The Role of Quizlet Learning Tool in Learners' Lexical Retention: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

The integration of technologies into education, especially language learning, has become more prevalent in this information age. One of the widely used tools for supporting second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition is Quizlet. Despite its increased popularity, empirical research on the effectiveness of Quizlet in enhancing L2 learners' lexical retention is still limited. Furthermore, most works primarily used conventional statistical methods such as t-tests or ANOVA, which might generate errors of Type I and II. This study aims to fill in these gaps by examining the impact of Quizlet on the lexical gains of EFL students at a private institution in Vietnam. Fifty-nine undergraduates participated in the study and were separated into two groups. The control group (n=28) did not utilize Quizlet during the in-class lessons, while the experimental group (n=31) revised vocabulary using Quizlet on a weekly basis. During four weeks, the experimental group reviewed thirty-two target words, divided into four sets (one set including eight items). Each set was utilized for one week in class under the supervision of the teacher. The data from the pretest and posttest were analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Model to generate more reliable statistics. The results demonstrated that learners in the experimental group achieved significantly better scores than those in the control group. Therefore, it could be concluded that Quizlet should be implemented in the classroom as a review or practice activity on a regular basis.