Comparative Analysis of Vocabulary Learning Strategies in Learning English as a Foreign Language among Freshmen and Senior Medical Sciences Students Across Different Fields of Study

Abstract

Learning strategies play an important role in the development of language skills. Vocabulary learning strategies, regarded as the backbone of these strategies, have become a major part of English language teaching. This study aims to compare use and preference of Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLS) among freshmen and senior EFL medical sciences students across different fields of study. 449 students participated in the study, of which 64.6% were female and 35.4% were male. The instrument utilized in this research was a questionnaire consisting of 41 items related to the students’ approach to vocabulary learning. The items were classified under eight sections as dictionary strategies, guessing strategies, study preferences, memory strategies, autonomy, note- taking strategies, selective attention, and social strategies. The results indicated that freshmen students, particularly students majoring in surgical technology used memorisation technique followed by dictionary use and note taking strategies more than the senior students. In particular, male students were more autonomous while female students preferred to use social strategies. Overall, guessing and dictionary strategies were the most frequently used strategies among all the learners (p=0.000). Based on the results, which indicated more strategy use by the freshmen students, it is recommended that language teachers recognize the different needs of the students at different levels, and adjust teaching and learning procedures accordingly.