Research-Based English Vocabulary Program for College Freshmen

Abstract

This study endeavored to develop an English vocabulary program for first year college students at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It utilized the Research and Development (sometimes called "research-based development) method. The research involved 2,543 first year college students from the 21 degree and eight non-degree programs of the four colleges and seven institutes of UNP. Random sampling with the use of Slovin's Formula was used to determine the number of respondents from each college and institute. The total number of respondents was 501. The instruments used to gather data were the standardized Vocabulary Level Test for Learners of English as a Second Language and the English Vocabulary Achievement Test for First Year College students constructed by the researcher and content validated by English professors. The proficiency level of the first year college students in receptive and productive vocabulary is Fair. This means that the respondents need help in all the jive vocabulary levels. The structure of the English Vocabulary program for College Freshmen is made up of: type of vocabulary, title/level, objective, content, learning strategy, timeframe, evaluation technique, and success indicator. The validity of the English Vocabulary Program is Highly Satisfactory. The program effectiveness or the gain in the mean scores of the respondents' rating is Very Significant, There should be a wide use of the English Vocabulary Program in freshman English classes to validate further the instructional material.