English vocabulary learning in the Netherlands.
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2023-07-13
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en
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This study focuses on how English vocabulary is offered in three English courseware in the Netherlands: Of Course, Stepping Stones, and New Interface. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining the analysis of reading texts and vocabulary exercises, as well as interviews with courseware designers. The research builds upon previous studies that have highlighted the strong correlation between reading skills and vocabulary knowledge. The interviews revealed that successful vocabulary learning relies on several key factors, including word repetition at different intervals, authenticity of materials, and real-life learning objectives. The vocabulary in the reading texts was analysed using TextInspector which divides the words into the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) categories. The vocabulary exercises were evaluated using an adapted version of the Technique Feature Analysis (TFA), consisting of eight criteria. It was found that the lower-level words (A1, A2, B1) were most common in the texts of all three courseware, while higher level words were repeated less frequently. Of the three courseware, Of Course repeated words throughout the textbooks most often and exhibited the highest compliance with the TFA criteria at 64%, followed by Stepping Stones and New Interface, both meeting just under 55% of the criteria.
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