The Use of Mobile Microblogging as a Tool to Foster Vocabulary Learning among EFL Students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The study addresses two main questions for the aims of assessing the impact of using mobile microblogging as a tool for enhancing the depth of vocabulary knowledge, investigating learners’ attitudes and opinions regarding the use of mobile microblogging as a tool for learning English in general and for vocabulary learning development in particular, and exploring learners’ experiences of such use in supporting vocabulary learning. This study applies a mixed methodology incorporating both a quasi-experiment and survey data. The quantitative analysis showed that although both groups’ depth of vocabulary knowledge improved between the pre-and post-tests, they exhibited no statistically significant difference in gains derived on all word knowledge aspects. The qualitative data revealed the complexity of the process by which vocabulary learning developed and notable variations in the participants’ learning processes. Recommendations for further research and pedagogical implications for language teachers, students and curriculum designers are proposed and discussed.