The Impact of Implementing Multimedia Instruction to Enhance the English Vocabulary Knowledge of Primary Students

Authors

  • Firani Gulikhandan Division of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University
  • Maneerat Ekkayokkaya Division of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/ojed.2025.1

Keywords:

multimedia instruction, vocabulary knowledge, young learners

Abstract

This study aimed to enhance students' English vocabulary knowledge through the use of Multimedia Instruction in teaching and learning. The lessons were designed based on eight selected research-based principles for Multimedia Instruction proposed by Mayer (2014) for creating effective Multimedia Instruction, which emphasize the integration of visuals and auditory elements to optimize learning. The objectives of the study were to 1) investigate the impact of multimedia instruction on enhancing the English vocabulary knowledge of primary students and 2) explore the opinions of primary students regarding the use of multimedia instruction to enhance their English vocabulary knowledge. The study involved 20 primary five students from a private school in Narathiwat Province selected using convenience sampling. A one-group pre-test and post-test design was utilized. The research instruments included pre-tests, post-tests, and semi-structured interviews. Eight students were chosen for the interview based on their post-test performance. Data analysis was conducted using paired-sample t-tests, means, standard deviations, and thematic analysis. The results demonstrated that students' vocabulary knowledge significantly improved after the implementation of multimedia instruction (p = .01). Students reported that the lessons were engaging, helping them concentrate on vocabulary learning and interact with visual content. However, some challenges were noted, including distracting background music and unclear pronunciation. Overall, multimedia instruction proved to be an effective and engaging tool for enhancing vocabulary learning, despite minor challenges.

References

Aedo, P., & Millafilo, C. (2022). Increasing vocabulary acquisition and retention in EFL young learners through the use of multimodal texts (Memes). Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 24(2). https://doi.org/10.14483/22487085.18312

Binhomran, K., & Altalhab, S. (2021). The impact of implementing augmented reality to enhance the vocabulary of young EFL learners. The JALT CALL Journal, 17(1), 23–44. https://doi.org/10.29140/jaltcall.v17n1.304

Leena A. (2020). Triggering comprehensible input through multimedia: A support to enhance learning experience in the ESL classroom. Journal of English Language Teachers’ Interaction Forum, 11(9), 27–30. https://www.eltif.in/journal.html

Griffin, N. M., Elleman, A. M., & Oslund, E. L. (2021). The impact of growth mindset instruction on the vocabulary acquisition and comprehension of first grade students. Reading Psychology, 42(7), 758–776. https://doi.org/10.1080/02702711.2021.1939821

Hazar, E. (2020). Use of digital games in teaching vocabulary to young learners. Educatia 21, 19, https://doi.org/10.24193/ed21.2020.19.12

Ilham, M., Rahman, F., Sari, D. D., & Annisaturrahmi, A. (2023). Enhancing preschool English vocabulary through multimedia tools: Insights from a mixed-methods study. Deleted Journal, 9(2), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.14421/al-athfal.2023.92-02

Immanuel, J., & Hameed, M. S. (2023). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning powered code-switching interface for vocabulary acquisition of ESL students. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 14(6), 1439–1448. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1406.01

Kiasi, G. A., & Gilakjani, A. P. (2022). The effects of definitional, sentential, and textual vocabulary learning strategies on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 39(2), 155–172. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2022.2073575

Koustaff, M., & Rivers, S. (2014). Oxford discover student book 1. Oxford University Press.

Kurt, G. (2021). Technology-mediated tasks in the young learners’ EFL classroom. Ilkogretim Online-Elementary Education Online, 20(1), 327–340. https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2021.01.031

Lisnawati, I. (2021). Speaking learning based on multimedia. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17(4), 2046-2056. https://www.jlls.org/index.php/jlls

Mayer, R. E. (2001). Multimedia learning. Cambridge University Press.

_______. (2014). Research-based principles for designing multimedia instruction. In V. A. Benassi, C. E. Overson, & C. M. Hakala (Eds.), Applying science of learning in education: Infusing psychological science into the curriculum (pp. 59–70). Society for the Teaching of Psychology.

_______. (2014). Talking multimedia learning with Dr. Richard Mayer [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5eY9k3v4mE

Ministry of Education of Thailand. (2008). Basic education core curriculum B.E. 2551 (A.D. 2008). Ministry of Education of Thailand.

_______. (2024). O-NET: Ordinary national educational test. Ministry of Education of Thailand. Retrieved from https://www.niets.or.th/

Naz, S. (2023). Role of multimedia-aided EFL classrooms in promoting learners’ interaction and participation in tertiary-level Bangladeshi students. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 14(5), 1207–1214. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1405.08

Teng, M. F. (2022). The effectiveness of multimedia input on vocabulary learning and retention. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 17(3), 738–754. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2022.2131791

Vraciu, A., & Marsol, A. (2023). Content-specific vocabulary in CLIL: Exploring L2 learning outcomes in a primary education programme in Catalonia. Language Teaching Research, 27(5), 767–789. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688231170073

Zou, D., & Teng, M. F. (2023). Effects of tasks and multimedia annotations on vocabulary learning. System, 115, Article 103050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2023.103050

Downloads

Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Gulikhandan, F., & Ekkayokkaya, M. . (2025). The Impact of Implementing Multimedia Instruction to Enhance the English Vocabulary Knowledge of Primary Students. An Online Journal of Education, 20(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.14456/ojed.2025.1

Issue

Section

Research Articles