The Effect of Mobile Application Use on the Improvement and Retention of English Vocabulary in EFL Students

Wina Sakuntila, Irwandi Irwandi, Ilham Ilham, Rima Rahmaniah, Sri Ulandari, Heni Andriani

Abstract


This study aim to analyze the effectiveness of mobile application usage in improving and retaining English vocabulary among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. Vocabulary mastery is a fundamental component of language proficiency; however, many EFL students face difficulties in acquiring and retaining vocabulary over the long term due to limited exposure and ineffective learning strategies. This research employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach by adapting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant studies were collected from Google Scholar and Scopus databases published between 2016 and 2024. The selected articles focused on the use of mobile applications in vocabulary learning among EFL learners, particularly at the higher education level. The findings reveal that mobile applications significantly contribute to vocabulary improvement and long-term retention through repeated exposure, interactive learning activities, and personalized learning experiences. Features such as spaced repetition, gamification, quiz-based exercises, adaptive learning systems, and immediate feedback were found to enhance learners, engagement, motivation, and memory retention. Furthermore, the flexibility of mobile learning enables students to access learning materials anytime and anywhere, supporting continuous practice outside the classroom. In conclusion, mobile applications are effective tools for enhancing vocabulary acquisition and retention among EFL students, although their success largely depends on learnes, consistency, motivation, and active participation in the learning process.

Keywords


Mobile Application,. Vocabulary Retention,. EFL Students, Vocabulary Learning

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References


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