The impact of cake app on enhancing toeic speaking competence for efl learners at a private english center in ho chi minh city

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY ∞0∞ HUA TRAN THANH TRUC THE IMPACT OF CAKE APP ON ENHANCING TOEIC SPEAKING COMPETENCE FOR EFL LEARNERS AT A PRIVATE ENGLISH CENTER Tai Lieu Chat Luong IN HO CHI MINH CITY MASTER OF ARTS IN TESOL HO CHI MINH CITY, 2022 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY ∞0∞ HUA TRAN THANH TRUC THE IMPACT OF CAKE APP ON ENHANCING TOEIC SPEAKING COMPETENCE FOR EFL LEARNERS AT A PRIVATE ENGLISH CENTER IN HO CHI MINH CITY Major: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Major code: 14 01 11 MASTER OF ARTS IN TESOL Supervisor: Assoc.Prof.Dr NGUYEN NGOC VU HO CHI MINH CITY, 2022 TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC MỞ THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH KHOA ĐÀO TẠO SAU ĐẠI HỌC CỘNG HÒA XÃ HỘI CHỦ NGHĨA VIỆT NAM Độc lập – Tự – Hạnh phúc GIẤY XÁC NHẬN Tôi tên là: HỨA TRẦN THANH TRÚC Ngày sinh: 03/03/1996 Nơi sinh: Đăk Lăk Chuyên ngành: Lý luận Phương pháp Giảng dạy Bộ môn Tiếng Anh (TESOL) Mã học viên: 1981401111031 Tôi đồng ý cung cấp tồn văn thơng tin luận văn tốt nghiệp hợp lệ quyền cho Thư viện trường đại học Mở Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh Thư viện trường đại học Mở Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh kết nối tồn văn thông tin luận văn tốt nghiệp vào hệ thống thông tin khoa học Sở Khoa học Công nghệ Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh Ký tên (Ghi rõ họ tên) Hứa Trần Thanh Trúc STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP I certify that the thesis entitles “The impact of Cake app on enhancing TOEIC speaking competence for EFL learners at a private English center in Ho Chi Minh City” is my original work The data and findings are true and with permission from associates All resources used in the thesis have been documented The work has not been submitted to Ho Chi Minh City Open University or elsewhere Ho Chi Minh City, April 14th, 2022 HUA TRAN THANH TRUC RETENTION AND USE OF THE THESIS I hereby state that I, Hua Tran Thanh Truc, the learner for the degree of Master in TESOL, accept the requirement of the university relating to the retention and use of the Master’s theses deposited in the university library In terms of these conditions, I agree that the origin of my thesis deposited in the university library should be accessible for the purposes of the studies and research, in accordance with the normal condition established by the library for care, loan, and reproduction of thesis ACKNOWLEDGEMENT During the process of the research, I had to face dozens of difficulties as this is the first time I have conducted a complete research paper I would never have been able to finish this study without the guidance of my supervisor, help from students as the research participants, and support from my family First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Assoc.Prof.Dr Nguyen Ngoc Vu for all his enthusiastic and constant encouragements from the beginning to the end of the study His whole-hearted instructions, valuable advices, precious e-lessons, as well as his patience with my mistakes play an important role in the fulfillment of my study My sincere thankful words would be sent to the training department of IMAP for designating me A+ classes, and students who have been enthusiastically helping me perform the process of collecting data, which contributed a vital part to my paper Last but not least, my warmest thanks would go to my family members and friends for their continuing practical support, inestimable assistance and great care for me during the time I this research, especially in the moments of difficulty Hua Tran Thanh Truc ABSTRACT Learning on mobile phones is necessary for developing learner autonomy through activities that help learners to study with less assistance from teachers Through this kind of learning, learners have the right to choose what and how they want to learn, instead of just listening to one-way lectures Since then, the free Cake app was introduced to integrate into English courses to help learners always have authentic materials to learn anytime and anywhere, in order to quickly improve their skills This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Cake app on TOEIC Speaking competence and students’ perceptions on this app Thirty-two EFL learners were selected and divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group Both groups had the same curriculum, coursebook, facilities and teaching method in face-to-face classes The main difference between these groups was that the experimental group accessed to Cake app while the control group did some extra materials on paper-based handouts A pretest, a post-test, a questionnaire, and an interview were used as instruments to measure the effects of Cake app on students’ TOEIC Speaking competence and perceptions The pretest and posttest findings demonstrated that the individuals' speaking abilities improved considerably after the treatment The results of questionnaires and interviews revealed that the majority of students thought Cake's use in teaching and learning speaking was beneficial Furthermore, rather than the time before, the learner-centered approach was emphasized Learners had choice over what and how they learned, and they progressively acquired confidence as they were regarded as an important part of the class, offering knowledge that others wanted to share Keywords: Mobile app-assisted language learning, Cake mobile app, TOEIC Speaking, Perceptions ABRIVIATIONS AI: Artificial Intelligence CG: Control Group EFL: English as a Foreign Language EG: Experimental Group IELTS: International English Language Testing System M: Mean N: Number S: Student SD: Standard Deviation SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences TOEIC: Test of English for International Communication TOEFL: Test Of English as a Foreign Language LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1 Components of second language speaking competence Figure 2.2 Learners’ behaviors in a MALL environment 23 Figure 3.1 Two alternatives after finishing level PRE at IMAP English center system ……………………………………………………………………………………32 Figure 3.2 Screenshots from learners sent to Zalo group 37 Figure 3.3 An example for communication activities using Cake in class .39 Figure 3.4 Contents of the book Everyday Conversations: Learning American English ……………………………………………………………………………41 Figure 3.5 An example for communication activities using the extra material in control group 42 Figure 4.1 Normal Q-Q plots for TOEIC speaking pretest results 46 Figure 4.2 Normal Q-Q plots for TOEIC speaking posttest results 49 Figure 4.3 Comparison of means of pretest and posttest scores 51 Figure 4.4 Learners’ perceptions on using Cake to enhance TOEIC Speaking scores ………………………………………………………………………………… 52 Figure 4.5 Learners’ perceptions on using Cake to enhance TOEIC Speaking performance 54 Figure 4.6 Learners’ perceptions on Cake affecting what they learn for TOEIC Speaking test 56 Figure 4.7 Learners’ perceptions of intrapersonal interaction through using Cake app ……………………………………………………………………………………57 Figure 4.8 Learners’ perceptions of device interaction through using Cake app 59 Figure 4.9 Learners’ perceptions of social interaction through using Cake app .60 Mehdipour, Y., & Zerehkafi, H (2013) Presence and the Eucharistic Presence English, 3(6), 93–101 Metruk, R (2021) The use of smartphone english language learning apps in the process of learning english: Slovak efl students’ perspectives Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(15) https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158205 Nguyen, H T., & Tran, N M (2015) Factors affecting students’ speaking performance at le hien high school 3(2), 8–23 Nguyen, N V (2016) Mobile Learning in Language Teaching Context of Vietnam: an Evaluation of Students’ Readiness Journal of Science, HCMC University of Education, 7(85), 16–27 http://www.vjol.info/index.php/sphcm/article/viewFile/24861/21273 Nguyen, T T H (2015) Impact of TOEIC as a university exit test: A Vietnamese perspective In Victoria University of Wellington Victoria University of Wellington Nunan, D (2003) Practical English Language Teaching 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Teaching English with Technology, 19(2), 59–69 Wilkinson, D., & Birmingham, P (2003) Using Research Instruments A Guide for Researchers RoutledgeFalmer Taylor&Francis Group Yanthi, W (2020) The Use of Cake Application in Teaching Speaking to Senior High School’s Students The 2nd Bogor English Student Teacher (BEST) CONFERENCE 2020, 2017, 165–170 82 APPENDIX A Sample of TOEIC Speaking Test: Pretest & Posttest (https://tinyurl.com/toeicspeakingtest) Questions 1-2: Read a text aloud Directions: In this part of the test, you will read aloud the text on the screen You will have 45 seconds to prepare Then you will have 45 seconds to read the text aloud Question of 11 Are you looking for a special gift for your loved ones? At Harper’s, we have some great gift ideas that everyone will love from your partners to your parents, children and friends No matter who the recipient is, our gifting experts will guarantee that you receive a better response from anyone Question of 11 Welcome to Rocky’s Science Lab and I’m your host, Rockey Myers To celebrate our fiftieth episode, we have invited famous scientists from all over the world who will educate, entertain and spark your curiosity Stay tuned and we will be right back after hearing a word from our sponsors Questions 5-7: Respond to questions Directions: In this part of the test, you will answer three questions You will have seconds to prepare after you hear each question You will have 15 seconds to respond to Question and 6, and 30 seconds to respond to Question Imagine that an English newspaper company is doing research to write an article They want to collect information about TV streaming services 83 Question of 11 How often you watch TV? What kind of TV programs you like the most? Question of 11 Out of mobile phones, computers and televisions, which device would you see to watch TV programs on TV streaming services? Question of 11 What could be the reason to make you sign up for a new TV streaming service? Question 11: Respond to questions Directions: In this part of the test, you will give you opinion about a specific topic Be sure to say as much as you can in the time allowed You will have 30 seconds to prepare Then you will have 60 seconds to speak Do you agree or disagree that a company should let the employees enjoy sports or games during their working hours? Why? Give specific reasons and details to support you opinion 84 APPENDIX B Questionnaire (English version) Dear my students, This questionnaire surveys how you feel about learning TOEIC speaking skills with Cake app activities The results of the questionnaire will help improve teaching and learning process of the TOEIC Speaking test preparation courses, so your cooperation is extremely essential for my study Please be noted that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and this is not a part of your course evaluation, so just give your opinions sincerely The information you provide is anonymous and will be used for research purposes only Thank you very much for your valuable time and responses! -Please tick (✔) the answer that you find most appropriate You can choose only ONE answer 1-Strongly 2-Disagree 3-Neutral 4-Agree 5-Strongly Disagree Agree PART I To what extent does Cake app impact on enhancing your TOEIC speaking competence? (1) To what extent have Cake app activities impacted on TOEIC speaking score? Cake app activities help me to improve the score in Questions & – “Read a text aloud” of the TOEIC speaking test Cake app activities help me to improve the score in Questions & – “Describe a picture” of the TOEIC speaking test 85 Cake app activities help me to improve the score in Questions 5, & – “Respond to questions” of the TOEIC speaking test Cake app activities help me to improve the score in Questions 8, & 10 – “Respond to questions by using information provided” of the TOEIC speaking test Cake app activities help me to improve the score in Question 11 – “Express an opinion” of the TOEIC speaking test (2) To what extent have Cake app activities impacted 5 on TOEIC speaking performance? Cake app activities help me to reduce my anxiety when sitting for the TOEIC speaking test Cake app activities help me to reduce time pressure when sitting for the TOEIC speaking test Cake app activities help me to improve my readiness to speak when sitting for the TOEIC speaking test Cake app activities help me to improve my fluency when sitting for the TOEIC speaking test 10 Cake app activities help me to express longer ideas when sitting for the TOEIC speaking test PART II How you perceive Cake app in your TOEIC speaking practice? (1) To what extent has Cake app affected WHAT you learn for the TOEIC speaking test? 11 I use Cake app for practicing English pronunciation 86 12 I use Cake app for practicing English intonation of sentences and stress of words 13 I use Cake app for improving English grammar 14 I use Cake app for improving English vocabulary 15 I use Cake app for improving cohesion when speaking English (2) To what extent has Cake app affected HOW you learn for the TOEIC speaking test? Perceptions of intrapersonal interaction through using Cake app 16 I can subscribe my favorite channels on Cake app 17 I can choose my favorite contents that I find interesting on Cake app 18 I can learn real-life English on Cake app anytime and anywhere I want 19 I can learn at my best through watching short videos on Cake app 20 I can correct myself when listening again to what I have just practiced speaking on Cake app Perceptions of device interaction through using Cake app 21 I can learn at my best through using my own mobile phone 22 I can adjust speed of videos that suits my level on Cake app 87 23 I can choose lessons with appropriate levels on Cake app 24 I can receive feedback from AI voice recognition on Cake app 25 I can set up notifications for my lesson review on Cake app Perceptions of social interaction through using Cake app 26 I can practice conversations in a virtual environment on Cake app 27 I can learn English language of native speakers in different contexts on Cake app 28 I can practice conversations in a real environment with my teacher and classmates by using contents on Cake app 29 I feel more engaged in TOEIC speaking classes 30 I can produce longer conversations with my teacher and classmates in English by using contents on Cake app Adapted from Metruk (2021) 88 APPENDIX C Questionnaire (Vietnamese version) Gửi bạn học viên cô, Bảng câu hỏi khảo sát cảm nhận bạn học kỹ nói thi TOEIC Speaking thông qua hoạt động ứng dụng Cake Kết bảng câu hỏi giúp cải thiện q trình dạy học khóa luyện thi TOEIC Speaking, hợp tác bạn vô cần thiết cho việc nghiên cứu Các bạn lưu ý khơng có câu trả lời “đúng” “sai”, phần đánh giá khả bạn suốt khóa học, đưa ý kiến bạn cách chân thành Thông tin bạn cung cấp ẩn danh sử dụng cho mục đích nghiên cứu Cảm ơn bạn nhiều dành thời gian quý báu để phản hồi bảng câu hỏi này! -Hãy đánh dấu (✔) vào câu trả lời mà bạn thấy thích hợp Bạn chọn MỘT câu trả lời 1-Hồn tồn 2-Khơng khơng đồng ý đồng ý 3-Trung lập 4-Đồng ý 5-Hoàn toàn đồng ý Phần I Ứng dụng Cake tác động đến việc nâng cao lực nói thi TOEIC Speaking bạn mức độ nào? (1) Các hoạt động ứng dụng Cake có tác động đến điểm số thi TOEIC Speaking mức độ nào? Các hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp cải thiện điểm số Câu hỏi & - “Đọc to văn bản” thi TOEIC Speaking 89 Các hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp cải thiện điểm số Câu hỏi & - “Mô tả tranh” thi TOEIC Speaking Các hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp cải thiện điểm số Câu hỏi 5, - “Trả lời câu hỏi” thi TOEIC Speaking Các hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp cải thiện điểm số Câu hỏi 8, 10 - “Trả lời câu hỏi cách sử dụng thông tin cung cấp” thi TOEIC Speaking Các hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp cải thiện điểm Câu hỏi 11 - “Bày tỏ ý kiến” thi TOEIC Speaking (2) Các hoạt động ứng dụng Cake có tác động đến hiệu suất làm thi TOEIC Speaking mức độ nào? Hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp giảm bớt lo lắng tham gia thi TOEIC Speaking Hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp giảm bớt áp lực thời gian tham gia thi TOEIC Speaking Hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp tơi cải thiện tâm lý sẵn sàng nói tham gia thi TOEIC Speaking Hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp cải thiện độ trôi chảy tham gia thi TOEIC Speaking 10 Hoạt động ứng dụng Cake giúp diễn đạt ý dài tham gia thi TOEIC Speaking 90 Phần II Bạn nhận thức việc sử dụng ứng dụng Cake trình luyện nói cho thi TOEIC Speaking? (1) Ứng dụng Cake ảnh hưởng đến khía cạnh ngôn ngữ cho thi TOEIC Speaking mức độ nào? 11 Tôi sử dụng ứng dụng Cake để luyện phát âm tiếng Anh 12 Tôi sử dụng ứng dụng Cake để luyện ngữ điệu tiếng Anh câu trọng âm từ 13 Tôi sử dụng ứng dụng Cake để cải thiện ngữ pháp tiếng Anh 14 Tôi sử dụng ứng dụng Cake để cải thiện vốn từ vựng tiếng Anh 15 Tôi sử dụng ứng dụng Cake để cải thiện liên kết mạch ý nói tiếng Anh (2) Ứng dụng Cake ảnh hưởng đến cách học cho thi TOEIC Speaking mức độ nào? Nhận thức thân thông qua việc sử dụng ứng dụng Cake 16 Tơi đăng ký kênh u thích ứng dụng Cake 17 Tơi chọn nội dung u thích mà tơi thấy thú vị ứng dụng Cake 18 Tơi học tiếng Anh đời thực ứng dụng Cake lúc nơi muốn 19 Tơi học tốt thơng qua việc xem video ngắn ứng dụng Cake 91 20 Tơi tự sửa lỗi nghe lại tơi vừa luyện nói ứng dụng Cake Nhận thức tương tác thân với thiết bị di 5 động thông qua việc sử dụng ứng dụng Cake 21 Tơi học tốt thông qua việc sử dụng điện thoại di động 22 Tơi điều chỉnh tốc độ video phù hợp với trình độ ứng dụng Cake 23 Tơi chọn học với cấp độ phù hợp ứng dụng Cake 24 Tôi chấm điểm từ chức nhận dạng giọng nói trí tuệ nhân tạo ứng dụng Cake 25 Tơi thiết lập thơng báo cho việc ơn lại học ứng dụng Cake Nhận thức tương tác xã hội thông qua việc sử dụng ứng dụng Cake 26 Tôi thực hành hội thoại mơi trường ảo ứng dụng Cake 27 Tơi học ngơn ngữ tiếng Anh người ngữ ngữ cảnh khác ứng dụng Cake 28 Tơi thực hành trị chuyện mơi trường thực với giáo viên bạn học cách sử dụng nội dung ứng dụng Cake 29 Tôi cảm thấy tham gia nhiều vào lớp luyện nói cho thi TOEIC Speaking 92 30 Tơi tạo trị chuyện dài với giáo viên bạn học tiếng Anh cách sử dụng nội dung ứng dụng Cake Phỏng theo Metruk (2021) 93 APPENDIX D Interview questions How you compare the progress of yourself before and after using Cake app for the TOEIC Speaking test? (Bạn so sánh tiến thân trước sau sử dụng ứng dụng Cake cho thi TOEIC Speaking nào?) What benefits you think Cake app bring to you during your TOEIC Speaking course? (Bạn nghĩ ứng dụng Cake mang lại lợi ích cho bạn q trình học TOEIC Speaking?) What difficulties you often face with when learning with Cake app during your TOEIC Speaking course? (Bạn thường gặp khó khăn học TOEIC Speaking với ứng dụng Cake?) How does this app affect your attitudes and motivation towards English speaking in general and TOEIC speaking in particular? (Ứng dụng ảnh hưởng đến thái độ động lực bạn việc học nói tiếng Anh nói chung TOEIC Speaking nói riêng?) Do you have any suggestions or comments regarding using Cake app activities for TOEIC speaking test preparation? (Bạn có đề xuất nhận xét việc sử dụng ứng dụng Cake để luyện thi TOEIC Speaking không?) 94