Vocabulary Acquisition Style in the ESL Classroom: A Survey on the Use of Vocabulary Learning Strategies by the Primary 3 Learners

Abstract

The factor that influences the effectiveness of vocabulary acquisition is the use of vocabulary learning strategies. It is one of the crucial factors that affect the success of English vocabulary learning. This study aims to explore the vocabulary learning strategies that mostly preferred by Primary 3 school pupils in a primary school of Padawan district, Sarawak. The survey design was employed and used questionnaire to collect the data from the participants. They were randomly chosen from Primary 3 class. Seven vocabulary learning strategies were adapted in conducting the survey namely dictionary strategies, guessing strategies, study preferences, memory strategies, autonomy learning, note-taking strategies and social strategies. The outcomes showed that majority of primary 3 pupils were strongly agreed that memory strategies were the most preferred strategies used to learn vocabulary, followed by dictionary strategies and guessing strategies. Thus, language teachers are recommended to be aware of the pupils’ learning styles at different proficiency, and apply various teaching and learning methods according to current education contexts.