Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2222-6990

A Systematic Review of Vocabulary Learning with Mobile-Assisted Learning Platforms

Pang Wan Ji, Azlina Abdul Aziz

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-i11/11383

Open access

This paper presents a systematic review of relevant published studies on the use of mobile-assisted learning platforms in vocabulary learning. This systematic review aims to explore the effectiveness of the mobile-assisted learning platforms on the vocabulary learning of ESL/EFL learners and the perceptions of students in the learning of vocabulary using mobile-assisted learning platforms. Following a systematic search and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty studies were retained and subjected to data analysis and synthesis for the systematic review. Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC), SAGE, Scopus, Springer e-journals, Web of Science and JSTOR databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Results indicate that the mobile-assisted learning platforms aid ESL/EFL learners in vocabulary acquisition, enhance vocabulary retention, increase motivation and provide rich and supplemental language learning materials and experience. The findings of the past related studies also highlight that students perceived vocabulary learning using mobile-assisted learning platforms as efficient, easy to use, flexible and accessible, satisfying, entertaining and interesting. However, there are also some negative perceptions of students towards the use of mobile-assisted learning platforms in the learning of vocabulary. As mobile-assisted learning platforms bring more advantages than disadvantages, educators and teachers shall explore and implement them in language classrooms to engage and motivate students in vocabulary learning.

Ahmad, J. (2012). Intentional vs. incidental vocabulary learning. ELT Research Journal 1(1), 71-79.
Ali, Z., & Ghazali, M. A. I. M. (2016). Learning technical vocabulary through a mobile app: English language teachers' perspectives. International Journal of Language Education and Applied Linguistics, 4, 81-91.
Amiryousefi, M., & Ketabi, S. (2011). Mnemonic instruction: A way to boost vocabulary learning and recall. Journal of Language Teaching & Research 2(1).
Anandha, A., Anggraheni, D., & Yogatama, A. (2021). Utilizing Kahoot! in vocabulary teaching for students with special needs. In English Language and Literature International Conference Proceedings, 4, 213-219.
Aslan, E. (2016). A study on the use of mobile dictionaries in vocabulary teaching. Dil ve Dilbilimi Çal??malar? Dergisi 12(1), 1-8.
Azabdaftari, B., & Mozaheb, M. A. (2012). Comparing vocabulary learning of EFL learners by using two different strategies: Mobile learning vs. flashcards. The Eurocall Review 20(2) 47-59.
Azar, A. S., & Nasiri, H. (2014). Learners' attitudes toward the effectiveness of Mobile assisted language learning (MALL) in L2 listening comprehension. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 98, 1836-1843.
Bensalem, E. (2018). The impact of WhatsApp on EFL students' vocabulary learning. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) 9.
Chen, C. M., Liu, H., & Huang, H. B. (2019). Effects of a mobile game-based English vocabulary learning app on learners' perceptions and learning performance: A case study of Taiwanese EFL learners. ReCALL 31(2), 170-188.
Deris, F., & Shukor, N. (2019). Vocabulary Learning Through Mobile Apps: A Phenomenological Inquiry of Student Acceptance and Desired Apps Features. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 13(7), 129-140.
Fattah, S. F. E. S. A. (2015). The Effectiveness of Using WhatsApp Messenger as One of Mobile Learning Techniques to Develop Students' Writing Skills. Journal of Education and Practice 6(32), 115-127.
Finardi, K. R., Leao, R. G., & Amorim, G. B. (2016). Mobile assisted language learning: Affordances and limitations of Duolingo. Education and Linguistics Research 2(2), 48-65.
Govindasamy, P., Melor, M. Y., & Harwati, H. (2019). Mobile assisted vocabulary learning: Examining the effects on students' vocabulary enhancement. Universal Journal of Educational Research 7(12), 85-92.
Guaqueta, C. A., & Castro-Garces, A. Y. (2018). The Use of Language Learning Apps as a Didactic Tool for EFL Vocabulary Building. English Language Teaching 11(2), 61-71.
Hao, Y., Lee, K. S., Chen, S. T., & Sim, S. C. (2019). An evaluative study of a mobile application for middle school students struggling with English vocabulary learning. Computers in Human Behavior 95, 208-216.
Heng, C. S. (2012). Defining English Language Proficiency for Malaysian Tertiary Education: Past, Present and Future Efforts. Advances in Language and Literary Studies 3(2), 150-160.
Hiew, W. (2012). English language teaching and learning issues in Malaysia: Learners' perceptions via facebook dialogue journal. International Refereed Research Journal 3(1), 11-19.
Huang, Y. M., Huang, Y. M., Huang, S. H., & Lin, Y. T. (2012). A ubiquitous English vocabulary learning system: Evidence of active/passive attitudes vs. usefulness/ease-of-use. Computers & Education 58(1), 273-282.
Karami, A., & Bowles, F. A. (2019). Which strategy promotes retention?: Intentional vocabulary learning, incidental vocabulary learning, or a mixture of both?. Australian Journal of Teacher Education 44(9), 25-43. Retrieved from
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1235 994.pdf
Khansarian-Dehkordi, F., & Ameri-Golestan, A. (2016). Effects of mobile learning on acquisition and retention of vocabulary among Persian-Speaking EFL learners. Computer-Assisted Language Learning-Electronic Journal 17(2), 43-56.
Kohnke, L. (2020). Exploring learner perception, experience and motivation of using a mobile app in L2 vocabulary acquisition. International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching 10(1), 15-26.
Klimova, B., & Polakova, P. (2020). Students' perceptions of an EFL vocabulary learning mobile application. Education Sciences 10(2), 1-8. doi:10.3390/educsci10020037
Ko, M. H. (2019). Students' reactions to using smartphones and social media for vocabulary feedback. Computer Assisted Language Learning 32(8), 920-944.
Kongcharoen, C., Prasunpaengsri, S., & Wongmeekaew, T. (2017, August). Investigating applications of mobile translators for assisting English vocabulary learning. 2017 10th International Conference on Ubi-media Computing and Workshops (Ubi-Media), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1109/UMEDIA.2017.8074120
Krashen, S. D. (1988). Second language acquisition and second language learning. Prentice-Hall International.
Kusmaryani, W., Musthafa, B., & Purnawarman, P. (2019). The influence of mobile applications on students' speaking skill and critical thinking in English language learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1193(1), 012008.
Lin, C. C. (2014). Learning English reading in a mobile-assisted extensive reading program. Computers & Education 78, 48-59.
Lin, C. C., & Yu, Y. C. (2017). Effects of presentation modes on mobile-assisted vocabulary learning and cognitive load. Interactive Learning Environments 25(4), 528-542.
Lin, J. J., & Lin, H. (2019). Mobile-assisted ESL/EFL vocabulary learning: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Computer Assisted Language Learning 32(8), 878-919.
Meganathan, P., Yap, N. T., Paramasivam, S., & Jalaluddin, I. (2019). Incidental and intentional learning of vocabulary among young ESL learners. 3L: The Southeast Asian Journal of English Language Studies, 25(4), 51-67.
Pinter, A. (2017). Teaching young language learners. Oxford University Press.
Rahimi, M., & Miri, S. S. (2014). The impact of mobile dictionary use on language learning. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 98, 1469-1474.
Rezaei, A., Mai, N., & Pesaranghader, A. (2013). Effectiveness of using English vocabulary mobile applications on ESL's Learning performance. 2013 International Conference on Informatics and Creative Multimedia, 114-118.
https://doi.org/10.1109/ICICM.2013.27
Rukmini, D., & Sutopo, D. (2013). The Use of Picture Games To Improve Students' Motivation In Learning Vocabulary. English Education Journal 3(2), 126-135.
Setiawan, M. R., & Wiedarti, P. (2020). The effectiveness of Quizlet application towards students' motivation in learning vocabulary. Studies in English Language and Education 7(1), 83-95.
Thornbury, S. (2002). How to teach vocabulary. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
Wang, Y. H., & Shih, S. K. H. (2015). Mobile-assisted language learning: Effects on EFL vocabulary learning. International Journal of Mobile Communications 13(4), 358-375.
Wang, Z., Hwang, G. J., Yin, Z., & Ma, Y. (2020). A Contribution-Oriented Self-Directed Mobile Learning Ecology Approach to Improving EFL Students' Vocabulary Retention and Second Language Motivation. Journal of Educational Technology & Society 23(1), 16-29.
Zoghi, M., & Mirzaei, M. (2014). A comparative study of textual and visual contextualisation on Iranian EFL learners' vocabulary learning. International Journal of Basic and Applied Science 2(3), 31-40.

In-Text Citation: (Ji & Aziz, 2021)
To Cite this Article: Ji, P. W., & Aziz, A. A. (2021). A Systematic Review of Vocabulary Learning with Mobile-Assisted Learning Platforms. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(11), 1503–1521.