Teaching vocabulary using collocations versus using definitions in EFL classes

Abstract

Teaching words in collocations is a comparatively new technique and it is accepted as an effective one in vocabulary teaching. The purpose of this study was to find out whether teaching vocabulary would result in better learning and remembering vocabulary items. This study investigated the differences between two vocabulary acquisition techniques, collocations and dictionary definition in EFL classes. The study was conducted at Çukurova University, Center of Foreign Languages Department (YADİM). The participants were 65 intermediate level students in three classes. The study explored whether were any significant differences among the three groups in terms of learning vocabulary items. One of the treatment groups was presented new vocabulary items together with their collocations whereas the other treatment group was presented with only definitions. The control group did not receive any vocabulary presentation. To determine the vocabulary to be used in the presentations two pre-tests were given to the students. For the next stage, these vocabulary items were presented in two consecutive sessions in two reading texts. After practicing these vocabulary, two post-tests were given students a day after. Delayed post-tests were given 10 days later in order to measure remembering.To analyze the results of the post-tests ANOVA and T-tests were conducted too see if there were any significant differences among the scores of the three groups. Although the groups showed differences in the test results, ANOVA, which was conducted to find out whether these differences were significant, showed that the differences were not statistically significant. This result indicates that using collocations may not help learners very much with vocabulary learning. The results of the delayed post-tests given after 10 days, showed that means were slightly different but ANOVA revealed that there were no significant differences among the groups. This suggests that collocations may not help learners remember vocabulary items.