Benefits of Using CALL Vocabulary Programs to Provide Systematic Word Recycling

Considering the large amount of vocabulary that language students need to learn and the limited amount of time available in the classroom, CALL is increasingly seen as an attractive option. One particular advantage of CALL vocabulary instruction is to provide systematic repetition of words, ensuring that learned words are not forgotten. Though previous studies have shown strong support for using systematic recycling of vocabulary words based on repetition schedules, to date no study has determined if CALL vocabulary programs are effective in comparison to traditional vocabulary teaching and study. This study compared five groups with different vocabulary treatments, some with a CALL vocabulary program and others with only classroom instruction or independent study. The results showed that the CALL vocabulary instruction groups dramatically outperformed the non-CALL vocabulary study groups. Use of CALL vocabulary programs with built in repetition schedules is recommended.