This paper presents data capturing Korean university students’ familiarity with English online acronyms, examines factors that may predict this familiarity, and presents an explicit instruction intervention involving vocabulary knowledge of online acronyms. The Vocabulary Size Test (VST) measured stude nts’ vocabulary size, while a self-report survey measured social media engagement and the percentage of engagement that occurred in English. The Vocabulary Knowledge Scale (VKS) measured initial familiarity and gains in vocabulary knowledge. The results suggest that English learners in Korean universities are not well-acquainted with English online acronyms, but that receptive vocabulary size and English-language social media engagement may offer some predictive power regarding their level of familiarity. An explicit treatment of acronym expansions and their uses resulted in a significant and robust gain in vocabulary knowledge, suggesting that explicit instruction of online acronyms may improve digital literacy and comprehension of computer-mediated communication (CMC) more effectively than simply relying on incidental gains through repeat exposures over time.

Using vocabulary learning strategies allows learners to gain vocabulary autonomously. This study presents data from a self-report survey of Korean university students comparing meaning discovery strategies they employ to comprehend unknown singleword items and unknown idioms. Survey data recorded strategies used by learners, and effectiveness of these strategies measured by rates of correct meaning discovery. The survey revealed that learners relied on context clues, dictionaries, and vocabulary analysis for both idioms and single word vocabulary items with equal effectiveness. Dictionary use was the most effective strategy for correct meaning discovery for both types of vocabulary, although context clues might be a positive factor for idioms but not for single-word items. Data also showed that learners tended to apply strategies methodically rather than heuristically but that methodical application did not necessarily translate into higher rates of correct meaning discovery. Implications for learners and paths for further research are discussed.

This study compares the results of a survey of vocabulary learning strategy (VLS) use and perceived helpfulness by Korean university students to the taxonomy of VLS first presented by Schmitt. VLS suggested by previous research by the author and changes in technology since the original taxonomy was compiled were added to Schmitt’s list. The survey was administered online to 135 university students in Korea, primarily of Korean nationality. The results show that reported VLS use is up across the board, and the perceived helpfulness of the majority of VLS is up as well. Technological VLS are widely used for meaning discovery, but used moderately for vocabulary consolidation. Trends in the results are discussed, which suggest that learners rely on a range of VLS rather than a few core VLS. Technological VLS are common among Korean university students, though most still prefer traditional methods. Ramifications for vocabulary teaching and strategy instruction are also discussed, as well as suggestions for further research.

Few dictionary studies have examined the effectiveness of freely available online dictionaries (FAOD) offered by search engine companies. This experimental study examines the effectiveness of one FAOD, Naver.com, as an aid to vocabulary acquisition for a group of 87 intermediate-level Korean university students aged 19 to 28 (mean 21.9). The VKS and two multiple choice tests administered after a written recall task, and again one month later, measured vocabulary acquisition. MANOVA using treatment type (Online, Gloss, or Control) as the independent variable and test results as the dependent variables compared vocabulary acquisition. A second line of inquiry examined effects of topical familiarity on vocabulary acquisition. Findings suggest that FAODs are equally effective as a written gloss, and that both significantly outperform using context clues. Evidence is presented that unfamiliar topics may lead to slightly better vocabulary gains over reading familiar topics. Ways these findings can assist learners and teachers are discussed.