Using Cartoon Discussions for Vocabulary Acquisition in English Language Teaching

Abstract

Action research was carried out in the preparatory program of a foundation university to examine the effectiveness of cartoon discussions in vocabulary acquisition. Students were shown cartoon videos based on the theme of the textbook unit and were asked to answer the guiding questions including the target vocabulary implicitly or explicitly. Students were divided into randomly selected groups and were asked to complete a task using the vocabulary acquired through the learning management system. The students (n=19) were given a pre-and post-test with words that they were supposed to learn during the eight-week process. The tests were assessed by three different teachers (the W-coefficient was found as .944 for inter-rater reliability) using a pre-prepared rubric by the researchers. To evaluate students’ perceptions, at the end of the process, students were given a questionnaire. Findings revealed that the post-test results of the students, who acquired vocabulary through cartoon discussion and practiced collaboratively through the learning management system, were significantly higher compared to their pre-test results. Students expressed positive views concerning this method in the questionnaire applied. Acquisition of vocabulary through cartoon discussions was found effective and was well-received by students.