The Effect of Picture Word Inductive Model (PWIM) on Vocabulary Learning of Young Iranian EFL Learners

Recently, vocabulary instruction is an interesting topic for many teachers, as the key role of vocabulary in language learning is well-known. Notably, using pictures in vocabulary teaching, and vocabulary learning is an essential tool, especially for learners of lower levels. To this effect, this study tried to scrutinize the effect of Picture Word Inductive Model (PWIM) on vocabulary acquisition among young EFL learners. Thirty students were taught new vocabulary in the experimental group based on the PWIM. The control group (N=30) was trained by the word-list method. Preliminary English Test (PET) and a sentence writing test were used both as pretest and posttest. Independent samples t-test results showed that the PWIM was more effective in improving students’ vocabulary knowledge than the word-list method. Also, the findings indicated that males outperformed the females. These findings implied the necessity of using realia and pictures for teachers to instruct and for students to learn vocabulary.