B.B: interactive busy vocab box

The four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) are often considered to be the main determinant of second language proficiency. In addition to those skills, there is one other feature of second language learning that can be considered important, that is vocabulary. However, unlike the other major skills, vocabulary acquisition for ESL learners are mostly self-taught. Learners are often expected to acquire vocabulary through reading, rather than being explicitly taught [1]. A survey conducted among undergraduates of a foundation program found that they are primarily concerned with not having a sizable vocabulary, suggesting that ESL learners are aware of the importance of vocabulary to help them be more proficient in English. It is also clear that ESL learners require targeted strategies for them to successfully build a sizable vocabulary. One such strategy is by building up on root words using affixes. This is the fundamental idea behind the design of the B.B-Interactive Busy Vocab Box (BB Vocab Box). The combination of root word expansion and tactile learning strategy could help students retain the new words better. This portable box has the potential to help ESL learners engage in active learning activities by providing a tactile experience. Though at first glance the product may be deemed more suitable for young leaners, adult ESL leaners can also benefit from its novel design and approach. The contents chosen for the BB Vocab Box adhere to the CEFR guidelines and can be tweaked to fulfil the varying needs and learning objectives of its users, be it the parents, teachers or learners themselves. Thus, the BB Vocab Box is able to provide a structured guide to vocabulary expansion, while also empowering learners to personalise their learning experience.