JALT2025 - Tokyo

Error Recollection Boosts Phrasal Verb Retention in Japanese EFL Learners

Nov 2, 2025, 12:00 PM

30m

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

Research-oriented Presentation (30-minutes) Psychology and Language Learning Room 302

Speakers

Brian Strong (Carleton University) Paul Leeming (Kindai University)

Description

Phrasal verbs (PVs) – "take off" or "put on" – are tricky for Japanese students. This study tested two teaching methods: guessing and correcting errors vs. direct teaching. Results showed students who remembered their errors learned better. While both methods worked, direct teaching helped students master more PVs. Teachers can help by encouraging students to track their errors and focusing on common, easy-to-understand PVs. Simple changes can make learning phrasal verbs easier and more effective.

Summary

Phrasal verbs (PVs) – "take off" or "put on" – are tricky for Japanese students. This study tested two teaching methods: guessing and correcting errors vs. direct teaching. Results showed students who remembered their errors learned better. While both methods worked, direct teaching helped students master more PVs. Teachers can help by encouraging students to track their errors and focusing on common, easy-to-understand PVs. Simple changes can make learning phrasal verbs easier and more effective.