Comparing three different techniques for english vocabulary learning and retention

Vocabulary is an inseparable part of language. Whichever language it is, to communicate, everyone needs a certain amount of vocabulary. Based on this, there is also a need to know how one can learn and retain new vocabularies successfully. Much research has been dedicated to the comparing of vocabulary teaching and learning techniques. However, there is limited research about the comparison of vocabulary teaching and learning techniques combined with the other language skills. Grounded on this gap, the present thesis aimed to investigate the differences between three different vocabulary learning and teaching techniques (reading only, pictured reading combined with writing, video watching combined with speaking) in terms of vocabulary learning and retention. Besides, it also tries to find out which technique is more motivational for learners, and which technique has more contribution to vocabulary learning and vocabulary retention. The participants were chosen randomly by the school administration from a private school in Bursa, and the total number of students was 20, who were the 6th grades. A pre-experimental research design with only one group, and a qualitative method have been used. The treatment process lasted 12 weeks in total; however, the first week was allocated for pre-test, and the last (twelfth) week was allocated for immediate post-test. To check the retention level of students, two delayed post-tests were used, one 4 weeks after the treatment, the other 13 weeks after the treatment. As a result, no difference was found among the techniques in terms of vocabulary learning; however, the pictured reading with writing technique had more contribution to vocabulary retention. Additionally, the video watching with speaking was the least effective technique for vocabulary retention, while most of the students reported the video watching combined with speaking as the most motivational technique in the interview.