Exploring new applications of the keyword method to acquire English vocabulary

Previous research on L2 vocabulary learned by the keyword method has primarily involved the use of English keywords to learn the vocabulary of other languages. Our study used Spanish keywords to acquire English vocabulary. Sixty-three fifth-grade limited English proficiency students learned the definitions of 10 English words either by the keyword method or by control instructions emphasizing direct translation and memory. We administered cued-recall and sentence-completion tasks either immediately or after a 1-week delay in a between-subjects experimental design. Results showed that the keyword method produced superior recall and comprehension both immediately and after 1 week. Results further demonstrated that the keyword method is readily adaptable to actual ESL classrooms.