A Study of Incidental Vocabulary Learning : Using Dictionaries and Marginal Glosses on Computers

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of using a computer dictionary and marginal glosses on incidental vocabulary learning. Hulstijn et al. (1996) conducted an experiment on a paper and pencil basis and found that marginal glosses were more effective for incidental vocabulary learning than dictionaries. The present study replicated Hulstijn et al.'s study on a computer basis and revealed that computer dictionaries were as effective as marginal glosses. It was found that the dictionary group tended to be better for frequently occurring words, while the marginal gloss group was better for less frequently occurring words. A detailed questionnaire was conducted to explore the reasons.