The Impact of Augmented Reality (AR) on Vocabulary Acquisition and Student Motivation

Abstract

Although there is a growing body of literature about the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in language learning, research regarding its effectiveness for vocabulary development among secondary students is scarce. This study aims to measure the perception toward AR technology (H1), the effect of its use on vocabulary development (H2), and its impact on student motivation (H3). In this mixed method research based on convenient sampling, 130 students aged 14 to 15 (9th-graders) from two secondary education schools were assigned to an experimental (n = 64) and a control (n = 66) group. Both groups needed to learn 30 geographic terms in English over four weeks. The control group used a traditional method based on a handbook, while the experimental group was exposed to an AR-based lesson containing the same lexical terms. The instruments involved an English pre-post-test about the target vocabulary, a pre-post-survey, and a class discussion. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed through SPSS 20 statistical software and a thematic analysis, respectively. The results evidenced positive attitudes and a strong interest in AR integration in language learning. However, no significant differences were observed regarding vocabulary learning performance between both groups of secondary students.