Maximizing L2 learning from captioned TV viewing

Abstract

This study compares comprehension and vocabulary gains in L1 Russian (upper)-intermediate adolescents who watched two episodes of a Netflix series in L2 English for the same amount of time under two conditions: Repeated Viewing (RV) with captions; and Viewing with the Chrome extension Language Reactor (LR), with individually regulated tools to enhance learning. Both conditions were equally helpful for comprehension and vocabulary learning (relative gains up to 51%), suggesting the comparability of effects of repeated viewing and watching with LR if the watching time is the same. A qualitative analysis of learners’ viewing behaviour revealed differences between the conditions: while the RV group focused more on the episodes’ content, the LR group paid closer attention to language.