The effect of using flashcards on ESL (English as a Second Language) students’ ability to learn vocabulary

Abstract

An increased vocabulary and good memory of such vocabulary could help students boost their knowledge of English and better manage conversation and writing skills. This research aims to evaluate two methods of learning using the technique of flashcards. Flashcards can either be bought, already prepared in bookstores, or students can make their own flashcards. Each of these aforementioned methods of acquiring flashcards has its own structure. In the latter technique, whereby prepared flashcards are used by students, there can be various effects on students’ ability for learning vocabulary. This study was done to test pre-university students attending high school. Students were asked to answer pretest and post test examination questions. Finally the study showed us producing handmade flashcards is infact time-consuming task.