The Effect of MALL on Iranian EFL Learners’ Motivation as well as Vocabulary Retention

This paper attempted to see if Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) could have any effect on the vocabulary learning as well as motivation of Iranian university students in the course ‗General English.‘ The research methodology employed was quasi-experimental using pre-test post-test model with a control group. Statistical population consisted of all the undergraduate students of Farhangian University taking the course ‗General English.‘ Using Cochran formula, 39 students were randomly selected before experimentation. A pre-test as well as Hermans achievement motivation test were given to the students of both groups. For the control group, traditional method of teaching and for the experimental method, MALL was used. After three weeks of training, a post-test was conducted and motivation questionnaire was administered again. After a month, retention post-test was conducted. The data was analyzed using independent t-test in SPSS application. The results indicated that the students in experimental group outperformed students in control group in terms of learning, retention as well as motivation for vocabulary learning.

Keywords:

MALL , motivation , vocabulary , General English , Retention