TOEIC continues to be an important test in Asia and TOEfC preparation classes are as popular as they have ever been. Little research has been done, however, to determine the most effective ways to help students prepare for this test. This study sought to analyze the impact of explicit TOEIC instruction when supplemented with Silent Sustained Readi ng (SSR) and an online vocabulary learning program. Four combinations of these practices were tested: ( I) explicit instruction supplemented by online vocabulary instruction, 2) a combination of explicit instruction, SSR and online vocabulary practice, 3) explicit instruction supplemented by SSR, and 4) expli cit instruction on ly. Total time for instruction and practice were kept constant among the four groups. Due to between-group differences on pre-test TOEIC scores, an ANCOVA analys is was used. On total TOEIC scores, all groups made sign ificant and statistically eq ual gains. However, on an analysis of the reading portion of the TOEIC resu lts, group 2 (combination of explicit instruction, SSR, and online vocabulary practice) outperformed group 4 (exp licit practice only group). The author concludes that the combination of all three practices had a synergistic effect on the reading portion of the test and led to superior gain s.

This study aims to investigate the effect of spaced distribution versus massed distribution learning on grammar acquisition. Memory research has shown that presenting information in increasing time intervals (spaced repetition) results in better learning and retention than presenting the information in one lengthy and uninterrupted session (massed repetition). This phenomenon is called the spacing effect. Though research in second language vocabulary has been well developed in regards to spacing effect methodology, very little has been done on the possible application to second language grammar acquisition. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design, a study was performed to trial an investigation on the impact of spaced repetitioninstruction on grammar acquisition versus the more traditional massed repetition (block) instruction. The results of the post tests showed the spaced instruction group outperformed the massed instruction group.