Using the moodle reader as an extensive reading tool and its effect on Iranian EFL students' incidental vocabulary learning

Abstract

The present study focused on using the Moodle Reader to promote extensive reading (ER) in an Iranian EFL context, emphasizing its effect on students' incidental vocabulary acquisition. Thirty eight Shiraz University sophomores were assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group used the MoodleReader for their ER program, while the control group followed the traditional ER curriculum, reading a small number of pre-assigned graded readers during the semester. Both groups were given Production and Recognition Vocabulary Levels Tests before and after the experiment. T-tests showed that using the MoodleReader improved the experimental group's incidental vocabulary acquisition, having a stronger effect on production as compared to recognition vocabulary. Linear regression analyses were also run to determine the relationship between incidental vocabulary acquisition and the learners' use of vocabulary learning strategies. The results indicated a significant relationship between the experimental group's vocabulary production and their use of vocabulary learning strategies.