Vocabulary learning through extensive reading

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of two modes of vocabulary learning through extensive reading (ER) which are incidental vocabulary learning and intentional vocabulary learning. 20 participants (n=20) which are in the low-proficient English level were selected from one intact class through the method of convenient sampling. The participants were further divided into two groups, n=10 in the control group (incidental vocabulary learning) and n=10 in the experimental group (intentional vocabulary learning). Both groups sat on a pre-test to determine their vocabulary knowledge level. Then, the experimental group were given the intentional vocabulary learning treatment for five weeks. After five weeks, both groups sat on a post-test. The results show that there is a significant difference between the post-test mean scores of the control and experimental group with the p-value of 0.025 (p < 0.05). The experimental group scored significantly higher in post-test as compared to the control group. The data demonstrated that low-proficient learners will notice and learn more new words through intentional vocabulary learning as compared to incidental vocabulary learning.