Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Personalized Task Recommendation System for Vocabulary Learning Based on Readability and Diversity

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Blended Learning: Educational Innovation for Personalized Learning (ICBL 2019)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNTCS,volume 11546))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

Vocabulary learning is the foundation of language acquisition for second language learners. To assist language learners’ vocabulary learning, this research investigated a personalized task recommendation system based on readability and diversity. A word learning theory, the involvement load hypothesis, has also been applied as the theoretical framework of the system to facilitate task recommendation. Ten Chinese learners of English were invited to participate in the research and used the system for vocabulary learning for around two weeks. These students were all intermediate learners. The participants’ learning experience, outcomes, motivation and attitude were measured respectively using questionnaires, pretests, posttests, and interviews. The results showed that the participants were very satisfied with the learning experience, and positive learning outcomes and attitudes were observed. Many students stated that they would love to keep using the proposed recommendation system for future language learning. It is also suggested that the wide use of this system will benefit many self-access language learners.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 74.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bahar, M., Hansell, M.H.: The relationship between some psychological factors and their effect on the performance of grid questions and word association tests. Educ. Psychol. 20(3), 349–364 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bawden, D., Robinson, L.: The dark side of information: overload, anxiety and other paradoxes and pathologies. J. Inf. Sci. 35(2), 180–191 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brusilovsky, P., SomyĂĽrek, S., Guerra, J., Hosseini, R., Zadorozhny, V., Durlach, P.J.: Open social student modeling for personalized learning. IEEE Trans. Emerg. Top. Comput. 4(3), 450–461 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C.M.: Intelligent web-based learning system with personalized learning path guidance. Comput. Educ. 51(2), 787–814 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C.M., Chung, C.J.: Personalized mobile English vocabulary learning system based on item response theory and learning memory cycle. Comput. Educ. 51(2), 624–645 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C.M., Li, Y.L.: Personalised context-aware ubiquitous learning system for supporting effective English vocabulary learning. Interact. Learn. Environ. 18(4), 341–364 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crow, J.T.: Receptive vocabulary acquisition for reading comprehension. Mod. Lang. J. 70(3), 242–250 (1986)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dou, Z., Song, R., Wen, J.R.: A large-scale evaluation and analysis of personalized search strategies. In: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on World Wide Web, pp. 581–590. ACM (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, C.A.: Lexical processing strategy use and vocabulary learning through reading. Stud. Second. Lang. Acquis. 21(02), 225–241 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Golonka, E.M., Bowles, A.R., Frank, V.M., Richardson, D.L., Freynik, S.: Technologies for foreign language learning: a review of technology types and their effectiveness. Comput. Assist. Lang. Learn. 27(1), 70–105 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz, E.K.: The beliefs about language learning of beginning university foreign language students. Mod. Lang. J. 72(3), 283–294 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, Y.M., Huang, Y.M., Huang, S.H., Lin, Y.T.: A ubiquitous English vocabulary learning system: evidence of active/passive attitudes vs usefulness/ease-of-use. Comput. Educ. 58(1), 273–282 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, Y.M., Chiu, P.S.: The effectiveness of a meaningful learning-based evaluation model for context-aware mobile learning. Br. J. Educ. Technol. 46(2), 437–447 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, G.J., Kuo, F.R., Yin, P.Y., Chuang, K.H.: A heuristic algorithm for planning personalized learning paths for context-aware ubiquitous learning. Comput. Educ. 54(2), 404–415 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, G.J., Sung, H.Y., Hung, C.M., Huang, I., Tsai, C.C.: Development of a personalized educational computer game based on students’ learning styles. Educ. Technol. Res. Dev. 60(4), 623–638 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeh, G., Widom, J.: Scaling personalized web search. In: Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on World Wide Web, pp. 271–279. ACM (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, Y., Tracy-Ventura, N.: The role of task repetition in L2 performance development: what needs to be repeated during task-based interaction? System 41(3), 829–840 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, R., Sharan, A.: Personalized web search using browsing history and domain knowledge. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Issues and Challenges in Intelligent Computing Techniques (ICICT), pp. 493–497. IEEE (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • Laufer, B., Hulstijn, J.: Incidental vocabulary acquisition in a second language: the construct of task-induced involvement. Appl. Linguist. 22(1), 1–26 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laufer, B., Nation, P.: Vocabulary size and use: lexical richness in L2 written production. Appl. Linguist. 16(3), 307–322 (1995)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S., Pulido, D.: The impact of topic interest, L2 proficiency, and gender on EFL incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading. Lang. Teach. Res. 21(1), 118–135 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nassaji, H.: The relationship between depth of vocabulary knowledge and L2 learners’ lexical inferencing strategy use and success. Mod. Lang. J. 90(3), 387–401 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newton, J.: Options for vocabulary learning through communication tasks. ELT J. 55(1), 30–37 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nielson, K.B.: Self-study with language learning software in the workplace: What happens. Lang. Learn. Technol. 15(3), 110–129 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  • Perna, L.W., Ruby, A., Boruch, R.F., Wang, N., Scull, J., Ahmad, S., Evans, C.: Moving through MOOCs: understanding the progression of users in massive open online courses. Educ. Res. 43(9), 421–432 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Read, J., Chapelle, C.A.: A framework for second language vocabulary assessment. Lang. Test. 18(1), 1–32 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Read, J.: Teaching and learning vocabulary: bringing research into practice. Stud. Second. Lang. Acquis. 29(1), 128–129 (2007)

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Reber, A.S.: Implicit learning and tacit knowledge. J. Exp. Psychol. Gen. 118(3), 219 (1989)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt, N.: Review article: instructed second language vocabulary learning. Lang. Teach. Res. 12(3), 329–363 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Speretta, M., Gauch, S.: Personalized search based on user search histories. In Proceedings of the 2005 IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conference on Web Intelligence, pp. 622–628. IEEE (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsai, P.S., Tsai, C.C., Hwang, G.H.: The effects of instructional methods on students’ learning outcomes requiring different cognitive abilities: context-aware ubiquitous learning versus traditional instruction. Interact. Learn. Environ. 24(7), 1497–1510 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UBS: Do I earn enough for the life I want? The Report on Prices and earnings, pp. 1–42 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H., Shao, S., Zhou, X., Wan, C., Bouguettaya, A.: Preference recommendation for personalized search. Knowl.-Based Syst. 100, 124–136 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Webb, S.: Receptive and productive vocabulary learning: the effects of reading and writing on word knowledge. Stud. Second Lang. Acquis. 27(01), 33–52 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, H., Li, Q., Cai, Y.: Community-aware resource profiling for personalized search in folksonomy. J. Comput. Sci. Technol. 27(3), 599–610 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, H., Li, Q., Mao, X., Li, X., Cai, Y., Rao, Y.: Community-aware user profile enrichment in folksonomy. Neural Netw. 58, 111–121 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, H., et al.: Incorporating sentiment into tag-based user profiles and resource profiles for personalized search in folksonomy. Inf. Process. Manag. 52(1), 61–72 (2016a)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, H., Zou, D., Wang, F.L., Wong, T.L., Rao, Y., Wang, S.H.: Discover learning path for group users: a profile-based approach. Neurocomputing, 254, 59–70 (2017a)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, H., Zou, D., Lau, R.Y., Wang, F.L., Wong, T.L.: Generating incidental word-learning tasks via topic-based and load-based profiles. IEEE Multimedia, 23(1), 60–70 (2016b)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, H., Zou, D., Wang, F.L., Wong, T.-L.: A review on recent development of the involvement load hypothesis. In: Cheung, S.K.S., Kwok, L., Ma, W.W.K., Lee, L.-K., Yang, H. (eds.) ICBL 2017. LNCS, vol. 10309, pp. 447–452. Springer, Cham (2017b). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59360-9_39

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zou, D., Xie, H., Li, Q., Wang, F.L., Chen, W.: The load-based learner profile for incidental word learning task generation. In: Popescu, E., Lau, R.W.H., Pata, K., Leung, H., Laanpere, M. (eds.) ICWL 2014. LNCS, vol. 8613, pp. 190–200. Springer, Cham (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09635-3_21

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zou, D., Xie, H., Wang, F.L., Wong, T.-L., Wu, Q.: Investigating the effectiveness of the uses of electronic and paper-based dictionaries in promoting incidental word learning. In: Cheung, S.K.S., Kwok, L., Yang, H., Fong, J., Kwan, R. (eds.) ICHL 2015. LNCS, vol. 9167, pp. 59–69. Springer, Cham (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20621-9_5

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zou, D., Xie, H., Rao, Y., Wong, T.L., Wang, F.L., Wu, Q.: A comparative study on various vocabulary knowledge scales for predicting vocabulary pre-knowledge. Int. J. Distance Educ. Technol. 15(1), 69–81 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zou, D.: Comparing dictionary-induced vocabulary learning and inferencing in the context of reading. Lexikos 26(1), 372–390 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zou, D.: Vocabulary acquisition through cloze exercises, sentence-writing and composition-writing: extending the evaluation component of the involvement load hypothesis. Lang. Teach. Res. 21(1), 54–75 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

The research in this paper was supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund (Project No. GHP/022/17GD) from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (EDB(LE)/P&R/EL/175/2), the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Funding Support to ECS Proposal Rated 3.5 (RG16/2018-2019R), The Education University of Hong Kong.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Haoran Xie & Di Zou

  2. The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Minhong Wang

  3. The Open University of Hong Kong, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Fu Lee Wang

Authors
  1. Haoran Xie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Minhong Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Di Zou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fu Lee Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Di Zou .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Simon K. S. Cheung

  2. The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Lap-Kei Lee

  3. Jan Evangelista Purkyne University, ĂšstĂ­ nad Labem, Czech Republic

    Ivana Simonova

  4. University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

    Tomas Kozel

  5. City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Lam-For Kwok

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Xie, H., Wang, M., Zou, D., Wang, F.L. (2019). A Personalized Task Recommendation System for Vocabulary Learning Based on Readability and Diversity. In: Cheung, S., Lee, LK., Simonova, I., Kozel, T., Kwok, LF. (eds) Blended Learning: Educational Innovation for Personalized Learning. ICBL 2019. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 11546. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21562-0_7

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21562-0_7

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-21561-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-21562-0

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation