Change in learning ability using scaffolding in EFL vocabulary learning system

This study clarified change of learning ability of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in order to propose a more adaptive learning system. We developed an English vocabulary learning system for Japanese students. The system presents each word in an example sentence and the Japanese translation of the sentence except for the target word upon user request. We sought to examine how learners use this system as a scaffold. Five college students each of lower and intermediate ability used the system for six weeks and then took exams. We found that the intermediate-ability group learned more vocabulary than the lower-ability group depended on the help given by the scaffold all though the learning period, whereas the intermediate-ability group reduced their use of it gradually as a way of checking their learning period. This suggests that proposed system with scaffolding is effective for intermediate learner. Moreover the proposed system prompts intermediate learner fading out the scaffolding for intermediate.