Numerous studies have documented the benefits of watching audio-visual materials with on-screen text for L2 vocabulary learning (Montero Perez, 2022). The provision of both auditory and textual input allows learners to link auditory and written forms (or L1 meanings) of unknown words during viewing, which could potentially facilitate vocabulary…

Creativity is a key 21st-century skill and a consistent predictor of academic learning outcomes. Despite decades of research on creativity and learning, little is known about the cognitive mechanisms underlying their relationship. In two studies, we examined whether creativity supports associative learning through associative thinking--the ability…

Bilingual environments present an important context for word learning. One feature of bilingual environments is the existence of translation equivalents (TEs)--words in different languages that share similar meanings. Documenting TE learning over development may give us insight into the mechanisms underlying word learning in young bilingual…

This meta-analysis aims to investigate gamification's impact on improving tertiary-level second-language learners' lexical repertoire. Forty-seven peer-reviewed works were evaluated for this analysis. The analysis focused on determining the effectiveness of gamified learning environments in the context of improving vocabulary and learning and…

There is considerable lab-based evidence for successful incidental learning, in which a learner's attention is directed away from the to-be-learned stimulus and towards another stimulus. In this study, we extend incidental learning research into the language learning classroom. Three groups of adult second language (L2) learners (N = 52) engaged…

Background/purpose: This study provides a comparative review of mobile applications and traditional classroom methods in English vocabulary acquisition. It explores whether mobile-assisted vocabulary learning (MAVL) results in better retention, engagement, and productive vocabulary use among ESL learners. The study also aims to identify underlying…

Scholars have suggested English classrooms with sufficient context and fun activities to increase English performance and promote learning motivation. With the rapid growth of technology-enhanced learning, virtual reality (VR) has become increasingly popular in English learning. Using VR without a well-designed learning environment, however, may…

There is a great deal of variation in gains found between studies of second language (L2) incidental vocabulary learning, as well as many factors that affect learning. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of exposure to L2 meaning-focused input on incidental vocabulary learning with an aim to clarify the proportional gains that occur…

This longitudinal mixed-method study investigated effects of the reading-while-listening mode on the incidental learning of two dimensions of vocabulary knowledge, namely receptive knowledge and productive knowledge, in a Chinese EFL classroom context. Additionally, EFL learners' attitudes toward the reading-while-listening mode of incidental…

There has been a great deal of interest in second language vocabulary studies regarding the potential of reading as a source of incidental vocabulary learning. More recently, several studies have also focused on comparing reading with other input modes, such as listening, or reading-while-listening. Among these studies there are two -- Brown et…

Around twenty thousand adult learners enrol onto Welsh language classes each year, but many do not progress beyond "Mynediad level" (= Entry, CEFR A1). The study reported here explored techniques to maintain early learning momentum, maximise learners' returns for their learning efforts, and accelerate initial vocabulary acquisition.…

Young learners' vocabulary learning needs interaction with language input when they are engaged in an activity. Given that AI-supported image recognition technologies offer hands-on learning in authentic contexts, and that self-regulated learning (SRL) enables learners to monitor and evaluate their learning when interacting with multi-sensory…

This review paper explores the role of individual differences in second language vocabulary learning, focusing on three key factors: out-of-class exposure (e.g., viewing TV, playing video games and listening to songs), strategic vocabulary learning, and motivation. Individual differences significantly impact vocabulary learning, making it crucial…

In recent years, the integration of digital technologies into language learning has gained significant attention, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. However, there remains a gap in understanding the broader affective and cognitive benefits of serious game-based learning (SGBL) in this field. The present…

Learning vocabulary is a central but yet complex aspect of learning a language. Hence, researchers stress the importance of facilitating vocabulary development via a structured approach to target words and recycling. While teaching materials have the potential to provide this structure to all students in a classroom, few studies have investigated…