BBC Learning English website and vocabulary learning

Abstract

The present research project aimed to analyze how the use of the “BBC Learning English” website develops vocabulary learning in students of the fifth level of the career “PINE” from “Universidad Técnica de Ambato”. The number of students selected was 13, 11 females and 2 males from 22 to 30 years old. Additionally, this research work has a quantitative approach, correlational, descriptive, exploratory level, and experimental modality because a pre-test was applied to observe their vocabulary level before using the website. Then the method applied in each class was the PPP, in which the students learned and reinforced the vocabulary related to suffixes, phrasal verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in activities such as selecting the word with the correct definition, matching words with their pictures, reading short stories and fill in the blanks, write sentences using the new vocabulary and multiple-choice questions. Finally, a post-test was applied to students. The test was taken and adapted from the “BBC Learning English” website according to the student’s English level and it was validated by two experts. In addition, the data collected of the scores that students had in both tests were analyzed using the SPPS software and a t-test to verify the hypothesis. There was a significant difference in scores between the two tests because in the pre-test the general average of students was 12,69 out of 20 points, while in the post-test students had a general average of 16,92 points out of 20 points. Owing to the results obtained from the pre and post-test, it can be stated that the use of the BBC Learning English website had a positive impact on the development of students’ vocabulary because it allows them to practice with different activities and resources. All these types of activities arise students’ interest and motivate them to acquire and develop new vocabulary autonomously.