“Keyboard or Pencil?” A comparative study between the use of CALL and non-CALL vocabulary teaching methods

Sammanfattning: Vocabulary learning is viewed as one of the most important subject in language development. (Rusanganwa, 2012). Therefore, this study aims to raise awareness of different methods used in vocabulary teaching. Those different methods are the use of CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) and non-CALL, the methods that does not require the use of technology. This study presents a literature review on vocabulary teaching methods and the importance of vocabulary. Moreover, it presents a review on CALL and the use of it as a vocabulary teaching method. A comparative study was done between two different schools in a CALL-classroom and a non-CALL classroom both in year five, to observe pupils’ vocabulary acquisition and variation in methodology. Furthermore, two interviews were conducted to gather data of the teacher’s perspective on the advantage and disadvantages of the different vocabulary teaching methods. The results revealed that both methods have some disadvantages but are also rich in advantages if used correctly and adapted to the students’ needs and circumstances. In addition, the variation in methods formed a major role in pupils’ vocabulary acquisition. In conclusion, the teacher should be familiar with the pupils’ in order to help them develop their vocabulary acquisition.