The type of vocabulary learning strategies used by students to improve speaking skills at a private high school in the city of Loja

Abstract

The present study examined the type of vocabulary learning strategies used by students to improve speaking skills at a private high school in the city of Loja. The purpose of this study was to determine the most and least used strategies by students and to analyze the effectiveness of strategies in students’ speaking. The sample selected for the study was 32 students from a private high school of Loja. Based on the aim of this research, qualitative and quantitative methods were used to determine and understand the use of vocabulary learning strategies. Additionally, the instruments applied were observations, questionnaires, and individual interviews for both students and teachers. The results showed that “to listen to English songs”, “to use English websites”; and “to watch English television programs/films” were the most used strategies by students. On the other hand, the least used strategies were “to keep a vocabulary notebook” and “to make a group of words for reviewing”. Finally, it was found that the most beneficial strategy for improving speaking skill is “interaction” because students can learn and practice English features.