The Effects of Using Picture Dictionary and Vocabulary Flashcards on Iranian EFL Learners' Vocabulary Knowledge

The current study investigated the effects of using picture dictionary and vocabulary flashcards on L2 vocabulary learning. To this end, 55 EFL learners studying at seventh grade were given a pre-test to make sure that they didn't have any prior knowledge about the target words. Based on the participants scores in the pre-test, 30 tenth grade students were chosen and divided into two experimental groups and one control group. All the participants of each group provided with the same text but in three different conditions. The participants of the first experimental group received the definition of target words through picture dictionary in order to check the possible effects of using picture dictionary on vocabulary learning. The participants of the second experimental group received the definition of the new words through vocabulary flashcards which were showed by the researcher to investigate the possible effects of vocabulary flashcards technique, and the participants of the control group were provided with the same text with no picture dictionary or vocabulary flashcards. After two days a multiple choice test and a cued production test were administered as the immediate post-tests. Eight days later, a delayed post-test was administered. The results indicated that there were significant differences between the three groups. Based on the findings of this study both picture dictionary and vocabulary flashcards are effective techniques for vocabulary learning. Meanwhile, the participants of the vocabulary flashcards group outperformed the participants of picture dictionary condition.

Keywords:

picture dictionary , vocabulary flashcards , vocabulary knowledge