Do activities in graded readers promote vocabulary learning? A Technique Feature Analysis study

Abstract

Vocabulary acquisition through reading has been repeatedly studied in second language learning research and several recent studies conclude that incidental learning through reading needs to be complemented with intentional learning activities that target specific words. These learning opportunities are potentially present in graded readers (i.e., books adapted to the proficiency level of the learners). Seeking to contribute to this growing area of scholarship, this study analyzes the activities in 10 elementary Spanish graded readers. The framework used to measure the activities' quality is Nation and Webb's (2011) Technique Feature Analysis (TFA). Results show that graded readers include only a low number of activities explicitly focused on vocabulary. In addition, TFA scores were extremely low for most of the activities. Overall, the study indicates the necessity of increasing the quantity and quality of vocabulary activities in these books.