The Application Of Constructivist Learning Theory To English Vocabulary Teaching In Senior High Schools

Vocabulary learning is the basis of the whole process of English learning. So far,many theoires have been applied into English vocabulary teaching practice. Thispaper is intended to put the constructivist learning theory into English vocabularyteaching practice in senior high schools in order to help middle school Englishteachers improve their English vocabulary teaching methods and results. This paperintends to answer the following3questions:(1) Do English teachers in senior highschool get a better understanding of constructivist learning theory?(2) Doesconstructivist learning theory have a positive effect on English vocabulary teachingand learning?(3) What implications of English vocabulary can English teachers getfrom constructivist learning theory?According to traditional English vocabulary teaching methods, thetcachcr-ccntcrcd approach is usually supported. However, based on the constructivistlearning theory, the learner-centered approach is supported. The Icarner-ccntcrcdapproach contributes to arousing students’ English vocabulary learning motivationand interest and improving their English reading comprehension ability and Englishcommunicative competence. Based on constructivist learning theory, this paperdesigns a questionnaire and conducts an experiment for105students in Grade1inJiYang Senior High School in Jinan City, Shandong Province. And the authorinterviews17English teachers of this high school. In the investigation process, theauthor tries to build up a better relationship with the subject students and Englishteachers in order to colloquial that they can take an active patr in this study. Also, theauthor carries out a pre-test and a post-test for the expeirmental group and the controlgroup so as to improve the value of the study. The author teaches the control group ofstudents English vocabulary in traditional English vocabulary teaching methods andthe experimental group of students in English vocabulary teaching methods based onconstructivist learning theory. Atfer two months, the experimental group of studentsgot higher scores in the post-test. The outcomes show the following aspects; Englishvocabulary teaching methods based on constructivist learning theory can help English teachers reflect on problems of their vocabulary teaching process in order to changetheir teacher-centered English vocabulary teaching mode into learner-centeredteaching mode, update their teaching concepts, and arouse their students’ learningmotivation and interest. The teaching methods can also help both students and Englishteachers play their respective role in the process of English vocabulary learning andteaching. In addition, many students in high school learn English vocabulary inmechanical memory methods and they have great difficulty in finding effective andefficient English vocabulary learning strategies. English vocabulary teaching methodson the basis of constnictivist learning theory can help students change their traditionalEnglish vocabulary learning methods, cultivate vocabulary learning awareness andskills and ifnd effective English vocabulary leanring strategies.