Investigating Some Strategies for Improving Secondary School Students' Vocabulary Learning: A Case Study of Some Secondary Schools in Zalingei, Sudan

Abstract

This study aims to investigate vocabulary learning strategies employed by secondary school students in Zalingei town. The study sets to find out ways that help students raise their awareness in using vocabulary strategies to improve their language skills. The target group in the study is first, second and third year secondary school students in Zalingei town, the sample consists of (120) both male and female students from the total number (1250) students represented by four secondary schools for the school year (2016- 2017). The study also aims to identify the types of using these strategies. Two questionnaires one for the teachers and the other for students and interview were used for data collection. To achieve the aims of this study and find answers to the questions of the study, the researcher used descriptive analytical method. After analyzing data the study has come up with a number of findings. Some of the most important findings are: the study revealed that the students' use of different vocabulary learning strategies some of them relate Memory, and cognitive types. There is little use of these strategies because the students are not aware of, and have not practiced, where the students face difficulties in recalling meaning of the words already learned and discovering meaning of the new words. Therefore, this phenomenon needs teaching and training of the students on vocabulary learning strategies to improve their language skills. Finally, the researcher recommends that English language teachers' attention should be drawn to train their students on kinds of vocabulary learning strategies, regardless of learners' level.