Cebu International EFL Conference

Abstract of paper

Author

Alejandro S. Bernardo
University of Santo Tomas

Title
Vocabulary Learning Strategies of Filipino College Students across Five Disciplines

Abstract
This study investigated the use of 53 common vocabulary learning strategies by 202 Filipino college students across five disciplines – liberal arts and education, computer science and engineering, business education, hospitality management, and allied medical sciences – in a comprehensive university. This study aimed to compare strategy use across disciplines and to find out if significant differences exist as regards the category and frequency of strategy use. A locally-constructed inventory covering Schmitt’s (1997) taxonomy was administered to gather the required data. The frequencies of use of the five disciplines were compared to detect possible differences. Various deficiencies in strategy use were found in the disciplines, for example the infrequent use of  determination, social, metacognitve, cognitive and memory strategies by allied medical sciences students.

This study concluded that teachers must be aware of possibly perceptible disciplinary variations in strategy use and to apply discipline-specific training where needed. Results of this study would also be a sound basis for institution-wide language program development and implementation.

Bio:-
Alejandro S. Bernardo has been teaching English for seven years.  At present, he is a member of the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Santo Tomas. He is finishing his Ph.D. in English Language Studies at the same university. His research interests include vocabulary acquisition, Philippine English, and developmental reading.