Task Development for an Online English Technical Vocabulary Self-Learning System for Engineering Students

Teaching technical vocabulary is considered one of essential aspects of the English for academic science and technology (EAST) program and, therefore, various vocabulary lists have been created to date. However, very few EAST vocabulary self-learning systems suitable for Japanese university students have been developed. This study examines thetechnical vocabulary learning strategies used by 76 researchers and 172 graduate students majoring in engineering. The purpose of this study is to clarify their vocabulary learning strategy use patterns, select vocabulary learning tasks based on their preferences, and incorporate the learning tasks to the new online technical vocabulary self-learning system we developed. The results of the study suggest that making sentences, writing repetition, oral repetition, semantic grouping, and testing tasks should be incorporated into the system.