Enhancing Vocabulary Learning through Instagram: Implications for School Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals

by Jon Scaccia January 8, 2024

In a world where social media has become an integral part of our lives, it’s no surprise that its influence extends into the realm of education.

The article titled Wow, I cannot stop: a concentration on vocabulary learning via Instagram and its effects on informal digital learning of English, technostress, and on-line engagement dives into this phenomenon, focusing on how Instagram can aid in vocabulary acquisition among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This blog aims to break down the study’s findings and discuss their implications for school psychologists and related professionals concerned with school mental health.

The Power of Instagram in Language Learning

The study reveals that Instagram, a popular social media platform known for its visual content, can significantly improve vocabulary learning in intermediate EFL students. Through activities tailored to user feeds, students were more engaged and performed better in vocabulary acquisition than their peers who used traditional online teaching methods. This indicates the potential of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in enhancing educational outcomes through modern, interactive methods.

The Positive Impact on Students

The use of Instagram for learning vocabularies showed several benefits:

• Improved Vocabulary Knowledge: Students exposed to Instagram feed-based activities performed better in vocabulary tests.
• Increased Engagement: The varied and interactive nature of Instagram activities led to higher online engagement among students.
• Reduced Technostress: Engagement with Instagram reduced the negative impact of technostress, which refers to stress or discomfort caused by using technology.

Implications for School Mental Health

1. A New Avenue for Learning:

For school psychologists and educators, integrating Instagram into learning strategies can be a novel approach to motivate students. It’s a step away from traditional learning methods, providing a familiar platform for students to engage with educational content.

2. Reducing Technostress:

In a digital era, technostress is a growing concern. The study indicates that integrating learning with social media platforms like Instagram can help mitigate the adverse effects of technostress, thereby promoting a healthier learning environment.

3. Enhancing Engagement and Mental Well-being:

Higher engagement rates through Instagram tasks indicate that students are more actively involved and interested in their learning process. This positive engagement is crucial for mental well-being, as it can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful learning experience.

Best Practices for Implementing Instagram in Learning

To effectively incorporate Instagram into educational settings, professionals should consider the following:

• Tailored Content: Ensure that the Instagram activities are relevant and tailored to the educational objectives.
• Monitoring and Support: Provide guidance and support to students to navigate through this new learning method effectively.
• Training for Educators: Educators should be trained in digital literacy to implement these tools effectively.

Future Directions

While the study shows promising results, it’s important to approach this integration with caution. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impacts and how such digital tools can be optimized for different learning environments and diverse student needs.

The incorporation of Instagram into vocabulary learning presents an innovative approach to education, resonating with the digital native students of today. For school psychologists and mental health professionals, understanding and leveraging the potential of such platforms can be instrumental in developing strategies that support academic success and students’ mental well-being.