Abstract:
Vocabulary serves as one of the most necessary skills required by undergraduates in
using English effectively. Utilizing online learning platforms to deliver and test
vocabulary has been challenging given the shift of traditional classroom practices
into virtual mode. Thus, the present study examined the effectiveness of online
vocabulary testing practices in the undergraduate second language classroom based
on the perceptions of forty voluntary participants studying in a local university. Three
vocabulary testing approaches; quizzes, game based activities and tasks that require
providing short answers were practiced over the period of ten lecture hours. Online
tools that enable vocabulary testing such as Kahoot, Padlet and LMS were adopted.
The students’ perspectives towards the aforementioned learning methods and tools
were examined through a questionnaire consisting of open and close-ended
questions. Descriptive analysis method was used to evaluate the results accordingly.
As per the findings, online vocabulary based games were identified as the most
preferred source of vocabulary development of the participants whereas online tools
that aided providing short answers to questions were found to be the most productive
vocabulary testing method. Answering online quizzes was an effective source of
memory retention and language revision in the students’ point of view. This study
only focused on utilizing three online tools which limited the testing of other forms
of tools. The study recommends incorporating game based vocabulary activities as a
must practice throughout the course of virtual language teaching as the students’
responses revealed online vocabulary activities to be learner-friendly which can
alleviate the monotony of learning whilst enhancing their interaction and
participation.
