THE DKE MODEL REVISITED: LEARNING L2 VOCABULARY PRONUNCIATION THROUGH 1ST- AND 2ND-HAND EXPERIENCES

The Designs for Knowledge Evolution (DKE) model was originally proposed by Schwartz et al. (2005) in the domain of statistics learning. In this study, the researcher examined the DKE model in the domain of second language (L2) learning. The researcher applied the DKE model by having 1st and 2nd hand experiences of clicking on words and writing rules. Experimental design was implemented. The study found that adding 2nd hand experience of writing rules improved learning. In addition, the findings also suggest that the implementation of the full DKE model by obtaining both 1st and 2nd hand experiences in our learning activity can eliminate the learning gap between Easterners and Westerners. By examining the DKE model in this experiment, it is proposed that, in a language learning environment, learners provided with both 1st and 2nd hand experiences will get better learning results than those provided with only 1st-hand experience. Instead of implementing traditional instruction methods in English as a second language (ESL) classes, teachers can adapt the DKE model and let students first acquire their 1st and 2nd hand experience before lectures to foster better L2 learning results.