The Implementation of Videos as a Tool in Teaching Vocabulary to Elementary English as a Second Language Students.

Abstract

Language learning becomes a challenging task if the learner does not have adequate knowledge of vocabulary. As the acquisition of vocabulary is a gradual process, learners may require additional time and attention in their vocabulary acquisition. There are different ways in which the learners acquire vocabulary in ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms. Thus, this study aims to examine the influence of using videos on the development of vocabulary of elementary students in terms of pronunciation, spellings, and meaning. Thirty Grade three students of Olcott Maha Vidyalaya were selected as the research sample of this study, who were randomly divided into two groups as the controlled group and the experimental group. A thirty- item vocabulary test was conducted prior to the experiment as the pre-test. After the completion of the pre-test, the experimental group was taught some vocabulary items under a certain theme using YouTube videos. On the other hand, the controlled group was taught the same vocabulary items by using the traditional teaching methods including meaning practicing, dictation and picture descriptions. This process was continued for four weeks where the students were taught vocabulary items under six themes namely, food, things we use at school, parts of our body, animals, clothes, colors, fruits, and vegetables. A post-test was conducted at the end of the four weeks to examine the development of each group. The results of this study revealed that the participants in the experimental group outperformed those in the controlled group in terms of the development of vocabulary. There was a positive and significant difference in the performance of the group that was exposed to videos materials when compared to the group that was taught by using traditional teaching method. Thus, the findings of this study may help teachers understand the role video materials can play in an ESL classroom.