<研究ノート>Vocabulary at OJJC : A Review, an Update, and Some Future Directions

Abstract

This paper argues that an organized vocabulary program needs to be designed for Osaka Jogakuin Junior College (OJJC). Such a program will help the school maintain its standards of English education in the midst of falling demographics and the perception of lower English ability among college bound young people in Japan. It will also serve the students of OJJC as they work toward varied goals including increased ability to communicate as a global citizen, STEP, TOEFL and TOEIC certification of their English ability, and success as international transfer students to English speaking countries, This paper will briefly describe the role vocabulary has traditionally played at OJJC, before summarizing research and articles on vocabulary that have been published in the OJJC kiyos over the last six years. It will also discuss current research on the importance of vocabulary learning in language study before looking at preliminary data on the vocabulary level of OJJC students. Finally, it will suggest ways that OJJC might proceed in developing a comprehensive vocabulary program.