, Y. (2011). A blended learning study on implementing video recorded speaking tasks in task-based classroom instruction. TOJET: The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 10(4), 1-13.

Korat, O. (2010). Reading electronic books as a support for vocabulary, story comprehension and word reading in kindergarten and first grade. Computers & Education, 55(1), 24-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.11.014

Kucirkova, N. (2014). iPads in early education: Separating assumptions and evidence. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00715

Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Shield, L. (2008). An overview of mobile assisted language learning: From content delivery to supported collaboration and interaction. ReCALL, 20(3), 271-289. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344008000335

Larson, L. C., Dixon, T., & Townsend, D. (2012). How can teachers increase classroom use of academic vocabulary? Voices from the Middle, 19(4), 16-21.

Marulis, L. M., & Neuman, S. B. (2010). The effects of vocabulary intervention on young children's word learning: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 80(3), 300-335. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654310377087

Mayer, R. E. (2005). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning. In R. E. Mayer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning (pp. 31-48). Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511816819.004

Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Mayer, R. E., & Moreno, R. (2003). Nine ways to reduce cognitive load in multimedia learning. Educational Psychologist, 38(1), 43-52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/S15326985EP3801_6

McNiff, J., & Whitehead, J. (2010). You and your action research project. Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203871553

Merchant, G. (2012). Unravelling the social network:Theory and research. Learning, Media and Technology, 37(1), 4-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2011.567992

Mertler, C. A. (2014). The data-driven classroom: How do I use student data to improve my instruction? (ASCD Arias). ASCD.

Metcalf, A., Layton, M. V., & Goslin, T. L. (2016). Three ways to improve student presentations. TESOL Journal, 7(2), 421-428. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tesj.241

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. SAGE Publications.

Mills, G. E. (2011). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher. Pearson.

Mol, S. E., Bus, A. G., & De Jong, M. T. (2009). Interactive book reading in early education: A tool to stimulate print knowledge as well as oral language. Review of Educational Research, 79(2), 979-1007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654309332561

Neale, J., Allen, D., & Coombes, L. (2005). Qualitative research methods within the addictions. Addiction, 100(11), 1584–1593. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01230.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01230.x

Neuman, S. B., Newman, E. H., & Dwyer, J. (2011). Educational effects of a vocabulary intervention on preschoolers’ word knowledge and conceptual development: A cluster‐randomized trial. Reading Research Quarterly, 46(3), 249-272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1598/RRQ.46.3.3

Nielen, T. M., Smith, G. G., Sikkema-de Jong, M. T., Drobisz, J., van Horne, B., & Bus, A. G. (2018). Digital guidance for susceptible readers: Effects on fifth graders’ reading motivation and incidental vocabulary learning. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 56(1), 48-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633117708283

Noble, H., & Smith, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A practical example. Evidence-Based Nursing, 17(1), 2-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/eb-2013-101603

Norton, L. (2018). Action research in teaching and learning: A practical guide to conducting pedagogical research in universities. Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315147581

Ocak, G. & Akkaş Baysal, E. (2020). Eylem araştırması süreci. In G. Ocak (Ed.), Eğitimde eylem araştırması ve örnek araştırmalar (4th ed., pp. 51-99). DOI: https://doi.org/10.14527/9786052416181

Ouellette, G. (2006). What's meaning got to do with it: The role of vocabulary in word reading and reading comprehension. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98(3), 554–566. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.98.3.554

Paivio, A. (1991). Dual coding theory: Retrospect and current status. Canadian Journal of Psychology/Revue Canadienne de Psychologie, 45(3), 255-287. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/h0084295

Piaget, J. (1973). The child and reality: Problems of genetic psychology.(Trans. Arnold Rosin). Grossman.

Polat, A. (2022). Nitel araştırmalarda yarı-yapılandırılmış görüşme soruları: Soru form ve türleri, nitelikler ve sıralama. Anadolu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 22(Özel Sayı 2), 161-182. DOI: 10.18037/ausbd.1227335 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18037/ausbd.1227335

Prades-Yerves, L. (2022). teaching phrasal verbs: A project implementing h5p. In ICERI2022 Proceedings (pp. 819-825). IATED. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21125/iceri.2022.0251

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 2: Do they really think differently? On the Horizon, (9)6, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120110424843 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120110424843

Proctor, C. P., Dalton, B., & Grisham, D. L. (2007). Scaffolding English language learners and struggling readers in a universal literacy environment with embedded strategy instruction and vocabulary support. Journal of Literacy Research, 39(1), 71-93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10862960709336758

Resnick, M. (2004). Edutainment? No thanks. I prefer playful learning. Associazione Civita Report on Edutainment, 14, 1-4.

Robin, B. R. (2008). Digital storytelling: A powerful technology tool for the 21st century classroom. Theory Into Practice, 47(3), 220-228. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00405840802153916

Rubin, K. H., Bukowski, W., & Parker, J. G. (2006). Peer interactions, relationships, and groups. In N. Eisenberg, W. Damon, & R. M. Lerner (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology: Social, emotional, and personality development (Vol. 3, 6th ed., pp. 571–645). John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Şahin, A., Çakır, M., & Sert, N. (2011). İlköğretim birinci sınıf öğrencilerinin okuduğunu anlama düzeyleri üzerine bir araştırma. Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 8(16), 375-388.

Saine, P. (2012). iPods, iPads, and the SMARTBoard: Transforming literacy instruction and student learning. New England Reading Association Journal, 47(2), 74-79.

Saka, F., İşman, A., & Koçak-Usluel, Y. (2014). The effects of computer-based instruction on the achievement, attitudes and retention of fourth grade mathematics students in North Cyprus. Computers & Education, 78, 1-11.

Segers, E., & Verhoeven, L. (2009). Learning in a sheltered Internet environment: The use of WebQuests. Learning and Instruction, 19(5), 423-432. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2009.02.017

Snow, C. E., Burns, S., & Griffin, P. (1998). Preventing reading difficulties in young children: Report of the Committee on the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children. National Academy Press.

Snow, C. E., Porche, M. V., Tabors, P. O., & Harris, S. R. (2007). Is literacy enough? Pathways to academic success for adolescents. Paul H Brookes Publishing.

Stahl, S. A., & Nagy, W. E. (2006). Teaching word meanings. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410615381

Sternberg, R. J. (2003). Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity synthesized. Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511509612

Stringer, E. T. (2013). Action research. SAGE Publications.

Tong, A., Sainsbury, P., & Craig, J. (2007). Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. International Journal for Quality In Health Care, 19(6), 349-357. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzm042

Vandergrift, L., & Goh, C. C. M. (2012). Teaching and learning second language listening: Metacognition in action. Routledge.

Vygotsky, L. S., & Cole, M. (1978). Mind in society: Development of higher psychological processes. Harvard university press.

Warschauer, M. (1996). Computer‐assisted language learning: an introduction. In Fotos, S. (Ed.), Multimedia language teaching (pp. 3-20). Logos International.

Warschauer, M. (2009). Digital literacy studies: Progress and prospects. In M. Baynham & M. Prinsloo (Eds.), The future of literacy studies (pp. 123-140). Palgrave Macmillan. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230245693_7

Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2000). Expectancy–value theory of achievement motivation. Contemporary educational psychology, 25(1), 68-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1015

Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. ASCD.

Yang, Y. T., & Wu, W. C. (2012). Digital storytelling for enhancing student academic achievement, critical thinking, and learning motivation: A year-long experimental study. Computers & Education, 59(2), 339-352.

Yang, Y. T., & Wu, W. C. (2012). Digital storytelling for enhancing student academic achievement, critical thinking, and learning motivation: A year-long experimental study. Computers & Education, 59(2), 339-352. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.12.012

Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2021). Sosyal bilimlerde nitel araştırma yöntemleri (12. Ed.). Seçkin Yayıncılık.

Yıldız, C., Okur, A., Arı, G. & Yılmaz, Y. (2010). Kuramdan uygulamaya Türkçe öğretimi. Pegem Akademi Yayıncılık.

Zhou, N., & Yadav, A. (2017). Effects of multimedia story reading and questioning on preschoolers’ vocabulary learning, story comprehension and reading engagement. Educational Technology Research and Development, 65, 1523-1545. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-017-9533-2

Downloads

Published

27.09.2023

How to Cite

Asıkcan, M. (2023). Using Digital Tools to Improve Vocabulary in Fourth-Grade Primary School Students. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 10(3), 801–822. https://doi.org/10.52380/ijcer.2023.10.3.480

Issue

Section

Articles