The effect of English audio recording on vocabulary acquisition in rural EFL eighth grade students

Resumo

This study examines the use of English audio recordings as a pedagogical strategy to support vocabulary acquisition among rural eighth-grade students. The research adopts a pre-experimental quantitative design supported by qualitative data, involving 25 students from a public rural school in Rocafuerte, Manabí. In contexts where access to authentic linguistic input is limited due to technological and geographical constraints, alternative low-cost strategies become essential for effective language learning. The intervention consisted of the systematic use of English audio recordings across eight sessions over a four-week period. Vocabulary performance was assessed through a pre-test and post-test, complemented by classroom observations and field notes to capture students’ engagement and response to auditory input. The results show measurable improvements in students’ vocabulary performance following the intervention, evidenced by higher post-test scores and a more homogeneous distribution of results across the group. These findings suggest that exposure to consistent auditory input may support the development of phonological awareness and facilitate the connection between lexical form and meaning. However, due to the descriptive nature of the study and the absence of a control group, the results are interpreted as observed progress within a specific sample rather than as evidence of a causal relationship. Qualitative observations further indicate increased student engagement and greater familiarity with pronunciation patterns. The study concludes that English audio recordings constitute a practical and cost-effective pedagogical resource for vocabulary development in rural EFL contexts. Additionally, it highlights the importance of context-sensitive instructional strategies and recommends further research with larger samples and controlled designs to validate these findings and explore their long-term impact.