Trang 1 FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES --- GRADUATION PAPER FIELD: ENGLISH LINGUISTICS A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING FOR GRADE 10 STUDENTS AT KHOAI CH
INTRODUCTION
Rationale of the study
Social media platforms have emerged as vital tools for global connection, serving diverse purposes such as marketing for companies and networking for individuals They facilitate communication among friends and family, regardless of distance, and are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance learning While the internet is widely acknowledged as a source of entertainment and social interaction, its impact on academic research is significant, offering a vast archive of resources This study aims to explore how social media can be utilized as a learning resource to support English students in achieving proficiency.
Aims of the study
The study is done with the following aims:
-To investigate the real situation of using social media of grade 10 students’ learning English at Khoai Chau high school
-To discover the impact of the social media in English language learning
-To suggest tips can be derived to maximize the good effects of applying social media in learning English for grade 10 students at Khoai Chau high school
Research question of the study
1 What is the real situation of using social media of grade 10 students learning English at Khoai Chau high school?
2 What are the effects of using social media in learning English of grade 10 students at Khoai Chau high school?
3 What suggested tips can be derived to maximize the use of social media in learning English?
Scope of the study
The research focused on a specific population of 10th-grade students at Khoai Chau High School, which may restrict the applicability of its findings Additionally, the study concentrated solely on English writing and speaking skills, limiting its relevance to other essential areas of English language learning, such as listening and reading.
Method of the study
This study employed a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research designs Data collection involved pre- and post-tests, as well as descriptive methods through interviews and questionnaires, ensuring comprehensive data gathering By integrating these approaches, the research yielded reliable findings and allowed for meaningful conclusions based on the robust data obtained.
Design of the study
The study is divided into four chapters:
Presenting the rationale, aims, research questions, scope of the study, method of the study and design of the study.
LITERATURE REVIEW
What are Social media?
Social media is an interactive communication platform that allows individuals to create and share content, including photos, while engaging in discussions in a virtual environment Key social media platforms include TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Zalo.
Social media and Social change
Social change refers to the transformation of cultural and social institutions driven by human interactions, leading to long-term community impacts Institutions play a crucial role in influencing social change, which emerges through dynamic interactions that evolve over time While some individuals may resist these changes, institutions often encourage behavioral adjustments Stability is vital for the survival of societies, as they consist of interdependent parts that require balance during transitions In contemporary society, social media has become integral to daily life, enhancing communication and fostering political, economic, and social development The rise of mass media and social media has significantly facilitated social change, with technological advancements enabling rapid information exchange Globalization allows individuals to connect worldwide, enhancing interpersonal skills that contribute to social transformation Key factors driving social change include population dynamics, environmental influences, institutional shifts, and technological progress The evolution from traditional media to social media has reshaped communication methods, making information transfer quicker and more accessible Ultimately, both formal and informal institutions instill new norms and values, further driving changes in behavior and societal interactions.
Classification of Social Media
Different scholars have proposed various approaches to classify social media Benson and Morgan (2014) categorize platforms as either personal, which connect family and friends, or professional, which foster business connections and commercial opportunities However, the purpose of these platforms has evolved, leading to blurred distinctions in their classification Kaplan and Haenlein (2010) and Chugh (2012) further classify social media into categories such as social networking, social publishing, social bookmarking, and social cataloging sites Despite these classifications, Benson and Morgan (2014) argue that social networking sites have increasingly adopted professional roles, facilitating commercial interactions and allowing customers to share feedback on products and services.
Mechanisms of Communication in Social Networks
Kim and Jeong (2009) highlight that individuals engage in group-based activities to share and exchange various forms of content, including information, videos, apps, and photographs, utilizing both passive and active communication methods The distinction between private and public communication mechanisms involves private chats versus public sharing Additionally, communication can be categorized as synchronous, occurring in real-time through chats, or asynchronous, allowing for communication at any time through posting (Menefee et al., 2016).
Disadvantages of the Internet in Education
Both students and teachers rely on the Internet for educational content, making it easy for students to access information used in class This often leads to distractions, as students may engage in online activities that stray from lesson objectives Many students utilize online paraphrasing tools to rephrase content and present it as their own, which stifles creativity and promotes laziness (Brandstrom, 2011) Furthermore, active social media users are likely to divert their attention away from the lesson, complicating a teacher's ability to manage online activities and ultimately hindering the achievement of lesson goals.
English learning skills
English learning skills encompass the essential abilities needed to effectively learn and use the language across various contexts, including writing, speaking, listening, and reading These skills are crucial for understanding English and facilitating effective communication through the production and exchange of texts and discourses This study focuses on examining the acquisition of English learning skills among grade 10 students at Khoai Chau High School.
2.6.1 Relationship between Learning theories and Social media platforms in the Field of English learning skills
Learning theories provide insights into how individuals acquire knowledge, primarily categorized into educational and social learning theories Social learning theory emphasizes that learning is a cognitive process achieved through observation and instruction, while educational theories, particularly cognitive ones, focus on understanding and responding to experiences Both frameworks highlight that learning occurs in contexts rich with skills and knowledge exposure, which is evident in social media platforms These platforms facilitate learning by allowing users to share skills and receive guidance through posts, fostering an environment where diverse English learning experiences and needs converge In social media groups, proficient instructors and peers contribute to cognitive learning through shared writings and feedback Positive and negative reinforcement from other users further enhances the learning process, making social media akin to a collaborative classroom where English skills are practiced and developed through interaction and cognitive engagement.
2.6.2 Reasons for using social media in learning
Social media connects students by forming online groups that facilitate mutual learning through sharing and evaluating each other's skills (Derakhshan & Hasanabbasi, 2015) The incorporation of social media in education promotes a cohesive approach to technology use in learning, allowing all students to benefit equally The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the closure of schools worldwide, affecting over 1.2 billion children and resulting in a significant shift towards e-learning, where education is delivered remotely via digital platforms.
2.6.2.1 Uses of social media for improving English learning skill
Social media has emerged as a global platform for diverse interactions, serving various purposes A study by Ahmed (2016) investigated the effectiveness of Facebook in enhancing the grammar skills of students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) Utilizing a quantitative quasi-experimental approach, the research involved randomly selected classes that engaged with Facebook for grammar and essay writing practice The findings indicated that Facebook significantly improved students' writing skills and grammar, facilitating greater interaction among peers and teachers, allowing for questions that enhanced their English language proficiency.
Research by Alsubaie and Madini (2018) demonstrated that blogs significantly enhance writing skills among English learners, with a quantitative experimental design revealing improvements in both writing and vocabulary Similarly, Awada and Ghaith (2014) found that blogs effectively improve writing proficiency, suggesting their value as educational tools Dhanya (2016) reviewed literature on social media's impact on English language learning, concluding that it fosters better interactions and enhances language skills Faizi et al (2013) highlighted the benefits of social media for educators and students, including improved communication and collaboration Haque (2017) examined the dual effects of social media language on English proficiency, noting both positive and negative influences on academic writing John's (2017) study revealed that students favor voluntary social media use in learning environments Lastly, Lekawael (2017) found that smartphone usage among students primarily involves social networking and gaming, urging educators to leverage these technologies for teaching English effectively.
A study by Li (2017) examined the influence of social media on English language learning among students, utilizing a quantitative methodology and survey design The results indicated a strong preference for Facebook and Zalo as platforms for learning English Additionally, the research highlighted that academic interactions were more prevalent among students than between students and teachers.
In a study by Mabuan (2018), the relationship between blogs as an educational tool and English language teaching was explored, focusing on students' perceptions and the benefits of using blogs for English writing Utilizing a mixed research method that included surveys, focus groups, and analysis of students' blogs, the findings revealed that students viewed blogs as valuable platforms for enhancing their English writing skills due to the freedom of expression and opportunities for peer interaction Similarly, Mingle and Adams (2015) examined students' participation in social media and its impact on their English language skills and overall academic performance Their mixed methodology, which involved surveys and interviews with senior high school students and head teachers, indicated that while students primarily used Facebook for social interaction, it had a negative effect on their grammar, spelling, and academic performance.
2.6.2.2 Significance of Using Social Media to Develop Student’s Performance in English Skills
Engaging with blogs, podcasts, and online forums enhances the four essential skills of English learning—reading, writing, listening, and speaking Social media plays a crucial role in improving writing skills and vocabulary through interactive social engagement, allowing students to provide feedback on each other's work outside the classroom This collaborative approach fosters continuous English learning While numerous studies highlight the benefits of social networks for language acquisition, they primarily focus on social contexts There is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of social media use within classroom settings under educational guidelines for promoting effective learning.
2.6.2.3 Implementing essential writing and Speaking elements through Social media
Social media platforms like Zalo and Facebook groups often neglect fundamental writing and speaking principles, as they primarily cater to individuals within the same social circles (Almarwaey, 2017) Consequently, these platforms fall short as effective educational tools for learning the English language, lacking essential elements of communication such as clarity, organization, voice, and credibility (Almarwaey, 2017) Key features vital for effective communication include clarity and focus, organization, voice, ideas and themes, credibility, grammar, and style.
THE STUDY
Participants
A total of 390 students from five distinct learning institutions participated in the study, responding to a combination of quantitative and qualitative questionnaire items Among the participants, 200 were male and 190 were female Additionally, five students were chosen for in-depth interviews to provide further insights.
Data collection instrument
This study utilized both primary and secondary data to gather comprehensive insights Primary data was collected directly from teachers and students at Khoai Chau High School through interviews, quasi-experiments, and questionnaires, allowing for a thorough exploration of social media's impact on English learning skills Questionnaires were administered in classrooms, giving students 30 minutes to complete them Secondary data, comprising previously documented research, school magazines, journals, and articles, played a vital role in providing comparative analysis with earlier studies on the topic Together, these data sources were essential for achieving the study's objectives.
The Procedure of the Study
The study gathered data through written interviews conducted via Facebook Messenger Participants were instructed to complete the interview guide using Google Forms or the same messaging app They submitted their responses within one to two weeks, allowing them sufficient time to articulate their thoughts and effectively engage with the topics.
Questionnaires
3.4.1 Research question 1: What is the real situation of using social media of grade 10 students learning English at Khoai Chau high school?
Question 1: What is your most favorite social media site?
Chart 1: Students' most favorite social media site
According to Chart 1, all students utilize social media, with Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube being the most favored platforms, attracting 54%, 23%, and 20.4% of users, respectively In contrast, TikTok is the least preferred platform among students This variation in preferences can be attributed to rapid technological advancements.
Question 2: On average, how many hours per day do you spend on social media sites?
Chart 2: Students' average time spent on social media site
53.30% less than one hour1-2 hours3-4 hours more than 4 hours
Chart 2 above shows that 53.30% of students spend more than four hours a day on various social media platforms The long hours spent on these platforms shows how influential these platforms are to students and their impact on English learning skills
Question 3: What do you use social network sites mostly for?
Chart 3: Students' purposes of using social network site
Most students primarily use social media for chatting, posting photos, and downloading videos According to Chart 3, approximately 58% of respondents reported that chatting is their main activity on social media This frequent engagement in writing may enhance their writing skills over time.
Question 4: What is the main purpose of using social media platforms?
Downloading music/video Uploading music/video Posting photos Chatting
Communication with teachers/class fellows
Chart 4: Students' main purposes of using social network site
According to the data presented in Chart 4, a significant 73.30% of respondents utilize social media platforms primarily for entertainment, while 22% use them for educational purposes This highlights the substantial amount of time students dedicate to social media, emphasizing its impact on their English language learning skills.
Question 5: Which social media do you find most useful?
Chart 5: Students' opinions about the most useful social media
Chart 5 indicates that YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are the most beneficial social media platforms for students, with usage rates of 28%, 25%, and 25%, respectively These platforms significantly aid in the acquisition of English language learning skills.
Facebook Tiktok Instagram YouTube Facebook chat
Question 6: What is your favorite device to access social media?
Chart 6: Students' favorite device to access social media
Chart 6 above shows that the students with a percentage of about 71% use mobile phones, followed by 12%, and 11%, who use laptops and computers Only a few use Tablets to access social media at 6% The mobile phone is cheap, readily available, portable, and convenient to use than other devices
Question 7: If you could use only one of the following social media platforms, which would you use?
Chart 7: Prior social media platforms used by students
Chart 7 indicates that approximately 37% of students prefer using Instagram, while 27.3% favor WhatsApp, making these platforms the most popular among social media options Their widespread use and contemporary features cater to students' needs effectively.
3.4.2 Research question 2: What are the effects of using social media in learning English of grade 10 students at Khoai Chau high school?
Question 8: How does the use of social media affect you on learning of English speaking and writing skills?
Facebook Tiktok Instagram YouTube Facebook chat
Chart 8: Students' opinions toward the use of media for improving speaking and writing skills
According to Chart 8, 117 students agree and 140 strongly agree that social media platforms enhance access to credible learning materials, reflecting the highest percentages of 30% and 36% These learning materials provide essential information that supports students in reading, writing, and speaking, which are crucial skills that influence their ability to express themselves in English effectively.
Approximately 36.7% of participants agree, and 37.7% strongly agree that social media provides effective support services for learners, facilitating peer conversations and idea sharing.
According to the chart, a significant 33.7% of students agree, and 44.7% strongly agree that social media platforms facilitate access to preferred educational materials Additionally, students can upload and share learning resources with their peers on these platforms.
The fourth category of the chart above shows that the highest percentage, 30.3%, and 43% of the respondents agree and strongly agree that social media serves as an
Social media platforms enhance access to credible learning resources and provide efficient support services for learners They facilitate the sharing of preferred educational materials and foster appropriate communication among users Additionally, these platforms offer diverse sources of learning materials and encourage discussions within virtual communities, enriching the overall educational experience.
A minimal percentage of students, specifically 2.7% and 5.3%, express disagreement and strong disagreement regarding the effectiveness of social media as a communication tool This highlights the significant role that social media plays in enhancing learning skills.
According to the fifth category of the chart, over 200 students, accounting for 70% of the respondents, believe that social media facilitates virtual discussions This engagement allows students learning English to immerse themselves in the language and receive support from their online peers, ultimately enhancing their speaking and writing skills.
The data reveals that 34.3% of students agree and 50.3% strongly agree that they utilize social media to access diverse learning materials This indicates a significant reliance on social media for acquiring skills, as these resources fulfill various educational needs in learning English.
Question 9: How do you consider social media as a tool for improving your English speaking and writing skills?
Chart 9: Students' opinions toward the consideration social media to a tool for improving English speaking and writing skills
Over 70% of students believe that social media enhances critical thinking skills More than 270 students reported that critical thinking helps them find solutions to learning challenges.
Social media platforms facilitate critical thinking
Social media platforms improve problem-solving methods
Social media platforms support English learning skills
Social media platforms support a student's knowledge environment
Interview questions
A study was conducted involving four students to explore the impact of social media on their learning skills The researcher posed various questions to gather insights into how social media influences educational outcomes for students.
How do you think social media could improve students’ English learning skills?
Social media significantly enhances students' English learning skills by fostering problem-solving and critical thinking abilities The respondent emphasized that these platforms facilitate meaningful discussions, which in turn accelerate the development of problem-solving techniques and critical thinking According to Tuyet, when students engage with social media, their communication skills and overall thinking processes improve She stated, “It will improve problem-solving methods, encourage critical thinking, enhance their discussion skills, promote information-seeking behaviors, and create valuable communication opportunities that students often lack.”
How do you think social media platforms can increase students'
Research indicates that social media significantly boosts students' motivation in learning English by fostering independent learning Respondents noted that social media enables students to engage in activities they enjoy, such as chatting with friends, which enhances their desire to acquire knowledge Thao emphasized that social media facilitates practical learning and encourages students to take responsibility for their education by allowing them the freedom to choose when and how they learn This self-motivation is further amplified through collaborative efforts, as social media promotes teamwork among students.
Since the lessons posed are engaging, the students will form a habit of using social media to learn English skills much more quickly (Personal interview, May 10, 2021)
In your opinion, what makes it necessary to use social media platforms for
Respondents unanimously acknowledged the importance of social media platforms in facilitating communication among various parties Tuan emphasized that these platforms not only promote coordination but also enhance vocabulary search, ultimately improving learning capabilities This highlights the necessity of social media in the process of learning the English language.
2021) Tuan noted that they also lead to teamwork Through group work, students can learn from one another (Personal interview, May 10, 2021)
Would you tell me what the advantages/disadvantages of using social
CONCLUSION
Summary of the study
Social media plays a vital role in connecting individuals on a common platform, particularly among students who use these networks to stay in touch with classmates and educators This dynamic interaction has transformed communication in educational settings, highlighting the importance of teachers guiding students in leveraging social media's benefits By effectively utilizing digital platforms, both students and teachers can enhance their English speaking and writing skills Therefore, incorporating social media into the Vietnamese educational system can serve as a valuable supplementary resource for English language teaching and learning.
Limitation of the study
The study focused exclusively on grade 10 students at Khoai Chau High School, concentrating specifically on their English writing and speaking skills This narrow focus limits the ability to generalize findings to other English learning skills, such as listening and reading.
Suggestions for the further study
The research explored the essential role of social media platforms in enhancing reading and writing skills in the English language at Khoai Chau High School The significance of diverse social media tools is crucial, highlighting the necessity for further investigation Additionally, a proposed study on “The Impact of Social Media on Discipline Among Students at Khoai Chau High School” should be conducted to understand its effects on student behavior.
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APPENDIX 1 QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY FOR STUDENTS
How long have you been learning English?
How long have you been learning English by social media?
Research question 1: What is the real situation of using social media of grade 10 students learning English at Khoai Chau high school?
1) What is your most favorite social media site?
2) On average, how many hours per day do you spend on social media sites?
3) What do you use social network sites mostly for?
E Communication with teachers/ class fellows
4) What is the main purpose of using social media platforms?
5) Which social media do you find most useful?
6) What is your favorite device to access social media?
7) If you could use only one of the following social media platforms, which would you use?
Research question 2: What are the effects of using social media in learning English of grade 10 students at Khoai Chau high school?
8) How does the use of social media affect you on learning of English speaking and writing skills?
Social media platforms promote access to credible sources of learning
Social media platforms promote efficient support services to learners
Social media platforms promote favored education materials
Social media platforms promote appropriateness for communication
Social media platforms promote discussion among virtual
Social media platforms promote access to various sources of learning materials
9) How do you consider social media as a tool for improving your English speaking and writing skills?
Social media platforms facilitate critical thinking
Social media platforms improve problem-solving methods
Social media platforms support a student's knowledge environment
Social media platforms improve discussion and thinking
10) How does the use of social motivate you to improve your English language skills?
Social media platforms enhance students‟ stimulus or motivation
Social media platforms increase the English learning practice of learners
Social media platforms develop among students' motives for more in-depth learning
11) How do social media platforms increase your motivation in English learning skills?
Social media platforms guarantee student’s independence
Social media platforms promote self- regulation in learning
Social media platforms improve team-working chances
Social media platforms allow for innovative training responsibilities
Social media platforms ensure the effective learning of learners
12) What is the role of social media platforms in improving your English speaking and writing skills?
Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Social media platforms promote competition motive
Social media platforms develop opportunities for social learning
Social media platforms enhance opportunities for confidence
Social media platforms support the interactive abilities of learners
Social media platforms enhance secular learning skills among learners
Social media platforms support personal learning tendencies of learners
Social media platforms cause loneliness
Social media platforms increase alienations
Social media platforms create social difficulties
Social media platforms cause health and physical problems
Research question 3: What suggested tips can be derived to maximize the use of social media in learning English?
13) What do you think about the ways to use social media to improve your English?
Agree Join an English-language learning group
Practice pronunciation with friends using social media
Connect with native English speakers
Listen to songs you like with subtitles and study the lyrics on Youtube
Actively take note of new vocabulary