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MALL in Collaborative Learning as a Vocabulary-Enhancing Tool for EFL Learners: A Study Across Two Universities in Saudi Arabia

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  • Arif Ahmed Mohammed Hassan Al-Ahdal
  • Mohammed Abdullah Alharbi

Abstract

Vocabulary, as important as it is, is largely relegated to the domain of memorization in the English as a foreign language (EFL) situations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Assessment and achievement tests have proven time and again that this strategy is not doing any good for the learners’ proficiency. This study was conceived to suggest means of improving critical knowledge application. In pilot studies with intermediate EFL learners at Majmaah University and Qassim University, preliminary findings after using mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) as a tool of collaborative learning indicated improved vocabulary retention. The study employed a mixed-method approach by comparing pre- and posttest results across genders and obtaining direct teacher–learner feedback using questionnaires, with 80 participants from two Universities over a period of 3 months. The questions were centered around seeking their opinion on collaborative learning and using smart devices as study tools on the campuses. Results showed that, the experimental group’s use of mobile devices for collaboration helped them for better retention of vocabulary, postintervention, and group performance was improved drastically with more learners scoring closer to the mean value, while the control group showed no remarkable difference in performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Arif Ahmed Mohammed Hassan Al-Ahdal & Mohammed Abdullah Alharbi, 2021. "MALL in Collaborative Learning as a Vocabulary-Enhancing Tool for EFL Learners: A Study Across Two Universities in Saudi Arabia," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(1), pages 21582440219, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:11:y:2021:i:1:p:2158244021999062
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244021999062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gilbert Cabilangan Magulod Jr., 2018. "Innovative Learning Tasks in Enhancing the Literary Appreciation Skills of Students," SAGE Open, , vol. 8(4), pages 21582440188, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Salmeen Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-Awaid, 2022. "Online Education and Assessment: Profiling EFL Teachers' Competency in Saudi Arabia," World Journal of English Language, Sciedu Press, vol. 12(2), pages 1-82, December.
    2. Ling Sue Zhen & Harwati Hashim, 2022. "The Usage of MALL in Learners’ Readiness to Speak English," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Bader Alharbi, 2022. "Investigating the Adaptation of Saudi High School Students to Electronic Dictionaries as Language Learning Tools," World Journal of English Language, Sciedu Press, vol. 12(7), pages 1-98, December.
    4. Sultan Alhatmi, 2022. "Word Instruction Techniques in Saudi EFL Classrooms: Their Use and Perceived Usefulness by Teachers," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, September.

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