An investigation into the use of english vocabulary learning strategies of english majored students a study at bac lieu university

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY - NGUYEN THI THANH TAM AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES OF ENGLISH – MAJORED STUDENTS: A STUDY AT BAC LIEU UNIVERSITY Major: English Language Course code: 1741900082 HO CHI MINH CITY ,October 2021 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY - AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES OF ENGLISH – MAJORED STUDENTS: A STUDY AT BAC LIEU UNIVERSITY Submitted to the Faculty of English Language in partial fulfillment of the Master’s degree in English Language Course code: 1741900082 By NGUYEN THI THANH TAM Supervised by Dr LE VAN TUYEN HO CHI MINH CITY ,October 2021 The thesis entitled: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES OF ENGLISH – MAJORED STUDENTS: A STUDY AT BAC LIEU UNIVERSITY was successfully defended and approved on ……… at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) Academic supervisor: ………………………………………………… Examination Committee Chair 2… Reader1 3… Reader 4… Member 5… Secretary Member On behalf of the Examination Committee Chair HCMC UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY POSTGRADUATE INSTITUTE HCMC, October, 2021 MASTER’S THESIS REPORT Student name: NGUYEN THI THANH TAM Sex: Female Date of birth: 20/03/1989 Place of birth: Soc Trang Major: English Language Student code: 1741900082 I- Thesis title: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES OF ENGLISH – MAJORED STUDENTS: A STUDY AT BAC LIEU UNIVERSITY II-Objectives and contents: The objectives of the study are: + The study will also try to find out whether the attitudes toward learning vocabulary of the English- majored students at BLU + To discover the extent to which those strategies are used by the students + The study will also try to find out whether the attitudes toward learning vocabulary of the English- majored students at BLU III- Starting date: (as stated in the Decision issued by the University) IV- Completing date: April 1st, 2021 V- Academic supervisor: Dr LE VAN TUYEN ACADEMIC SUPERVISOR FACULTY DEAN (Full name, signature) (Full name, signature) i CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY I certify my authorship of the Master’s Thesis submitted today entitled: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES OF ENGLISH – MAJORED STUDENTS: A STUDY AT BAC LIEU UNIVERSITY in terms of the statement of requirements for Thesis in Master’s programs issued by the Higher Degree Committee of Faculty of English Language, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology Ho Chi Minh, October 2021 ii RETENTION AND USE OF THE THESIS I hereby state that I, NGUYEN THI THANH TAM, being a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in English Language accept the requirements of the University relating to the retention and use of Master’ Thesis deposited in the Library In terms of these conditions, I agree that the original of my Master’s Thesis deposited in the Library should be accessible for purposes of study and research, in accordance with the normal conditions established by the Librarian for the care, loan, and reproduction for theses Ho Chi Minh, October 2021 Signature…………………………… NGUYEN THI THANH TAM iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All those who positively supported and contributed to the success of my study, receive my gratitude First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Dr Le Van Tuyen, for his constructive feedback, invaluable correction and advice His great support carried me through many challenges, enabled me to complete this study He has been a wonderful supervisor and I feel grateful for his supports His expertise and recommendations were a great source of inspiration Secondly, I express my gratitude to all lecturers and staff of the Institute for Postgraduate and the Department of English Language in HUTECH for their valuable lessons and great help in my thesis preparation Finally, I would like to thank some of the enthusiastic teachers from Foreign Language Division and English-majored students from Education Faculty at Bac Lieu University who helped me to provide and collect valuable data for the questionnaire and interview My work could not be done without the participation of students at the university Also, my special thanks the management board of Education Faculty for willingly allowing me to conduct this study iv ABSTRACT English education has been considered as one of the most important tasks in the Vietnamese education system English is one of the main subjects at different levels of education including at tertiary level Vietnamese university students learn English for international communication in the global integration due to vocational purpose after graduating However, English - majored students, who are required to master English skills and knowledge, encounter challenges in learning English, especially English vocabulary This study, therefore, aimed to examine what attitudes English majored students at Bac Lieu University (BLU) have towards leaning English vocabulary and discover what strategies they used in learning English vocabulary The study involved 80 English-majored students at BLU The questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data For analyzing the quantitative data collected from the questionnaire descriptive statistics was employed and for qualitative data, content analysis was employed The findings of the study revealed that the students had positive attitudes toward learning English as a foreign language The cognitive aspects represented the highest mean score (M= 3.36) Moreover, they employed strategies in learning English vocabulary to a moderate extent in terms of discovery and consolidation strategies The cognitive strategies was used the most (M=3.17) After that, metacognitive strategies as the second one frequently used The social strategies were used the least (M=2.8) It represented that the use of various vocabulary learning strategies was not very common among the students It is expected that the findings of the study would shed light on the existing knowledge of the field of study Moreover, the study also made several suggestions for both teachers and students to boost vocabulary English learning process at BLU to overcome issues as well as achieve better performance for English - majored students Key words: English vocabulary learning, English-majored students, attitudes, strategies, tertiary level v TABLE OF CONTENTS CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY i RETENTION AND USE OF THE THESIS ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii ABSTRACT iv TABLE OF CONTENTS v LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS x CHAPTER INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the study 1.2 Statement of the problem .2 1.3 Aims and objectives of the study 1.4 Research questions 1.5 Scope of study 1.6 Significance of the study 1.7 Definitions of the Key Terms 1.8 Organization of the thesis CHAPTER LITERATER REVIEW 2.1 Vocabulary acquisition 2.2 Learning vocabulary 2.2.1 Definitions of vocabulary 2.2.2 Learning vocabulary 2.2.2.1 2.2.2.2 Implicit/incidental vocabulary learning .9 Explicit/intentional vocabulary learning .10 2.3 Classifications of Vocabulary 11 2.3.1 Active and passive vocabulary 11 2.3.2 Concrete and abstract vocabulary 12 2.4 Language learning strategies 12 vi 2.4.1 Defining language learning strategies .12 2.4.2 Role of learning strategies .13 2.4.3 Classification of learning strategies 13 2.5 Vocabulary learning strategies .15 2.5.1 Definition of vocabulary learning strategies 15 2.5.2 Classification of vocabulary learning strategies 16 2.5.3 Teaching vocabulary learning strategies to students .19 2.6 Attitudes towards learning English vocabulary 21 2.6.1 Definition of attitude 21 2.6.2 Importance of attitude 23 2.7 Previous studies 24 2.8 The conceptual framework of the study .30 CHAPTER METHODOLOGY 33 3.1 Research design 33 3.2 Research site 34 3.3 Sample and sampling procedures 35 3.4 Research instruments 36 3.4.1 Questionnaire 36 3.4.2 Interviews 37 3.5 Data collection procedures 38 3.6 Data analysis procedures 39 3.7 Reliability and Validity 40 CHAPTER RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 42 4.1 Introduction 42 4.2 Results of the study 42 4.2.1 The extent of the use of strategies in vocabulary learning 42 4.2.1.1 Discovery strategies Determination strategies 42 4.2.1.2 Consolidation Strategies 45 4.2.2 Attitudes towards learning English vocabulary 51 Student: Learning new words with the sound like music, films and playing games I like best Teacher: What should you to increase their number of vocabulary? Student: I try to learn vocabulary one to three words per day I like to watch film to learning vocabulary from them I write new words on take notes and put is on the wall so that I can see everywhere *Student Teacher: Do you think learning vocabulary is very important in learning a foreign language? Why? Student: I think it very important to learn English, I will be good skills like speaking, listening, writing, reading when having a huge vocabulary Moreover, having vocabulary I can research information in English easily Teacher: Do you have any difficulties in learning English vocabulary? Please explain? Student: Yes, in high school I learned a lot of words every day, so I cannot remember all Sometimes, I feel boring because of the teaching way at school I feel stressful because I have not enough vocabulary and my grammar is poor Teacher: What you normally when you come across new English words? Student just read it and then write on my notebook Teacher: What types of vocabulary learning strategies that you have learned in class? Student: I think social strategy and …I have learned in class Teacher: Do you think your vocabulary learning strategies have helped you to learn new English words in an effective manner? Student: Yes, using vocabulary learning strategies learn faster than before Teacher: Each person has different ways of learning vocabulary What is your personal style when you learn vocabulary? Student: Yes, I usually study new word by make a sentence, or I like to practice with my friends At home, I use internet to learn more English Teacher: How you usually feel while you are studying new vocabulary words? Give an example of when you feel that way Student: Sometimes, I feel bored when learning English because I cannot remember words Teacher: What you think is the most boring way of learning new English words? Student: The boring way to learn English is repeating words and teacher does not make a game So, I not learn many vocabulary Teacher: What, in your opinion, is the most interesting way to learn new English words? Student: Playing game is the most interesting because students are active and so fun when they join That help them remember well Teacher: What should you to increase their number of vocabulary? Student: I like read some books in English to increase my vocabulary, watching English films is another way I learn vocabulary I usually go around and I make new foreigners to practice with them *Student Teacher: Do you think learning vocabulary is very important in learning a foreign language? Why? Student: Yes, when I have good English vocabulary, I can speak well I can communicate with foreigners This a chance of finding new job in the future Having vocabulary I enjoy group works confidently when I discuss a certain topic Teacher: Do you have any difficulties in learning English vocabulary? Please explain? Student: At first time, learning vocabulary is difficult because I not have any strategies to learn well I am sad when I cannot answer questions from my teacher because of lack vocabulary” Teacher: What you normally when you come across new English words Student: When I see some new words, I often read loudly and write it on paper Teacher: What types of vocabulary learning strategies that you have learned in class? Social strategy and memories strategies are taught in class I like to learn a full sentence with a new word in that’s sentence” Teacher: Do you think your vocabulary learning strategies have helped you to learn new English words in an effective manner? Student: Vocabulary learning strategies have helped you to learn new English words in an effective manner help me so much, but I not know many strategies to learn vocabulary Teacher: Each person has different ways of learning vocabulary What is your personal style when you learn vocabulary? Student: I usually learning family words, I try to make a sentence containing new words Reading newspapers and book can make me increase new words Teacher: How you usually feel while you are studying new vocabulary words? Give an example of when you feel that way Student: It is so good when I learn English words, sometimes I am stressful because of lack of vocabulary to exercises Teacher: What you think is the most boring way of learning new English words? I think learning vocabulary isolatable, using traditional teaching is boring Teacher: What, in your opinion, is the most interesting way to learn new English words? Student: Making a lot activities in class is the most interesting I make a dictionary myself and write down new words in it Teacher: What should you to increase their number of vocabulary? Student: I like to watch English program on internet And I try to write a lot of vocabulary on my own notebook, it looks like my dictionary and I remind those words every day Appendix 6: QUESTIONNAIRE OF WONG (2014) The following is a list of vocabulary learning strategies Learning strategies here refer to the methods you use to learn vocabulary (or words) The researcher is interested in what you actually do, NOT what you should or want to Please indicate how often you have used a certain strategy over the last two weeks It can be related to any skills (i.e listening, reading, speaking, and writing) and any place of learning (e.g school, work, and home) Please circle one of the following numbers next to each strategy: 0) Never: If you not use the strategy at all, please circle the word never 1) Seldom: If you use the strategy about ‘20%’ of the time 2) Sometimes: If you use the strategy about ‘40%’ of the time 3) Often If you use the strategy about ‘60%’ of the time 4) Usually: If you use the strategy about ‘80%’ of the time 5) Always: f you use the strategy about ‘100%’ of the time For example, if you use a bilingual dictionary 80% of the time when learning vocabulary, please circle the number (5): If you want to amend your answer, please cross it out and circle the answer you want Circle only one of the words In this questionnaire, there are no correct or wrong answers Also, you can indicate the use of one particular strategy simultaneously with another one For example, if you use both a bilingual dictionary and a monolingual dictionary 60% of the time when you try to learn vocabulary, please circle the word, often in the items 23 and 24 below This way, please indicate the frequency of the strategies you use A) METACOGNITIVE REGULATION STRATEGIES Find out meaning of words I am interested in 012345 Make a note of words important to me 012345 Read other English books besides textbook 012345 Learn other vocabulary items not given by teacher 012345 Find out more about vocabulary items I am not sure of 012345 B) METACOGNITIVE STRATEGIES Listen to tape of word lists 012345 Watch a TV program in English 012345 Watch a video in English 012345 Listen to English songs 012345 10 Read English newspapers 012345 11 Read English news and articles online 012345 12 Listen to an English radio program in that language 012345 13 Skip or pass difficult English words 012345 14 Use spaced word practice 012345 15 Skip difficult English idioms 012345 16 Learn English words written on commercial items 012345 17 Write meaning of new words in English 012345 C) SOCIAL STRATEGIES 18 Learn by group work in class 012345 19 Learn by pair work in class 012345 20 Ask your English language teacher for translation into your native language 012345 21 Ask your tutor/learning support teacher/classmate for a paraphrase or synonym 012345 22 Ask family members for translation into native language 012345 23 Ask classmates/friends for translation into your native language 012345 24 Practise with your friends 012345 25 Practise with your family members 012345 D DETERMINATION STRATEGIES 26 Use a thesaurus 012345 27 Use picture dictionary 012345 28 Use a bilingual dictionary 012345 29 Use a monolingual dictionary 012345 30 Use word lists made by language teacher 012345 31 Guess from textual context in reading 012345 E MEMORY STRATEGIES 32 Associate the word with its coordinates 012345 33 Connect the word list to its synonyms and antonyms 012345 34 Use new word in sentences 012345 35 Study and practise meaning in a group outside of class 012345 36 Connect word to already known words 012345 37 Learn idioms from stories 012345 38 Memorize idioms learnt 012345 39 Memorize the meaning of affix and roots 012345 40 Memorize parts of speech 012345 41 Group words together within story line 012345 42 Image word’s meaning 012345 43 Use rhymes to remember new words 012345 44 Connect word to a personal experience 012345 45 Study the spelling of a word 012345 46 Study the sound of a word 012345 47 Say new word aloud when studying 012345 48 Use Keyword Method 012345 49 Use semantic maps 012345 F COGNITIVE STRATEGIES 50 Use the vocabulary section in your textbook 012345 51 Put English labels on physical objects 012345 52 Keep a vocabulary notebook 012345 53 Do a verbal repetition 012345 54 Do written repetition 012345 55 Take notes in class 012345 56 Write your own wordlist of new words 012345 57 Paraphrase the word’s meaning by yourself 012345 G) TRANSLATION STRATEGIES 58 Write meaning of new words in your native language 012345 Appendix 7: QUESTIONNAIRE OF ABIDIN(2012) Part Two: Attitudes towards English Language To what extent you agree with the following items? The following items ask about your attitudes toward learning the English language Remember there is no right or wrong answers; just answer as accurately as possible Please read the statements below carefully and tick the appropriate choices that reflect your attitudes and perceptions towards English language Use the scale below to answer the questionnaire items 1= Strongly Disagree 2= Disagree 3= Neutral 4= Agree 5= Strongly Agree Note: Tick (√) only one option for each item in the questionnaire Studying English is important because it will make me more educated Being good at English will help me study other subjects well I feel proud when studying English language I feel excited when I communicate in English with others Speaking English anywhere makes me feel worried Studying English helps me to have good relationships with friends I like to give opinions during English lessons I have more knowledge and more understanding when studying English I look forward to studying more English in the future 10 I don’t get anxious when I have to answer a question in my English class 11 Studying foreign languages like English is enjoyable 12 I am able to make myself pay attention during studying English 13 When I hear a student in my class speaking English well, I like to practice speaking with him/her 14 To be inquisitive makes me study English well 15 Studying English makes me have good emotions ( feelings) 16 I prefer studying in my mother tongue rather than any other foreign language 17 Studying English makes me have more confidence in expressing myself 18 Studying English helps me to improve my personality 19 I put off my English homework as much as possible 20 Studying English helps me getting new information in which I can link to my previous knowledge 21 I cannot to summarize the important points in the English subject content by myself 22 Frankly, I study English just to pass the exams 23 I enjoy doing activities in English 24 I not like studying English 25 I am not relaxed whenever I have to speak in my English class 26 I feel embarrassed to speak English in front of other students 27 I wish I could speak English fluently 28 I am interested in studying English 29 In my opinion, people who speak more than one language are very knowledgeable 30 Studying English helps me communicate in English effectively 31 I cannot apply the knowledge from English subject in my real life 32 Studying English subject makes me feel more confident 33 To be honest, I really have little interest in my English class 34 Studying English makes me able to create new thoughts 35 I like to practice English the way native speakers 36 I am able to think and analyze the content in English language 37 I wish I could have many English speaking friends 38 When I miss the class, I never ask my friends or teachers for the homework on what has been taught 39 I am not satisfied with my performance in the English subject 40 In my opinion, English language is difficult and complicated to learn 41 English subject has the content that covers many fields of knowledge 42 I not feel enthusiastic to come to class when the English is being thought 43 Knowing English is an important goal in my life 44 I look forward to the time I spend in English class 45 I not pay any attention when my English teacher is explaining the lesson Appendix 8: PLAGIARISM REPORT