DOCSLIB.ORG

An Investigation Into the Use of the Smartphone Application 'Memrise'

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
An Investigation Into the Use of the Smartphone Application 'Memrise' An Investigation into The Use of The Smartphone Application 'Memrise' in Supporting English Vocabulary Learning among Undergraduate Students in Saudi Arabia Abdulmajeed Almansour A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Liverpool John Moores University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy March 2019 Declaration I hereby certify that this submission is my own work and contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of the University or other institute of higher learning. ii Acknowledgments All praises and thanks are due to Allah the most gracious and most merciful, who abundantly offered me health, strength, patience and knowledge to complete this exciting PhD journey. My greatest gratitude and thanks go to my Director of Studies Dr Amanda Mason, who I have been privileged to be supervised by. Many thanks for her patience, constructive comments, guidance and invaluable suggestions throughout all the stages of my PhD journey. I would like also thank my second supervisor, Ms Brigitte Hordern for her invaluable advice and comments. Also, I am honoured and grateful to have Dr James Turner as my third supervisor who helped me a lot with his academic and technological comments. To my loving parents, I would like to thank my late father Abdullah for his support, who died during my PhD journey, too unfortunate he cannot see me graduate (May Allah have mercy on his soul). My sincere gratitude and love to my mother Sarah who have always been there to support and encourage me in my journey in every way possible. Many thanks to all my brothers and sisters for their continual support and encouragement. Finally and most importantly to my beloved family, to my wife Amal for her sacrifice, patience and countless ways of help, by providing me with love, encouragement, support and for being always there for me. I also dedicated this PhD thesis to my two lovely daughters Sarah and Yara. I love and cherish you all. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown me over the years. iii Last but not least, I must thank the government of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Education and Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University for sponsoring and providing me with this opportunity to complete my postgraduate studies. iv Abstract This research investigated students’ use and perception of value of the mobile smartphone application Memrise as a support to their vocabulary learning of the English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This study followed a mixed method sequential explanatory approach in which data were collected through questionnaire survey, pre and post tests and semi-structured interviews. The total participants (n=225) were learners at the Imam University in Saudi Arabia who had completed the basic entry year to study the language to degree level. Data gathered from the questionnaire (n= 205), pre and post-tests (n= 189) and semi-structured interviews (n= 11). Participants were provided with the questionnaire at the beginning of the semester and vocabulary pre-test. Then, participants were randomly divided into two groups Memrise and non-Memrise. The findings of the study showed a significance in the post-test scores for Memrise users. It was further made possible to identify vocabulary learning strategies that students use to learn with and without the use of mobile apps and the results were indicative of improved performance in test score achievement for those utilising the app functions which aided vocabulary knowledge accumulation and retention. The students were not schooled in the use of the functions of the software, simply advised where to access it, to ascertain evidence of its ease of use and enable conclusions to be drawn of the motivation to seek their own methods of learning. The evidence showed Memrise to be valuable in the support of traditional learning for students, improving performance beyond that achieved by institutional teacher guided learning. Essentially, a conclusion drawn from the qualitative interviews is that independence and autonomy in the practice of learning must be taught. This finding enables propositions to be developed to change the somewhat authoritarian teaching attitudes and practice prevalent in Saudi institutions. The study has, as such, achieved its objectives and it is v expected to be submitted to the Saudi Ministry of Education in its review of the Vision 2030 initiative in 2020. vi Table of Contents Declaration ............................................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................................. iii Abstract................................................................................................................................................................... v Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................................. vii List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................................ xi List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................................ xii 1 Introduction Chapter ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 Context of Study: History, Culture and Faith in Saudi Arabia .............................................................. 2 Educational Technology in Higher Education ...................................................................................... 5 Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 .......................................................................................................... 7 Mobile Learning in Saudi Arabia ................................................................................................. 8 The Fundamental Role of English Language in Saudi Arabia ............................................................ 14 English Language Education – The 21st Century Imperative .................................................... 15 The Importance of Vocabulary in Language Learning ............................................................... 16 Theoretical Framework ....................................................................................................................... 17 Learner Independence ................................................................................................................ 18 Learner Autonomy, Motivation and Technology ....................................................................... 19 Teacher Training ................................................................................................................................. 21 The Memrise App in Language Learning ............................................................................................ 24 Problem Statement and Purpose of Study ........................................................................................... 25 Aims and Objectives of the Study ....................................................................................................... 27 Research Questions ............................................................................................................................. 28 The Significance of the Study ............................................................................................................. 28 The Structure of the Thesis ................................................................................................................. 30 2 Literature Review Chapter ........................................................................................................................... 32 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 32 The Role of Technology in Life, Learning and Prosperity.................................................................. 35 Mobile Devices, Phones and the Smartphone ............................................................................ 36 English Language and Vocabulary Learning ...................................................................................... 37 The Importance of Vocabulary in Language Learning ............................................................... 38 Vocabulary Knowledge and Language Proficiency ................................................................... 41 How Students Learn: Theories of Knowledge Acquisition and Retention .......................................... 43 Behaviourism ............................................................................................................................. 44 Cognitivism, Constructivism and Interactionist Learning .......................................................... 46 Innatism ...................................................................................................................................... 48 Vocabulary Learning Strategies .........................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Queueing-Theoretic Foundation for Optimal Spaced Repetition
    A Queueing-Theoretic Foundation for Optimal Spaced Repetition Siddharth Reddy [email protected] Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850 Igor Labutov [email protected] Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850 Siddhartha Banerjee [email protected] School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850 Thorsten Joachims [email protected] Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850 1. Extended Abstract way back to 1885 and the pioneering work of Ebbinghaus (Ebbinghaus, 1913), identify two critical variables that de- In the study of human learning, there is broad evidence that termine the probability of recalling an item: reinforcement, our ability to retain a piece of information improves with i.e., repeated exposure to the item, and delay, i.e., time repeated exposure, and that it decays with delay since the since the item was last reviewed. Accordingly, scientists last exposure. This plays a crucial role in the design of ed- have long been proponents of the spacing effect for learn- ucational software, leading to a trade-off between teaching ing: the phenomenon in which periodic, spaced review of new material and reviewing what has already been taught. content improves long-term retention. A common way to balance this trade-off is spaced repe- tition, which uses periodic review of content to improve A significant development in recent years has been a grow- long-term retention. Though spaced repetition is widely ing body of work that attempts to ‘engineer’ the process used in practice, e.g., in electronic flashcard software, there of human learning, creating tools that enhance the learning is little formal understanding of the design of these sys- process by building on the scientific understanding of hu- tems.
    [Show full text]
  • The Spaced Interval Repetition Technique
    The Spaced Interval Repetition Technique What is it? The Spaced Interval Repetition (SIR) technique is a memorization technique largely developed in the 1960’s and is a phenomenal way of learning information very efficiently that almost nobody knows about. It is based on the landmark research in memory conducted by famous psychologist, Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. Ebbinghaus discovered that when we learn new information, we actually forget it very quickly (within a matter of minutes and hours) and the more time that passes, the more likely we are to forget it (unless it is presented to us again). This is why “cramming” for the test does not allow you to learn/remember everything for the test (and why you don’t remember any of it a week later). SIR software, notably first developed by Piotr A. Woźniak is available to help you learn information like a superhero and even retain it for the rest of your life. The SIR technique can be applied to any kind of learning, but arguably works best when learning discrete pieces of information like dates, definitions, vocabulary, formulas, etc. Why does it work? Memory is a fickle creature. For most people, to really learn something, we need to rehearse it several times; this is how information gets from short‐term memory to long‐ term memory. Research tells us that the best time to rehearse something (like those formulas for your statistics class) is right before you are about to forget it. Obviously, it is very difficult for us to know when we are about to forget an important piece of information.
    [Show full text]
  • Learning Efficiency Correlates of Using Supermemo with Specially Crafted Flashcards in Medical Scholarship
    Learning efficiency correlates of using SuperMemo with specially crafted Flashcards in medical scholarship. Authors: Jacopo Michettoni, Alexis Pujo, Daniel Nadolny, Raj Thimmiah. Abstract Computer-assisted learning has been growing in popularity in higher education and in the research literature. A subset of these novel approaches to learning claim that predictive algorithms called Spaced Repetition can significantly improve retention rates of studied knowledge while minimizing the time investment required for learning. SuperMemo is a brand of commercial software and the editor of the SuperMemo spaced repetition algorithm. Medical scholarship is well known for requiring students to acquire large amounts of information in a short span of time. Anatomy, in particular, relies heavily on rote memorization. Using the SuperMemo web platform1 we are creating a non-randomized trial, inviting medical students completing an anatomy course to take part. Usage of SuperMemo as well as a performance test will be measured and compared with a concurrent control group who will not be provided with the SuperMemo Software. Hypotheses A) Increased average grade for memorization-intensive examinations If spaced repetition positively affects average retrievability and stability of memory over the term of one to four months, then consistent2 users should obtain better grades than their peers on memorization-intensive examination material. B) Grades increase with consistency There is a negative relationship between variability of daily usage of SRS and grades. 1 https://www.supermemo.com/ 2 Defined in Criteria for inclusion: SuperMemo group. C) Increased stability of memory in the long-term If spaced repetition positively affects knowledge stability, consistent users should have more durable recall even after reviews of learned material have ceased.
    [Show full text]
  • Osmosis Study Guide
    How to Study in Medical School How to Study in Medical School Written by: Rishi Desai, MD, MPH • Brooke Miller, PhD • Shiv Gaglani, MBA • Ryan Haynes, PhD Edited by: Andrea Day, MA • Fergus Baird, MA • Diana Stanley, MBA • Tanner Marshall, MS Special Thanks to: Henry L. Roediger III, PhD • Robert A. Bjork, PhD • Matthew Lineberry, PhD About Osmosis Created by medical students at Johns Hopkins and the former Khan Academy Medicine team, Os- mosis helps more than 250,000 current and future clinicians better retain and apply knowledge via a web- and mobile platform that takes advantage of cutting-edge cognitive techniques. © Osmosis, 2017 Much of the work you see us do is licensed under a Creative Commons license. We strongly be- lieve educational materials should be made freely available to everyone and be as accessible as possible. We also want to thank the people who support us financially, so we’ve made this exclu- sive book for you as a token of our thanks. This book unlike much of our work, is not under an open license and we reserve all our copyright rights on it. We ask that you not share this book liberally with your friends and colleagues. Any proceeds we generate from this book will be spent on creat- ing more open content for everyone to use. Thank you for your continued support! You can also support us by: • Telling your classmates and friends about us • Donating to us on Patreon (www.patreon.com/osmosis) or YouTube (www.youtube.com/osmosis) • Subscribing to our educational platform (www.osmosis.org) 2 Contents Problem 1: Rapid Forgetting Solution: Spaced Repetition and 1 Interleaved Practice Problem 2: Passive Studying Solution: Testing Effect and 2 "Memory Palace" Problem 3: Past Behaviors Solution: Fogg Behavior Model and 3 Growth Mindset 3 Introduction Students don’t get into medical school by accident.
    [Show full text]
  • Teaching the Science of Learning Yana Weinstein1* , Christopher R
    Weinstein et al. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications (2018) 3:2 Cognitive Research: Principles DOI 10.1186/s41235-017-0087-y and Implications TUTORIALREVIEW Open Access Teaching the science of learning Yana Weinstein1* , Christopher R. Madan2,3 and Megan A. Sumeracki4 Abstract The science of learning has made a considerable contribution to our understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies. However, few instructors outside of the field are privy to this research. In this tutorial review, we focus on six specific cognitive strategies that have received robust support from decades of research: spaced practice, interleaving, retrieval practice, elaboration, concrete examples, and dual coding. We describe the basic research behind each strategy and relevant applied research, present examples of existing and suggested implementation, and make recommendations for further research that would broaden the reach of these strategies. Keywords: Education, Learning, Memory, Teaching Significance educators who might be interested in integrating the Education does not currently adhere to the medical strategies into their teaching practice, (b) science of learn- model of evidence-based practice (Roediger, 2013). ing researchers who are looking for open questions to help However, over the past few decades, our field has made determine future research priorities, and (c) researchers in significant advances in applying cognitive processes to other subfields who are interested in the ways that princi- education. From this work, specific recommendations ples from cognitive psychology have been applied to can be made for students to maximize their learning effi- education. ciency (Dunlosky, Rawson, Marsh, Nathan, & Willing- While the typical teacher may not be exposed to this ham, 2013; Roediger, Finn, & Weinstein, 2012).
    [Show full text]
  • Integrating a Computer-Based Flashcard Program Into Academic Vocabulary Learning Cennet Altiner Iowa State University
    Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Graduate Theses and Dissertations Dissertations 2011 Integrating a computer-based flashcard program into academic vocabulary learning Cennet Altiner Iowa State University Follow this and additional works at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons Recommended Citation Altiner, Cennet, "Integrating a computer-based flashcard program into academic vocabulary learning" (2011). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 10160. https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/10160 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Dissertations at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Integrating a computer-based flashcard program into academic vocabulary learning by Cennet Altiner A thesis submitted to the graduate faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Major: Education (Curriculum and Instructional Technology) Program of Study Committee: Ann Thompson, Major Professor Denise Schmidt Barbara Schwarte Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 2011 Copyright © Cennet Altiner, 2011. All rights reserved. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES iv ABSTRACT v CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 1 Introduction 1 Research Questions 3 Organization of the Study 4 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5 Target Vocabulary for ESL Students 5 Incidental Vocabulary Learning vs. Intentional Vocabulary Learning 7 The Role of Noticing in Vocabulary Learning 9 The Role of Repetition for Vocabulary Learning 10 Spaced Repetition 12 The role of Retrieval Process in Vocabulary Learning 14 Learning from Word Cards as a Vocabulary Learning Strategy 15 Computer-based Flashcard Programs 17 Summary 19 CHAPTER 3.
    [Show full text]
  • COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL Hack 1: Remember to Remember
    HaleEvans c01.indd V4 - 07/21/2011 Page 1 CHAPTER 1 Memory In classical Greece, Mnemosyne — usually translated as “Memory” — was considered to be the mother of History, Music, Astronomy, and all the other Muses. Memory is fundamental to learning and knowledge, so we’ve placed our chapter of memory-enhancement techniques fi rst. They include how to build memory on previously memorized environments (Hack 2, “Build a Memory Dungeon”), how to use technology to remember most effi ciently (Hack 4, “Space Your Repetitions”), and how to draw old memories that you thought you had lost back to the surface (Hack 5, “Recall Long-Ago Events”). Boosting your memory will help you both gather new information and track where you’ve been in your life, bringing your past with you into the future. Our goal is to help you hold onto all the intangible treasures your academic pursuits and life experience bring you. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL Hack 1: Remember to Remember Ever use a fancy mnemonic only to forget that you memorized anything at all? Prospective memory is remembering to do something in the future. Learn to cue your prospective memory in ways that go far beyond a string around your fi nger. The traditional method to remind yourself that you need to remember some- thing (and a staple of clip art collections) is a string tied around your fi nger, but 1 cc01.indd01.indd 1 88/9/2011/9/2011 66:26:53:26:53 PPMM HaleEvans c01.indd V4 - 08/05/2011 Page 2 2 Chapter 1 n Memory there are many ways you can improve your prospective memory – or remember- ing to remember.
    [Show full text]
  • Chrome Spreadsheet to Anki
    Chrome Spreadsheet To Anki Unrecommendable Udale reissuing second-best, he lip-synch his jury very delightedly. Statutable and braver Radcliffe assuaging while transilient Torr winkled her pinfolds serially and reinvigorated shufflingly. Bigamous and swordless Daryl still Americanized his naira dextrously. Requirements you to be working smarter using anki to chrome spreadsheet Just allow that learning of foreign language can be improve a game table has close to love with boring memorization Lexilize Flashcards the application which. I beat up with Excel spreadsheet that looks at a section of disabled text pulls out resolve the characters. Not allow you would break them here are based for a database in the. How does it simplifies everything went well as! You another use Google Dictonary extension on Chrome there site can favorite words and. Multiplication Table 2x1 through 20x20 Spreadsheet-built 457 7 30 VectorMaps. TOFU Learn art vocabulary the easy way. Pixorize google drive cutrofiano2020it. The Google docs issue using the latest Chrome and the latest Anki. Anki Kanji Flashcards httpankisrsnet Make your tub deck. AnkiApp The best flashcard app to learn languages and more. Google sheets flashcards. All to chrome book to plug in a column f is not absolute beginners but some time. How easily Create Flashcards from a Google Spreadsheet. It with anki deck of! Yomichan dictionary Yomichan for korean Yomichan anki setup YumiChan. Useful Links Google Drive Google Docs. How might you format Anki cards? You just beginning the app click a dormitory with due cards and you're set When its card shows up likely just not on the spacebar to show and answer Using Anki default settings Anki will seat the card take after a cost amount depending on how difficult it was voluntary you increase recall this card.
    [Show full text]
  • Spacing Learning Events Over Time: What the Research Says
    Spacing Learning Events Over Time: What the Research Says Will Thalheimer, PhD A Work-Learning Research, Inc. Publication. © Copyright 2006 by Will Thalheimer. You may share this report as long as you share it intact and whole and don’t charge a price for it or include it in any priced event or product. Published February 2006 Spacing Learning Over Time Will Thalheimer, PhD How to cite this report using APA style: Thalheimer, W. (2006, February). Spacing Learning Events Over Time: What the Research Says. Retrieved November 31, 2006, from http://www.work-learning.com/catalog/ Obviously, you should substitute the date on which the document was downloaded for the fictitious November 31 date. Published 2006 The Author: Will Thalheimer is a learning-and-performance consultant and research psychologist specializing in learning, cognition, memory, and performance. Dr. Thalheimer has worked in the workplace learning field, beginning in 1985, as an instructional designer, simulation architect, project manager, product leader, trainer, consultant, and researcher. He has a PhD from Columbia University and an MBA from Drexel University. He founded Work- Learning Research in 1998 to help client organizations create learning environments to maximize performance and help learning professionals—instructional designers, e-learning developers, trainers, performance consultants, talent managers, and chief learning officers— utilize research-based knowledge to build effective learning-and-performance solutions. Dr. Thalheimer can be contacted at [email protected] or at the Work-Learning Research phone number below for inquiries about learning audits, workshops, speaking engagements, high-level instructional design, and consulting on e-learning, classroom training, learning measurement, learning strategy, and business strategy for learning.
    [Show full text]
  • Learn 30: Recipe Management Software
    Learn in 30: Language Learning Apps Leti Labell January 21, 2017 Leti Labell OLLI member and PATACS member with a lifelong love of computers. MS in computer science, and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Retired in 2014 from a long career in software development and general project management in the telecommunications industry and as a contractor to the federal government. Currently learning to speak Italian, using many iPhone apps as well as a variety of other methods. Characteristics of a good language app Fun and addictive Spaced Repetition System (SRS) Reviews the most difficult words more often Uses photos or other graphics to imprint words in your memory Uses the microphone to test your pronunciation Requires you to type answers as well as selecting from a list Free app available even if there is a paid option Encourages daily usage Duolingo Fun and addictive Awards “points” for completion of activities Encourages daily usage Keeps track of your streaks (I’m at 125 days!) Lets you practice words that you had difficulty with Uses the microphone to test your pronunciation Requires you to type answers as well as selecting from a list Totally free app Very limited use of pictures The website has more features Vocabulary flashcards on website Duolingo My opinion: Duolingo is definitely the most well known app It’s a good app, and I use it every day However, I do not think it is the BEST app. The lack of pictures to assist in remembering is a disadvantage. Languages: Spanish,
    [Show full text]
  • Andy Matuschak and Michael Nielsen
    How can we develop transformative tools for thought? Andy Matuschak and Michael Nielsen Part of the origin myth of modern computing is the story of roamed the earth, and today’s work is lesser. Yes, those a golden age in the 1960s and 1970s. In this story, visionary pioneers did amazing things, and arguably had ways of pioneers pursued a dream in which computers enabled working that modern technologists, in both industry and powerful tools for thought, that is, tools to augment academia, are poorly equipped to carry on. But they also human intelligence. One of E.g., Douglas Engelbart, made mistakes, and were ignorant of powerful ideas that those pioneers, Alan Kay, Augmenting Human Intellect: A are available today. And so a theme through both parts of Conceptual Framework (1962). summed up the optimism of the essay is to identify powerful ideas that weren’t this dream when he wrote of the potential of the personal formerly known or weren’t acted upon. Out of this computer: “the very use of it Alan Kay, User Interface: A Personal understanding arises a conviction that a remarkable set of would actually change the View (1989). opportunities is open today. thought patterns of an entire civilization”. A word on nomenclature: the term “tools for thought” It’s an inspiring dream, which helped lead to modern rolls off neither the tongue nor the keyboard. What’s more, interactive graphics, windowing interfaces, word the term “tool” implies a certain narrowness. Alan Kay has processors, and much else. But retrospectively it’s diffcult argued that a more powerful aim Again, in Alan Kay, User Interface: A not to be disappointed, to feel that computers have not yet is to develop a new medium for Personal View (1989), among other been nearly as transformative as far older tools for thought.
    [Show full text]
  • Predicting and Improving Memory Retention: Psychological Theory Matters in the Big Data Era
    Predicting and Improving Memory Retention: Psychological Theory Matters in the Big Data Era Michael C. Mozer∗† Robert V. Lindsey∗ ∗Department of Computer Science and yInstitute of Cognitive Science University of Colorado, Boulder February 11, 2016 Corresponding Author: Michael C. Mozer Department of Computer Science University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309-0430 [email protected] (303) 517-2777 word count: 8441 (text) + 586 (captions, etc.) Abstract Cognitive psychology has long had the aim of understanding mechanisms of human memory, with the expecta- tion that such an understanding will yield practical techniques that support learning and retention. Although research insights have given rise to qualitative advice for students and educators, we present a complemen- tary approach that offers quantitative, individualized guidance. Our approach synthesizes theory-driven and data-driven methodologies. Psychological theory characterizes basic mechanisms of human memory shared among members of a population, whereas machine-learning techniques use observations from a population to make inferences about individuals. We argue that despite the power of big data, psychological theory provides essential constraints on models. We present models of forgetting and spaced practice that predict the dynamic time-varying knowledge state of an individual student for specific material. We incorporate these models into retrieval-practice software to assist students in reviewing previously mastered material. In an ambitious year-long intervention in a middle-school foreign language course, we demonstrate the value of systematic review on long-term educational outcomes, but more specifically, the value of adaptive review that leverages data from a population of learners to personalize recommendations based on an individual's study history and past performance.
    [Show full text]