AN INVESTIGATION OF VOCABULARY TEACHING IN SINGAPORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study is essentially a survey to investigate the teaching of vocabulary in secondary schools in Singapore having the Normal stream. The investigation was carried out based on two assumptions:- Firstly that pupils from the Normal stream are handicapped by the lack of a sufficient vocabulary and vocabulary skills and secondly that there is a definite need for a systematic approach to vocabulary teaching in Singapore schools. A total of 23 schools and 200 teachers were involved in the survey. The instruments for the survey included a questionnaire, interviews, classroom observations and document study. A multimethods approach rather than a single instrument was used to ensure reliability of data collected. Al I data were subjected to statistical analysis. Data yielded by the survey, confirmed the assumptions of the researcher that Normal stream pupiIs are disadvantaged by an inadequate vocabulary and vocabulary skills and that there is a definite need to adopt a more organised approach to vocabulary instruction. Findings of the survey revealed that vocabulary at present is a neglected aspect of language learning and that very little time is spent on teaching it compared to other language components on the time table. Most of the vocabulary, teaching done is of an incidental nature and there appears to be no systematic approach to teaching it. Whatever vocabulary teaching is done, seems to be carried out i11 order to facilitate the learning of other language areas like reading comprehension rather than with the aim of expanding pupiIs' vocabulary. The survey also revealed the absence of any planned programme for vocabulary development in the schools investigated. While the majority of teachers agreed that vocabulary is an important and essential aspect of language learning, they admitted that it has not been given its rightful emphasis. Among the reasons cited for this were a) the greater · emphasis accorded to the teaching of grammar b) the lack of time and c) the lack of guidelines. These findings show that at present, vocabulary teaching in Singapore secondary schools appears to be generally neglected. In view of this, the researcher is of the opinion that steps must be taken immediately to rectify the situation. Suggestions towards achieving this end have been included in the recommendations of this study.