Using an Electronic Student Portfolio as a Learning Tool for Enhancing the English Vocabulary Skills for Undergraduate Students
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Abstract
English vocabulary knowledge is a fundamental skill for academic success, yet many Thai engineering undergraduates struggle with retaining and applying new words. This study examined the effectiveness of an electronic student portfolio (E‑portfolio) as a self‑directed learning tool for enhancing English vocabulary knowledge. Specifically, it compared pre‑test and post‑test vocabulary scores, evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of the E‑portfolio, and explored students’ attitudes toward using the tool.
Methodology:
A one‑group pretest‑posttest design was employed. Seven second‑year engineering students (two high‑proficiency, three medium‑proficiency, two low‑proficiency) were purposively selected based on their RMUTSV English placement test scores. The intervention consisted of a researcher‑developed E‑portfolio comprising three thematic units (music, movies, social media) with multimedia content and embedded practice tests. Data were collected using a 30‑item multiple‑choice vocabulary test (administered pre‑ and post‑intervention), three unit quizzes (10 items each), and a 10‑item Likert‑scale attitude questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed‑rank tests, and efficiency formulas (E1/E2).
Key Findings:
The post‑test mean score (26.43, SD = 2.70) was significantly higher than the pre‑test mean (19.71, SD = 2.69; p < 0.05). The E‑portfolio demonstrated good efficiency (E1/E2 = 80.0/88.1) and an effectiveness gain (Epost − Epre) of 22.39. Students’ attitudes were highly positive (mean = 4.66 on a 5‑point scale, SD = 0.44), with all items rated at the highest level.
Conclusion and Implications:
The E‑portfolio significantly improved English vocabulary knowledge among engineering undergraduates and was well received. The findings suggest that E‑portfolios can serve as effective supplementary tools for self‑directed vocabulary learning. Future research should explore their application in other disciplinary contexts and with larger, more diverse samples.
Article Details
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