Page 57 - Apuntes de Investigación en la Enseñanza de Idiomas

41 Apuntes de Investigación en la Enseñanza de Idiomas

The Use of Vocabulary Learning Strategies by the BA Students

at UNACH, Language School –Tapachula

Irma Dolores Núñez y Bodegas
María Mayley Chang Chiu

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas

Keywords: learning strategies, vocabulary acquisition, vocabulary knowledge, vocabulary learning
strategies.

This research was focused on the inadequate vocabulary knowledge of students from the BA pro-
gram. This is perceived in the low scores obtained in their language tests, in the difficulties students
have when taking international examinations, such as: Preliminary English Test (PET) and First Certi-
ficate in English (FCE) and in the limitations students have in speaking and writing tasks. The present
investigation analyzed the relationship between students´ vocabulary knowledge and the use of Vo-
cabulary Learning Strategies, assuming that the more strategies are used by students with a higher
level of vocabulary knowledge than the ones with a lower level.
Research questions

1.- How did vocabulary knowledge of students increase after
160 hours of language instruction?

2,- Which learning strategies do the students of the BA program
in ELT use to learn new vocabulary?

3.- How is vocabulary knowledge related to students vocabulary
learning strategies?

Literature Review
Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLS) have been known as processes of importance when learning a
second or a foreign language. VLS involve those procedures and elements of the language learning
process. They being a sub-category of learning strategies in general are essential because the acqui-
sition of vocabulary is a never-ending process and often possesses difficulties for language students.

O´Malley and Chamot (1990) viewed Vocabulary Learning Strategies as “the special thoughts or be-
haviors of processing information that individuals use to help them comprehend, learn or retain new
information” (p.1). In research strategies have been relevant around the world particularly in Mexico
as some investigations made in the country are related to this field.