Computer-Assisted Approach to Enhance Natural Informal Acquisition of Vocabulary

Abstract

This study is basically an investigation into the natural approach as a learning and teaching theory in an informal environment and CALL games in vocabulary acquisition. It seeks to achieve these objectives: through the investigation of the impact of the proposed learning and teaching program to grade six students in Sudan, investigating teacher’s attitude and to present how training helps them. Grade six students from Sinnar Sugar Co. basic schools were a sample of 70 students. The study was aimed to revealing the effectiveness of the natural approach as a learning theory and CALL games as a technique. The experimental group (EG) consisted of 35 students; and the control group (CG) consisted of 35 students in the experiment. There were 35 English teachers who volunteered to participate in the attitudinal questionnaire. The findings of the study indicated that there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group. The relatively high mean score of the experimental group was likely due to the effect of the proposed teaching and learning program. Teachers seemed to have positive attitudes towards three points: the natural approach, informal environment and CALL games in improving vocabulary acquisition. Teachers are advised to place more emphasis on the CALL games which, if employed skillfully, will motivate students because they will be more interested in learning material. Training should not be limited to how to use computer technology, it should show teachers how they can make use of technology in improving the quality and effectiveness of their vocabulary instruction.