The Effectiveness of Anxiety-Management Strategies on Vocabulary Learning in EFL Students

Abstract

Abstract: The study The Effectiveness of Anxiety-Management Strategies on Vocabulary Learning in EFL Students aims to evaluate the effectiveness of anxiety-management strategies on vocabulary learning among EFL students. It was conducted at a public educational institution in the province of Zamora Chinchipe and applied a mixed-method approach, including quantitative and qualitative data. The participants in this study included fifty eighth- and ninthjunior high school students, along with one EFL teacher. The techniques used were testing, survey, interview, and observation. The instruments applied during the data collection phase were pre and posttest, an anxiety questionnaire, a student s perceptions questionnaire, a teacher and students questionnaire, and an observation sheet. The results revealed that all strategies helped reduce students anxiety and improve vocabulary retention, with the Focus on Content strategy being the most effective. Students showed greater confidence, increased participation, and better vocabulary performance. These findings highlight the importance of creating supportive classroom environments to reduce anxiety and promote meaningful learning.