Vocabulary Learning and Memory Strategies Usage among English for Medical Purposes (EMP) Students
Abstract
In the backdrop of globalization, proficient command of English as an international language is essential in different research fields. English for Medical Purposes (EMP) is an essential prerequisite for international communication and exchanges, however, vocabulary has been found to be an obstacle in EMP learning, which affects learners’ academic achievement in their professional field. This article investigated students’ beliefs on EMP vocabulary learning, preferences for memory strategies, and perceptions on memory strategies usage. It aimed to find out the difficulty in EMP vocabulary learning, viable memory strategies and the effect and influence of using these strategies. A qualitative research method of in-depth interview was used to deeply explore students’ real subjective thinking on EMP vocabulary learning and memory strategies usage. Students from Ningxia Medical University, China, who would like to improve their EMP lexical proficiency were conveniently selected as the participants. The qualitative analysis software NVivo 12 was used to analyze the collected data. The results mainly indicate that most students believe EMP lexis is challenging to learn because of its complicated characteristics, while high language proficiency learners are found to utilize more memory strategies. Students primarily concentrate on simple operations of strategies use and agree on the benefits of enhancing memorization, while having own categorization of learning EMP lexical items. The conclusions obtained from the research results could provide references for both EMP vocabulary teaching and learning, and some recommendations are proposed to improve EMP vocabulary learning quality.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.6.12
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Al-Khawaldeh, N. N., Olimat, S. N., Mahadin, D. K., Mashaqba, B. M., & Al Huneety, A. I. (2023). The impact of COVID-19 and its terminology learning strategies on EFL learners’ vocabulary repertoire. Ampersand, 10(100119), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2023.100119
Al-Qaysi, F. H., & Shabdin, A. A. (2016). Vocabulary memorization strategies among Arab postgraduate English foreign language learners. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 7(5), 184-194. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.7n.5p.184
Bai, J. (2022). Kecheng sizheng zai gaoxiao yixue yingyu jiaoxue zhong de yingyong [The application of curriculum ideas in college medical English teaching]. Learning Monthly, 684(8), 51-54. http://ss.zhizhen.com/jour/detail_38502727e7500f26e25ec8096edc84c49985c898c7995b111921b0a3ea255101fc1cf1fbb4666ae6df70e5cde1c020b7d8585710fb6a427d09e7e0cb9e4ad34fe194f52e57a98787a36bdc31661aff8f
Bashori, M., Van Hout, R., Strik, H., & Cucchiarini, C. (2021). Effects of ASR-based websites on EFL learners’ vocabulary, speaking anxiety, and language enjoyment. System, 99(102496), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2021.102496
Castillo-Montoya, M. (2016). Preparing for interview research: The interview protocol refinement framework. The Qualitative Report, 21(5), 811-831. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2337
Chen, Y. Y. (2020). The application and research on association memory strategy in English vocabulary teaching [Master Dissertation, Qufu Normal University]. Qufu Normal University Research Repository.
Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2015). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Thousand Oaks.
Creswell, J. W. (2015). A concise introduction to mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Cui, H., & Kaur, N. (2023). Status of memory strategies use among medical English students. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(8), 358-375. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.8.19
Dai, X.M. (2019). Empirical research on English vocabulary memory strategy of rural junior high school [Master Dissertation, Chongqing Normal University]. Chongqing Normal University Research Repository.
Fan, J. Y. (2018). Cihui jiyi celve zai shangwu yinngyu zhong de tongji yingyong [The statistical application of vocabulary memory strategies in business English]. Zhongguo Tongji, 5, 60-62. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=cjfd2018&filename=zgtj201805025&dbcode=cjfq
Gao, M., & Zhang, H. (2022). Shengwu yixue yingyu de yuyan tedian ji dui Tradosyi hou bianji de zhidao [The language characteristics of biomedical English and the guidance of post-editing of Trados]. Overseas English, 21, 69-72. http://ss.zhizhen.com/jour/detail_38502727e7500f26e8a1db79d123c45b103103b46b7fd19e1921b0a3ea255101fc1cf1fbb4666ae6dd5244bf8944a59053904d133b5cad194655c3977ebf83bbd36d5343ea43aefff991eeccbf7ef15a
Gou, L. F. (2020). Research on occupational identity and occupational system reconstruction of county-level media practitioners - Based on in-depth interviews with 40 county-level media center operators in G Province [Master dissertation, Lanzhou University]. Lanzhou University Research Repository.
Guan, J. (2018). Vocabulary memory strategies in the empirical study of English vocabulary teaching in rural areas [Master Dissertation, Harbin Normal University]. Harbin Normal University Research Repository.
Hong, Z. (2007). An empirical study on English vocabulary memory strategies of high school students [Master Dissertation, Nanjing Normal University]. Nanjing Normal University Research Repository.
Jacob, S. A., & Furgerson, S. P. (2012). Writing interview protocols and conducting interviews: Tips for students new to the field of qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 17(42), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1718
Jiang, L. (2020). A Survey on junior high school students’ current use of English vocabulary memory strategies: A case study of X middle school in Beihai [Master Dissertation, Nanning Normal University]. Nanning Normal University Research Repository.
Jin, H. Y., Zhang, M., Zhou, H., He, M. Q., Zeng, D., Pu, D., & Wang, H. (2021). Yixue yingyu cihuixue kecheng jiaoxue xianzhaung yanjiu ji gaige chutan [Research on the current status of medical English vocabulary courses and and reform on it].
Health Vocational Education, 14, 34-37. http://ss.zhizhen.com/jour/detail_38502727e7500f268be4db1a6017c9497c434681884c66371921b0a3ea255101fc1cf1fbb4666ae65cd38bd42197ba46bdddcedd1a480cd73e07bb1186f845fe06fcad2733255ff65a0769befaa3ccba
Jin, L., Wang, X., Chen, X., & Li, M. (2020). Yixue yingyu cihui xuexi celve diaocha ji jiaoxue jianyi [A survey of medical English vocabulary learning strategies and teaching suggestions]. Modern English, 6, 7-9. http://ss.zhizhen.com/jour/detail_38502727e7500f26b1da6c39925196f6ed2d5785eb44fea31921b0a3ea255101fc1cf1fbb4666ae6f682075edd23c5403c471e771bae2294e24a191b91b6a16953505fd6008cb0a10a98bb57be630a3c
Kang, Y. (2021). Xinli cihui shiyuxia de yixue yingyu shuyu xide celve yanjiu [Research on the acquisition strategies of medical English terminology from the perspective of psychological vocabulary]. Overseas English, 19, 66-67. http://ss.zhizhen.com/jour/detail_38502727e7500f26e46a632ef9cf90de123b333565d4dec71921b0a3ea255101fc1cf1fbb4666ae68c5a8df5efae8cb6e06c3165bc50e4b32ff9258429f2f7c5a31f97cbf67bf7bb6bc5b2098ead297c
Ke, M. (2022). CLIL jiaoxue linian dui gaodeng yixue yuanxiao yixue yingyu jiaoxue gaige qishi [CLIL teaching concepts revealed to the reform of medical English teaching in colleges and universities]. Overseas English, 20, 11-13. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=cjfdtemp&filename=hwyy202220046
Le, C. N. N., & Miller, J. (2023). A core meaning-based analysis of English semi-technical vocabulary in the medical field. English for Specific Purposes, 70, 252-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2023.01.006
Lei, J. H., & Wu, D. H. (2019). A preliminary study on the effect of medical English vocabulary discourse learning and memory. Scientific Teaching Journal, 33, 71-73. https://doi.org/10.16400/j.cnki.kjdkx.2019.11.035?
Li, Y. (2019). Empirical research of high school English vocabulary memory strategies [Master Dissertation, Huazhong Normal University]. Huazhong Normal University Research Repository.
Liu, Y. L., & Tan, Z. H. (2021). Eryu xide lilun zai yixue yingyu cihui jiaoxue zhong de yingyong [The application of the second language acquisition theory in the teaching of medical English vocabulary]. Overseas English, 6, 103-105. http://ss.zhizhen.com/jour/detail_38502727e7500f26de509cb0f9c323dc83adf94e95e2a19a1921b0a3ea255101fc1cf1fbb4666ae6b91ce6918eec08976037878e751b560311d563e79eca2e071447894622a50bd0dde1f89558bf95f0
Lockhart, R. S., & Craik, F. I. M. (1990). Levels of processing: A retrospective commentary on a framework for memory research. Canadian Journal of Psychology / Revue canadienne de psychologie, 44(1), 87-112. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0084237
Lv, W. P. (2003). The application of processing level in the study of English vocabulary memory method. Journal of Xi’an International Studies University, 11(1), 48-50. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=cjfd2003&filename=xawx200301015&dbcode=cjfq
M Al Zahrani, S., & Chaudhary, A. (2022). Vocabulary learning strategies in ESP context: knowledge and implication. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ), 13 (1), 382-393. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no1.25.
Ma, G. H. (1997). Study on the differences in learning strategies between high and low language proficiency students. Foreign Language World, 2, 39-41. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=cjfd1997&filename=wyjy702.007&dbcode=cjfq
Mitchell, R., & Myles, F. (2002). Second Language Learning Theories. Arnold.
Nation, I. S. P. (2001). Learning vocabulary in another language. Cambridge University Press.
Nurhidayat, N., & Fatmawati, A. (2021). Need analysis for English special purpose in medical laboratory technology students. Ethical Lingua, 8(2), 390-398. https://doi.org/10.30605/25409190.232
Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. Newbury House.
Oxford, R., & Nyikos, M. (1989). Variables affecting choice of language learning strategies by university students. The Modern Language Journal, 73(3), 291-300. https://doi.org/10.2307/327003
Pu, X. Y. (2020). An empirical study on vocabulary memory strategies and vocabulary size of non-English major freshmen [Master Dissertation, Yunnan Normal University]. Yunnan Normal University Research Repository.
Saydullayevna, N. N., & Furkatovna, A. N. (2020). Teaching English language for medical purpose in higher school. EPRA International Journal of Research and Development, 5(2), 152-154. https://doi.org/10.36713/epra2016
Schimidt. (2001). Attention, cognition and second language Instruction. Cambridge University Press.
Seidman, I. (2013). Interviewing as qualitative research: A guide researchers in education and the social sciences (4th ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Song, Y., Ye, Y., Wang, C., & Cheng, Z. (2015). Jiyu jidui fenxi de xuesheng chengjifenxi suanfa [Students’ achievement analysis algorithm based on set-pair analysis]. Journal of Anhui University of Technology (Natural Science), 32(4), 383-388. https://doi.org/10.3969/i.issn.1671-7872.2015.04.016
Tian, J. Y., & Jiang, D. P. (2020). “Yi qiguan wei zhuxian”yixue yingyu cihui zukuai jiyifa wenjuan diaocha fenxi [The questionnaire survey and analysis of the memory method of medical English vocabulary chunk method of “Organ system as the main line”]. English on Campus, 537(45), 38-39. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=cjfd2020&filename=xyyy202045019&dbcode=cjfq
Wang, J., & Yu, J. Y. (2018). On the mastery and memory strategies of the four level English vocabulary. Journal of Jiamusi Vocational Institute, 2, 363-364. http://ss.zhizhen.com/jour/detail_38502727e7500f269eaa72357a3c7dbdfb685674503bd34e1921b0a3ea255101fc1cf1fbb4666ae62bc100b257d17ab331b1f2d52b185c8fadb2a13f1fab85619550f2ddc6bedff172dec1f8d4be5943
Wang, T. T., & Zhang, X. H. (2021). Yixue yingyu cihui tezheng jiqi fanyi qianxi [Study on characteristics of medical English vocabulary and its translation]. English Square, 161(6), 41-44. https://doi.org/10.16723/J.CNKI.YYGC.2021.17.012
Wang, Z. Z., Wu, A. M., Su, Y. Y., & Shen, J. (2021). Jiyu CNKI de guoneiyixue yingyu cihui jiaoxue yanjiu jinzhan fenxi [Research on medical English vocabulary teaching based on CNKI]. Medicine and Society, 34(10), 112-118. https://doi.org/10.13723/j.yxysh.2021.10.022
Warni, A., & Jufri, A. C. (2023). A study of students’ ability in understanding medical vocabulary at nursing English class of “Universitas Sumatera Barat”. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Konseling (JPDK), 5(1), 2209-2215. https://doi.org/10.31004/jpdk.v5i1.11290
Williams, A., Stevens, J. R., Anderson, R., & Bogren, M. (2024). Challenges and opportunities of English as the medium of instruction in diploma midwifery programs in Bangladesh: a mixed-methods study. BMC Medical Education, 24(523), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05499-8
Yang, Y. Q. (2021). Correlation study between English vocabulary memory strategies of senior grade one students and vocabulary teaching strategies in Yining city [Master Dissertation, Yi Li Normal University], Yi Li Normal University Research Repository.
Zaidi, H., & Jadaan, O. A. (2022). Students’ linguistic skills and problems in learning medical vocabulary at a health sciences university in the UAE. European Journal of Education Studies, 9(6), 90-104. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v9i6.4330
Zheng, L.H., & You, R. J. (2021). Yidong xuexi shiyuxia yixue yingyu cihui xuexi youxiaoxing de yanjiu [Research on the effectiveness of medical English vocabulary in mobile learning]. Journal of Chinese Medicine Management, 29(12), 11-14. https://doi.org/10.16690/j.cnki.1007-9203.2021.12.005
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
e-ISSN: 1694-2116
p-ISSN: 1694-2493