Enhancing Vocabulary Skills through Quizlet Flashcards Software among Grade 9 Students
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Vocabulary acquisition is a fundamental pillar of English language proficiency, directly impacting reading comprehension and academic expression. However, many secondary EFL/ESL learners face systemic difficulties in text comprehension due to restricted lexical knowledge. This study investigated the efficacy of Quizlet digital flashcard software in improving students' vocabulary skills. Employing an Embedded Mixed-Methods Design incorporating a one-group repeated-measures (pretest-midtest-posttest) design with 39 Grade 9 students and a qualitative Focus Group Discussion (FGD, n = 5), the study monitored lexical progress across a 6-week intervention. Quantitative baseline measurements revealed a low initial performance level (M = 15.59, SD = 3.21). Following implementation, scores demonstrated significant gains at the mid-point assessment (M = 23.08, SD = 3.84) and final posttest (M = 30.95, SD = 4.12). A non-parametric Friedman test confirmed significant variance across testing intervals (χ2(2) = 74.05, p < .001) with a substantial effect size (Kendall’s W = 0.95), while post hoc Nemenyi tests confirmed significant pairwise improvements. Qualitative thematic analysis via Braun and Clarke’s framework yielded three master themes: Gamified Cognitive Engagement, Enhanced Academic Confidence, and Socioeconomic/Infrastructural Barriers. High inter-coder agreement (κ = 0.88) was established, and trustworthiness was reinforced through audit trails, reflexivity, and systematic member-checking procedures. The findings demonstrate that digital flashcard integration enhances vocabulary acquisition, though connectivity constraints present implementation hurdles in public school contexts.
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