Use of Mobile Apps for Enhanced Vocabulary Acquisition: A Comparative Study among Saudi EFL Students

Abstract

The paper presents a methodological approach and a summary of the major findings of the study. The main aim of the research was to investigate the effects of using mobile apps on vocabulary learning outcomes and motivation among Saudi EFL learners. The study adopts a survey method, combining quantitative data from a questionnaire. The survey was done among intermediate and elementary students including the type of sampling. The significance of the study lies in the fact that appropriate vocabulary acquisition is essential for good communication, but acquiring new words and using them can be dull. The research aimed to explore innovative ways of learning vocabulary in a foreign language by using mobile technology and learners’ perceptions and attitudes towards such apps that provide fun-filled learning. The main question addressed by the research was whether using mobile apps for vocabulary learning would lead to better outcomes than other methods. The context of the study was Saudi Arabia, where English is taught as a foreign language. The research tools used were mobile apps for vocabulary learning, which were compared with other methods. The results showed that the groups that used mobile apps for vocabulary learning significantly outperformed the other groups on vocabulary tests, indicating that mobile apps can be an effective tool for enhancing vocabulary acquisition among Saudi EFL learners.