A Probe into the Effectiveness of Non-English Majors' SMS-based English Idiom Acquisition in China

摘要

Idioms, an indispensable part of English vocabulary acquisition, play an important role in second language learning. Mobile learning has broken through the constraints of time, space in learning. The present study explored the effectiveness of English idiom instructing and learning based on one form of mobile learning - SMS (Short Message Service). Compared with context-based approach and self-study approach, SMS-based approach was more effective in teaching English idioms for non-English majors in China. The findings of the study showed that students who regularly received short mini-lessons of English idioms via SMS on their mobile phones were more interested in learning and gained more in acquiring English idioms than their peers on pamphlets or context.