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Presentation

Optimizing Collocation Acquisition: The Impact of CALL Tools and Digital Flashcards

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Awareness of collocations is essential for vocabulary learning, as they form a fundamental part of natural spoken and written English. This study examined the impact of original CALL tools on collocation acquisition. Over seven weeks, 136 Japanese EFL university students used an online tool to read short passages, each containing 10 collocations, while their reading speed was tracked. The tool evaluated collocation knowledge through multiple-choice quizzes (recognition) and blank-fill exercises (production) based on the passages. To reinforce learning, students practiced these collocations using online flashcards for homework and were tested on them the following week. Pre- and post-tests evaluated overall collocation knowledge and learning gains. Results showed that students’ reading speed increased over the seven weeks and their collocation quiz scores improved, culminating in significantly higher post-test scores. More frequent flashcard use was also positively correlated with better weekly test performance. The findings indicate that digital tools and flashcards can effectively enhance collocation learning, improving both recognition and production skills. This study highlights the potential of CALL-based interventions to optimize vocabulary acquisition and offers some insights for designing more effective digital learning strategies.