Schedule: 2009-09-10 (15:00 - 15:45)
Parallel Session 2 (Room A-34)

Title: An investigation into long-term vocabulary knowledge change: Comparison of actual data and simulation data
Authors: Makoto Yoshii
Abstract: This study attempts to examine long-term change in learners’ vocabulary knowledge. The researcher used a computer simulation to predict the change and compared the data with actual data collected through Japanese university students. Matrix model (Meara, 1990) was used as a theoretical base for the study. This model, using a self-rating test with discrete states in vocabulary knowledge, allows researchers to make predictions of vocabulary change. The study took place with twenty six university students in Japan during regular school semester for over three months dealing with 200 words. They were EFL learners who were majoring in English language and literature. The participants rated their vocabulary knowledge in two different states weekly for 10 weeks. The two states included: 1) Yes, I know the meaning of the word; and 2) No, I don’t know the meaning of the word. They were going through intentional learning (20 words per week) during this study. In the presentation, the researcher will share the results of the comparison of the data between the simulation and the study with the actual participants. The researcher will investigate if any patterns of changes appear in the simulation data and in the actual study data. The researcher will discuss the possibility of using such simulations for measuring and investigating vocabulary change.

Reference:
Meara, P. (1990). Matrix models of vocabulary acquisition. AILA Review 6, 66-74.
Keywords: Vocabulary learning, simulation, testing, long-term study, matrix model

Main topic: Assessment, testing, feedback and guidance in CALL

Biodata: Makoto Yoshii teaches at Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Japan. He graduated from University of South Florida with a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition and Instructional Technology. He is interested in SLA, CALL, and vocabulary acquisition.
Type of presentation Paper presentation

Paper category Research

Target educational sector Higher education

Language of delivery English

EU-funded project No

Schedule:	2009-09-10 (15:00 - 15:45) Parallel Session 2 (Room A-34)
Title:	An investigation into long-term vocabulary knowledge change: Comparison of actual data and simulation data
Authors:	Makoto Yoshii
Abstract:	This study attempts to examine long-term change in learners’ vocabulary knowledge. The researcher used a computer simulation to predict the change and compared the data with actual data collected through Japanese university students. Matrix model (Meara, 1990) was used as a theoretical base for the study. This model, using a self-rating test with discrete states in vocabulary knowledge, allows researchers to make predictions of vocabulary change. The study took place with twenty six university students in Japan during regular school semester for over three months dealing with 200 words. They were EFL learners who were majoring in English language and literature. The participants rated their vocabulary knowledge in two different states weekly for 10 weeks. The two states included: 1) Yes, I know the meaning of the word; and 2) No, I don’t know the meaning of the word. They were going through intentional learning (20 words per week) during this study. In the presentation, the researcher will share the results of the comparison of the data between the simulation and the study with the actual participants. The researcher will investigate if any patterns of changes appear in the simulation data and in the actual study data. The researcher will discuss the possibility of using such simulations for measuring and investigating vocabulary change. Reference: Meara, P. (1990). Matrix models of vocabulary acquisition. AILA Review 6, 66-74.
Keywords:	Vocabulary learning, simulation, testing, long-term study, matrix model
Main topic:	Assessment, testing, feedback and guidance in CALL
Biodata:	Makoto Yoshii teaches at Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Japan. He graduated from University of South Florida with a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition and Instructional Technology. He is interested in SLA, CALL, and vocabulary acquisition.
Type of presentation	Paper presentation
Paper category	Research
Target educational sector	Higher education
Language of delivery	English
EU-funded project	No