Design, development and evaluation of a web-based English academic vocabulary learning resource for pre-university ESL learners

Abstract

Academic vocabulary is fundamental for pre-university ESL learners to succeed academically and prepare for higher-level studies. However, there are notable deficiencies in acquired academic vocabulary due to the lack of effective resources to support explicit academic vocabulary learning. This study aims to design, develop and evaluate an academic vocabulary web-based learning resource called 5 Step Academic Words. This study utilises the Design and Development Research (DDR) design, integrating the ADDIE (Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) instructional design model to develop the web resource. It encompasses three phases: needs analysis, design and development, and implementation and evaluation. In the first phase, learners’ learning needs are identified through a survey questionnaire involving 117 pre-university ESL learners at a Centre of Foundation Studies in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with four English language teachers enrich the survey findings. The second phase involves designing and developing the web resource based on needs analysis findings, literature review, and learning theories. Six experts in English vocabulary teaching and learning and instructional technology and design evaluate the prototype developed, using a questionnaire to assess its design, technical, content and pedagogy aspects. Expert recommendations are incorporated to improve the prototype before implementation. The final evaluation phase involves 103 pre-university ESL learners to evaluate the user acceptance of the developed 5 Step Academic Words web resource through a survey questionnaire focusing on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived ease of learning, and attitude towards use. Quantitative data are analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data use thematic analysis. The findings show a high level of user acceptance for the 5 Step Academic Words web resource, highlighting the advantages of technology-enhanced vocabulary instruction in addressing learners’ lexical gaps. This study contributes an innovative learning resource incorporating localised content, productive retrievals, explicit instructions, immediate feedback, a flexible learning environment, and multimedia elements. The user acceptance evaluation also suggests the potential adoption of the 5 Step Academic Words web resource, nurturing independent postsecondary ESL learners.