A Study on the Use of Vocab Detectives: Pictorial Vocab Learning Mission Pack to Enhance Form 3 ESL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

This study intends to investigate the effectiveness of Vocab Detectives, a pictorial vocabulary learning mission pack to enhance vocabulary learning among ESL learners. A quantitative research design was employed; with 30 form 3 ESL learners selected through purposive sampling. The data for this study were collected using vocabulary tests administered before and after the intervention, followed by a survey questionnaire collecting learners’ perceptions of the intervention in terms of explicit vocabulary lesson, personal experiences, and teacher’s instruction. Inferential statistics of the pre- and post-test scores obtained using t-test suggest that the learners improved by 28.67% in their average total score, from 61.67% in the pre-test to 90.33% in the post-test. The findings show that the intervention used in the study has the potential to improve ESL learners’ vocabulary acquisition. Similarly, a descriptive analysis of the learners’ perceptions of the intervention indicates an overall positive perception, with a high degree of agreement (M > 3.668) across all items in the survey questionnaire. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Pictorial Vocab Learning Mission Pack is effective to help ESL learners’ vocabulary acquisition. The implication of this study is it extends the potential of applying the pictorial vocabulary approach to transform English language lessons into an excitement-filled, interactive and practical learning environment.