INTERNET TECHNOLOGY AS AN AID TO TRADITIONAL METHODS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRESHMAN STUDENTS' USE OF ACADEMIC WORDS

Tanju Deveci

DOI Number
10.22190/JTESAP1701055D
First page
55
Last page
76

Abstract


English language preparatory programs’ focus on academic vocabulary provides university students with the threshold of lexical competence to embark on their freshman studies. However, a lack of interest in a systematic approach to increasing students’ lexical competence can result in limited academic development and cause frustration and boredom among freshman students. The problem can be magnified when instructors’ teaching styles are not geared towards the learning styles of students who often use computer technologies. This paper outlines an initiative taken to tackle this very issue in the local context of the Petroleum Institute (PI) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It presents results from the corpus analyses conducted on texts used in one of the freshman courses at PI and from students’ writing papers, as well as students’ thoughts on the use of traditional and technology-aided teaching materials and activities. The effectiveness of the initiative is discussed, and suggestions are offered to support EAP students’ lexical competence.

Keywords

AWL, lexis, vocabulary, instruction, technology, academic vocabulary

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References


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