Learning through tests: does testing improve second language learning?
Abstract
Taking the hypothesis “Does testing improve second language learning?” as a starting point, the
possibility of learning through tests is analysed in this research.
Vocabulary learning is used as the field of research in order to be able to distinguish students’
prior knowledge from the ability to learn the intended material. The experiments in the research
have been conducted to two groups in two different classes with similar backgrounds. The
experimental group took the test first and on the other day they studied the material. The control
group studied the material first and on the other day they took a test on the material. Later, both
of the groups took a final retention test and the improvement of the students’ knowledge of the
subject is tested. My hypothesis proved wrong in the first analyses. The control group who
studied the material first and took the exam later with the classical approach proved their better
understanding of the new subject by performing better in the final retention test.
However, in later analyses, it is realised that the research needs a revision and a change in the
research method. Through these changes it will be proved that dealing with the words that the
students have never met before in an examination environment raises their curiosity towards the
words. So, the role of this research should be seen as a preparatory work to be able to determine
the best research method.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
-
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Müjgan Büyüktaş
This is me
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Submission Date
January 1, 2009
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2009 Number: 13