Using the web in teacher esp reading to seconds year english non majored students at the peoples police university ma

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – HOCHIMINH CITY University of Social Sciences and Humanities NGUYEN THI THU USING THE WEB IN TEACHING ESP READING TO SECOND-YEAR ENGLISH NON-MAJORED STUDENTS AT THE PEOPLE’S POLICE UNIVERSITY A Thesis Submitted to The Department of English Linguistics & Literature in partial fulfillment of the Master’s degree in TESOL Code number: 601410 Supervised by: DENNIS F BERG, Ph.D Associate Professor Supported by: DINH DIEN, Ph.D Associate Professor Ho Chi Minh City – 2010 i CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY I hereby certify my authorship of the thesis submitted today entitled: USING THE WEB IN TEACHING ESP READING TO SECOND-YEAR ENGLISH NON-MAJORED STUDENTS AT THE PEOPLE’S POLICE UNIVERSITY in terms of the statement of Requirements of the Theses in Master’s Programs Issued by the Higher Degree Committee Ho Chi Minh City, July 2010 NGUYEN THI THU ii RETENTION AND USE OF THE THESIS I hereby state that I, Nguyễn Thị Thu, being a candidate for the degree of Master in TESOL, accept the requirements of the University relating to the retention and use of Master’s Theses deposited in the Library In terms of these conditions, I agree that the original of my thesis deposited in the Library should be accessible for the purposes of study and research, in accordance with the normal conditions established by the Library for care, loan or reproduction of theses Ho Chi Minh City, July 2010 NGUYEN THI THU iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A thesis is never successfully completed in isolation I received help, cooperation, encouragement, critique, consolation and advice from many people who should be acknowledged First of all, I owe my deep gratitude to my supervisor, Dinh Dien, Ph.D Associate Professor, who spent a lot of time reading my draft with great care and gave me valuable advice on the thesis Special thanks go to my former supervisor, Dennis F Berg, Ph.D Associate Professor, who gave me initial suggestions on carrying out the research I would like to heartily express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to a very special teacher of mine, who worked very hard to give her expert guidance, knowledge, insight and time with enthusiasm and kindness I am indebted to M.A Pham Thi Tuyet, the Dean of Faculty of Foreign Languages and many of my colleagues at the People’s Police University, who gave me a great deal of encouragement and were willing to take on my work while I did my research The thesis would not have been possible without the cooperation of 22 students in Class B2C1-D18, the People’s Police University, who were always eager and active in doing the questionnaires and taking part in the ESP reading course I heartfeltly acknowledge their contribution to my research I am particularly grateful to my beloved elder sister, Ms Nguyen Thi Ha, for giving me innumerable spiritual and material support during the time I took the TESOL course and did the M.A research Finally, my sincere thanks would go to my parents and my husband, who always take care of me, give me endless love and empowered me to complete the thesis iv ABSTRACT Whereas the benefits of the Internet to the learning and teaching of ESP have been acknowledged by many researchers, educators and teachers, and the use of WebQuest or WebBlog has been applied for educational purposes; there exists little empirical research which demonstrates how to make full use of these two Web-based tools in ESP instruction in a sound pedagogical way This thesis, therefore, was aimed at finding out how effective the integration of WebQuest and WebBlog in the ESP reading course to second-year students at the People’s Police University (PPU) was in enhancing the students’ reading competence First, an action research which utilizes both quantitative and qualitative method was used to fulfill the aims of the study Data from questionnaires, pre-test, post-test and teacher’s observation sheet were analyzed and discussed It was found that most students’ reading skills were improved after the course Furthermore, they generally had positive attitude towards the employment of the Web-based course in their ESP program, and did not face serious problems during the course Based on the findings, it is suggested that WebQuest and WebBlog should be utilized in the ESP reading course at the PPU Moreover, for an effective and successful Web-based ESP reading program; students’ background, needs and expectations; the aims and objectives of the reading program, the teaching facilities, and WebQuest and WebBlog hosting, etc should be seriously taken into consideration Finally, recommendations for the teachers of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, for the Board of Directors at the PPU, and for further research were given v TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Certificate of originality i Retention and use of the thesis ii Acknowledgements iii Abstract iv Table of contents v List of tables and abbreviations x List of figures xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the study 1.1.1 Rationale 1 1.1.2 A brief overview of the ESP teaching at the People’s Police University (PPU) 1.2 Statement of purpose 1.3 Research questions 1.4 Significance of the study 1.5 Scope of the study 1.6 Method of the study 1.7 Assumptions 1.8 Organization of the study CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 10 2.1 Introduction 10 2.2 The nature of reading 10 2.3 Intensive Reading (IR) and Extensive Reading (ER) 13 2.3.1 Intensive Reading (IR) 13 2.3.2 Extensive Reading (ER) 14 vi 2.4 Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) 2.4.1 A brief introduction of CALL 16 17 2.4.2 The need for a better combination of Intensive Reading (IR), 20 Extensive Reading (ER) and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) 2.5 The Internet and Second Language Learning 20 2.5.1 An introduction of the Internet and the World Wide Web (www) 20 2.5.2 The advantages of the Internet in Second Language Learning 21 2.6 WebQuest and WebBlog 2.6.1 WebQuest 23 23 2.6.1.1 Definition 24 2.6.1.2 Structures of a WebQuest model 25 2.6.1.3 WebQuest – a pedagogical perspective 27 2.6.1.4 WebQuest for Content-based language learning 31 2.6.1.5 WebQuest creation 32 2.6.2 WebBlog 34 2.6.2.1 Definition, basic features and types of WebBlog 34 2.6.2.2 WebBlog design and creation 36 2.6.2.3 WebBlog and Second Language Learning 38 2.7 Summary 41 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 42 3.1 Introduction 42 3.2 Research questions 42 3.3 Research design 42 3.3.1 Methodology 43 3.3.1.1 Action research 43 3.3.1.2 Action research in this study 46 3.3.1.2.1 Step 1: Planning 47 3.3.1.2.2 Step 2: Acting 57 vii 3.3.1.2.3 Step 3: Observing 71 3.3.1.2.4 Step 4: Reflecting 72 3.3.2 Research instruments and participants 3.3.2.1 Research instruments 73 73 3.3.2.1.1 Pre-questionnaire 73 3.3.2.1.2 Pre-test and Post-test 74 3.3.2.1.3 Observation sheet 74 3.3.2.1.4 Post-questionnaire 75 3.3.2.2 Research participants 3.3.3 Procedures of the study 77 80 3.4 Summary 84 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 85 4.1 Introduction 85 4.2 Results 85 4.2.1 The effect of the use of WebQuest and WebBlog in the ESP reading 85 course on the students’ reading competence 4.2.2 Students’ attitude towards the WebQuest and WebBlog-based learning 88 and teaching of ESP reading 4.2.3 Difficulties of the students and the teacher at the PPU in the 99 employment of WebQuest and WebBlog in the ESP reading course 4.2.3.1 Analysis of students’ responses to Question 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 on 99 the online questionnaire 4.2.3.2 Teacher’s Observation and Reflections 103 4.2.3.2.1 Teacher’s Observation 103 4.2.3.2.2 Reflections on Teacher’s Observation 106 4.3 Discussion 108 4.3.1 Discussion on the findings 108 4.3.2 The revised plan for the next circle of the action research 109 viii 4.4 Summary 113 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS 114 5.1 Introduction 114 5.2 Conclusion 114 5.3 Pedagogical Implications 116 5.4 Limitations 119 5.5 Recommendations 120 5.5.1 Recommendations for ESP teachers and Faculty of Foreign Language 120 (FFL) at the PPU 5.5.2 Recommendations for the Board of Directors at the PPU 121 5.5.3 Recommendations for further study 121 REFERENCES 122 APPENDICES 132 Appendix A: Pre-questionnaire 137 Appendix B: Pre-test 158 Appendix C: Post-test 146 Appendix D: A typical weekly worksheet 154 Appendix E: Student List 159 Appendix F: Post-questionnaire 161 Appendix G: Pre-test and Post-test scores 163 Appendix H: Teacher’s observation sheet 165 Appendix I: Plan for the whole Web-based ESP reading course 169 Appendix J: Link of the WebQuest 176 Appendix K: A brief overview of Action Research 177 ix LIST OF TABLES AND ABBREVIATION TABLES Table 2.1: Characteristics of IR and ER Table 2.2: Different types of blog Table 3.1: Students’ needs and expectations Table 3.2: Outline of the reading course Table 3.3: A summary of all instruments and participants used in the action research Table 3.4: Procedures of the action research inn the study Table 3.5: Differences between action research and traditional research Table 4.1 Comparison of pre-test scores and post-test scores Table 4.2 Comparison of pre-test scores and post-test scores Table 4.3 Classification of pre-test scores and post-test scores Table 4.4 Students’ responses to Question to Question 13 on the post-questionnaire Table 4.5 Students’ responses to Question 14 on the postquestionnaire Table 4.6 Students’ responses to Question 15 to Question 18 on the post-questionnaire Table 4.7 Students’ responses to Question 19 on the postquestionnaire Table 4.8 Students’ responses to Question 19 on the postquestionnaire C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 167 Week Week Week Vietnam - They were highly motivated to extensively read authentic materials online - More students got used to using skimming and scanning in their reading - Most of the students were not very interested in decorating their blogs as they though the blogs they were using were only for the purposes of study -The low-motivated students made progress when working in teams -A lots of students revealed their annoyance when sometimes being interrupted by the disconnect of Wifi internet - Nearly all the students were interested in discussing about criminal investigation and shared their specialized knowledge with their teacher - No one used dictionary in doing reading tasks and Vietnamese in discussing with other team members -Students were not active in blog communication Besides, They seemed to prefer talking directly than communicating through blogs - The students were more active in doing the reading tasks -All the teams’ Blog posting and answers to weekly worksheet reached the teacher one day after the deadline without notice from the students -Everything went on as expected except for the fact were linked in the WebQuest -At first, the link to the online Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 168 that some students were not very clear about how to the online questionnaire Period of time doing online survey -Some students were not very clear about how to the online questionnaire questionnaire was not exact After that, the teacher had to send the correct link - The online survey was not hyperlinked in page Conclusion in the WebQuest It was the teacher’s fault Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 169 APPENDIX I: PLAN FOR THE WHOLE ESP READING COURSE TIME CONTENT Preparation Lesson -An introduction of WebQuest, WebBlog and the new Webbased reading course -Pre-test TEACHING APPROACHES IR Teacher’s Activities Students’ Activities Week UNIT 1: The Police IR & ER INSIDE THE CLASS -Introduce the WebQuest, WebBlog and the whole course -Help students create a WebBog of their own -Introduce IR & ER -Have students pre-test Teacher’s Activities -Discuss with others about the use of blogs -Ask teacher possible questions about the WebQuest and the whole course -Listen to distinguish between IR & ER -Decide on team members and teams’ names -Introduce reading skills: bottom-up, top-down, surveying, skimming, scanning -Guide students how to the worksheet, how to post the weekly assignment s -Answer students' questions -Discuss with students on the topics and give comments for improvement Students’ Activities -Listen and take notes -Discuss with other Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn OUTSIDE THE CLASS -Check the WebQuest before introducing to students -Check the test before delivering to students -Make a final decision on the Web-based course -Create a blog of their own -Visit the WebQuest and the teacher's blog -Manage and monitor and give advice on students' job -Visit and observe teams' blogs -Give possible comments, feedbacks or suggestions on each team’s weekly worksheet or glossary and translation -Communicate with students through blogs or answer their emails -Encourage or help students with any possible technical problems -Give comments or suggestions on students' PowerPoint presentation -Download Worksheet from C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 170 team members about the organization of police force of Vietnam, UK or US -Compare the answers to the worksheet with other team members -Discuss about difficult terminology in the reading texts -Discuss ideas for the weekly presentation -Make possible questions to the teacher Week UNIT 2: Crime Prevention & Production IR & ER Teacher’s Activities -Answer students' questions -Discuss with students on the topics and give comments for betterment Students’ Activities -Make a PowerPoint presentation on the topic which was chosen and discussed among the team -Listen and take notes -Discuss with other Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn the WebQuest -Visit the websites suggested by the teacher -In groups, survey, skim, scan the texts to Worksheet -Make a glossary of difficult terms and translate the given texts to post on teams' blogs -Peer check the team's posting -Communicate with the teacher or friends through blogs by giving comments -Select sub-topics for weekly presentation -Prepare for the team's presentation -Manage and monitor and give advice on sts' job -Visit and observe teams' blogs -Give possible comments, feedbacks or suggestions on each team's weekly worksheet or glossary and translation -Communicate with students through blogs or answer their emails -Encourage or help students with any possible technical problems -Give comments or suggestions on students' PowerPoint presentation Download Worksheet from the WebQuest Visit the websites suggested by the teacher In groups, survey, C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 171 team members about crime protection & reduction -Compare the answers to the worksheet with other team members -Discuss about difficult terminology in the reading texts -Discuss ideas for the weekly presentation -Make possible questions to the teacher Week UNIT 3: Criminal Procedures IR & ER Teacher’s Activities Students’ Activities -Answer students' questions -Discuss with students on the topics and give comments for betterment -Make a PowerPoint presentation on the topic which was chosen and discussed among the team -Listen and take notes -Discuss with other team members about criminal procedures in Vietnam, Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn skim, scan the texts to Worksheet Make a glossary of difficult terms and translate the given texts to post on teams' blogs Peer check the team's posting .Communicate with the teacher or friends through blogs by giving comments Select sub-topics for weekly presentation Prepare for the team's presentation -Manage and monitor and give advice on students' job -Visit and observe teams' blogs -Give possible comments, feedbacks or suggestions on each team’s weekly worksheet or glossary and translation -Communicate with students through blogs or answer their emails -Encourage or help students with any possible technical problems -Give comments or suggestions on students' PowerPoint presentation -Download Worksheet from the WebQuest -Visit the websites suggested by the teacher -In groups, survey, skim, scan the texts to Worksheet -Make a glossary of C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 172 -Compare the answers to the worksheet with other team members -Discuss about difficult terminology in the reading texts -Discuss ideas for the weekly presentation -Make possible questions to the teacher E Week UNIT 4: Criminal Investigation IR & ER Teacher’s Activities -Introduce reading skills: bottom-up, top-down, surveying, skimming, scanning -Guide students how to the worksheet, how to post the weekly assignments -Answer students' questions -Discuss with students on the topics and give comments for betterment Students’ Activities -Make a PowerPoint presentation on the topic which was chosen and discussed among the team -Listen and take notes -Discuss with other team members about criminal investigation -Compare the answers to the worksheet with other team members -Discuss about Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn difficult terms and translate the given texts to post on teams' blogs -Peer check the team's posting -Communicate with the teacher or friends through blogs by giving comments Select sub-topics for weekly presentation Prepare for the team's presentation -Manage and monitor and give advice on students' job -Visit and observe teams' blogs -Give possible comments, feedbacks or suggestions on each team’s weekly worksheet or glossary and translation -Communicate with students through blogs or answer their emails -Encourage or help students with any possible technical problems -Give comments or suggestions on students' PowerPoint presentation -Download Worksheet from the WebQuest -Visit the websites suggested by the teacher -In groups, survey, skim, scan the texts to Worksheet -Make a glossary of difficult terms and translate the given texts to post on teams' blogs C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 173 difficult terminology in the reading texts -Discuss ideas for the weekly presentation -Make possible questions to the teacher Week UNIT 5: Forensic Science IR & ER Teacher’s Activities -Introduce reading skills: bottom-up, top-down, surveying, skimming, scanning -Guide students how to the worksheet, how to post the weekly assignments -Answer students' questions -Discuss with students on the topics and give comments for betterment Students’ Activities -Make a PowerPoint presentation on the topic which was chosen and discussed among the team -Listen and take notes -Discuss with other team members about forensic science -Compare the answers to the worksheet with other team members -Discuss about difficult terminology in the reading texts -Discuss ideas for the weekly presentation Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn -Peer check the team's posting -Communicate with the teacher or friends through blogs by giving comments -Select sub-topics for weekly presentation -Prepare for the team's presentation -Manage and monitor and give advice on students' job -Visit and observe teams' blogs -Give possible comments, feedbacks or suggestions on each team's weekly worksheet or glossary and translation -Communicate with students through blogs or answer their emails -Encourage or help students with any possible technical problems -Give comments or suggestions on students' PowerPoint presentation -Download Worksheet from the WebQuest -Visit the websites suggested by the teacher -In groups, survey, skim, scan the texts to Worksheet -Make a glossary of difficult terms and translate the given texts to post on teams' blogs -Peer check the team's posting -Communicate with the teacher or C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 174 -Make possible questions to the teacher Week UNIT 6: Traffic Policing IR & ER Teacher’s Activities -Introduce reading skills: bottom-up, top-down, surveying, skimming, scanning -Guide students how to the worksheet, how to post the weekly assignments -Answer students' questions -Discuss with students on the topics and give comments for betterment Students’ Activities -Make a PowerPoint presentation on the topic which was chosen and discussed among the team -Listen and take notes -Discuss with other team members traffic problems in Vietnam -Compare the answers to the worksheet with other team members -Discuss about difficult terminology in the reading texts -Discuss ideas for the weekly presentation -Make possible questions to the teacher Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn friends through blogs by giving comments -Select sub-topics for weekly presentation -Prepare for the team's presentation -Manage and monitor and give advice on students' job -Visit and observe teams' blogs -Give possible comments, feedbacks or suggestions on each team’s weekly worksheet or glossary and translation -Communicate with students through blogs or answer their emails -Encourage or help students with any possible technical problems Give comments or suggestions on students' PowerPoint presentation -Download Worksheet from the WebQuest -Visit the websites suggested by the teacher -In groups, survey, skim, scan the texts to Worksheet -Make a glossary of difficult terms and translate the given texts to post on teams' blogs -Peer check the team's posting -Communicate with the teacher or friends through blogs by giving comments -Prepare for the C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 175 Review Lesson -Review -Post-test -An introduction of the online survey IR Teacher’s Activities Students’ Activities -Revise and discuss about the whole course -Give comments on students' job through the whole course -Deliver the post-test to students -Introduce the online survey and the way to it -Discuss about the course Do the post-test -Prepare answers to the online questionnaire Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn team's presentation -Prepare for the post-test -Check the online questionnaire -Revise for the test -Prepare the answers to the online survey C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 176 APPENDIX J: LINK OF THE WEBQUEST http://thuespwebquest.com Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 177 APPENDIX K: A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ACTION RESEARCH What is action research? The term ‘action research’ means different things when used by different authors Hopkins (1985) treats action research and classroom research by teachers as synonymous; Wallace (1991) claims that the main criterion for action research is practicality; Brown (1994) and Robinson (1991) argues that any action undertaken by teachers to collect data and evaluate their own teaching can be termed action research; and Somekh (1993) emphasizes the participatory insider nature of action research Hamilton (1997:3) regards an action research as “a process of systematic inquiry into a self-identified teaching or learning problem to better understand its complex dynamics and to develop strategies geared forwards the problems’ improvement” According to McNiff et all (1996:13), action research can help a researcher fill the gap from theory to practice Nunan (1991: 66) also states that the classroom could become a laboratory for experimenting with, contesting and evaluating the materials and classroom tasks in a teacher’s own context and situation Despite the differences between these interpretations of action research, there does seem to be a common understanding which distinguishes action research from research in general Action research occurring within a specific classroom situation is usually conducted by the teacher as a classroom participant, and is geared to develop the situation and the teacher-researcher rather than to develop human knowledge Action research is also called a practitioner research Action research is done by practiciners within a particular situation and will influence what is happening According to Eileen Ferrance (2000:1), action research “specifically refers to a disciplined inquiry done by a teacher with the intent that the researcher will inform and change his or her practices in the future” and “is carried within the context of the teacher’s environment – that is, with the students and at the school in which the teacher works – on questions that deal with educational matters at hand.” The researcher’s perspective therefore is different from the Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 178 external researcher, who stands outside the situation and records observations about it, checking his or her interpretations with participants (McNiff at all., 2003) It is worth noticing that action research is not a library project where we learn more about a topic that interests us It is not problem-solving in the sense of trying to find out what is wrong, but rather a quest for knowledge about how to improve Action research is not about learning why we certain things, but rather how we can things better It is about how we can change our instruction to impact students A common form of action research is when the teacher discovers their own classroom problems and reflects on their own practice By this practical action research, the teacher can improve students’ learning and their own professional performance According to Lee (2008), action research also “encourages change in the school, fosters a democratic approach to education, empowers individuals through collaboration on projects, positions teachers and other educators as learners who seek to narrow the gap between practice and their vision of education, encourages educators to reflect on their practices and promotes a process of testing new ideas Action research is a more practical and user-friendly than research defined in traditional senses According to Slavin (2006), action research is conducted research for one main purpose: to improve teaching and learning Due to its less formal nature, teachers and building administrators will find by far the easiest form of research to conduct It is thought to be able to involve a single researcher or a collaborative team working together to focus on a mutual topic It can even involve all teachers within a specific grade level, a particular department, or an entire school (Ross-Fisher, 2008) Sample size is not that important in action research Unlike traditional research types that require a sizable sample of participants, action research can be conducted with a single student, if necessary In addition, an action research project is not bound with certain time limits; it can span from a single week, or it can last several months or even years Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 179 The table below shows the differences between action research and traditional research (Adapted from Mille EG, 2000): What? Traditional research Action research Who? Conducted by university Conducted by teachers professors, and scholars and principals In environment where Where? variables can be controlled In show a Using less controlled cause-effect procedures to understand relationship attention and classrooms Using vigorous design to How? schools is Major the given effects to educational reducing errors and bias of some intervention Changes are made during the study To attend knowledge that Why? is generalizable and To attend knowledge that to can be directly applied to develop and test educational the classroom situation and theories to give participating teachers in-service training Table 3.5: Differences between action research and traditional research McNiff et all (2003) states the key features of action research: a) commitment to education improvement; b) a special kind of research question; c) putting the “I” at the centre of the research; d) action that is transformed, committed and intentional; e) systematic monitoring to generate valid data; f) authentic descriptions of the action; g) explaining the action; h) new ways of representing research; i) self-reflective writing, often in the form of diaries and logs; j) validating action research claims; k) making the action research public; and l) sharing ideas and findings with others Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an 180 Why is an action research? Research into classrooms is needed for the purpose of improving and developing teaching When conducting a research, a variety of things should be taken into consideration: what is actually happening in the classrooms, what learners are really thinking, why they are reacting in the ways they do, what aspects of language or the classroom teachers should attach importance to develop the teaching most effectively, how teachers should change in this situation, and what the effects of such a change are It is advisable to note that most of the items in the above list are considerably related to describing and understanding the ongoing classroom situation rather than evaluating the employment of a new approach That is the reason why teachers must truly understand their classroom situations first As mentioned above, the need for teachers to understand their own classroom situations is undeniable However, there exists a truth that most research into classrooms is still conducted by researchers from outside the classroom situation By taking a quick look at a few recent journals we can see that university researchers are the authors of nearly all of the articles, including those that investigate school classrooms The typical problem with classroom research by outside researchers is that classrooms are very complicated specific contexts which are very difficult for outsiders to understand Getting a real understanding of the underlying meanings and purposes of classroom behaviors can only be done successfully by insiders The teacher is the person who should be doing most research into classrooms as most learners are not in a position to be able to conduct research Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn C.33.44.55.54.78.65.5.43.22.2.4 22.Tai lieu Luan 66.55.77.99 van Luan an.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.33.44.55.54.78.655.43.22.2.4.55.22 Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an.Tai lieu Luan van Luan an Do an Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhd 77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.77.99.44.45.67.22.55.77.C.37.99.44.45.67.22.55.77t@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn.Stt.010.Mssv.BKD002ac.email.ninhddtt@edu.gmail.com.vn.bkc19134.hmu.edu.vn