A STUDY ON VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY EFL STUDENTS AT FPT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Learning a brand-new language entails various challenges, one of these is grasping the vocabulary of the language. Vocabulary has been recognized as crucial to language use in which insufficient vocabulary knowledge of the learners led to difficulties in second language learning. Thus, this study intended to explore how students perceived the importance of vocabulary in language learning and investigate what strategies they often used. Supporting the aim of this study, it was decided that the most effective method for this investigation is mixed methods research design. The research used the convenience sampling method with support from 222 FPT University students learning different majors who were invited to respond to an online survey. Eight participants were then chosen for direct interviews to have an in-depth understanding and explanations of students’ points of view. The findings revealed that most students had positive attitudes towards vocabulary learning strategies used in learning English. Besides, among six divided strategies, students preferred Memory Strategies (MEM Strategies) the most while Quizlet was chosen to be the most effective technique. There was a lack of vocabulary learning strategies research on Vietnamese students. This research filled that gap by exploring the perspectives of FPT University Hanoi students on this topic. It is hoped that the finding of this research will be valuable for teachers or English language learners to adjust their teaching and learning of vocabulary effectively.