A study on the strategies to improve vocabulary for the first year english major students at hung yen university of technology and education

Trang 1 --- GRADUATION PAPER FIELD: ENGLISH LINGUISTICS A STUDY ON THE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY FOR THE FIRST-YEAR ENGLISH MAJOR STUDENTS AT HUNG YEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AN

HUNG YEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES - GRADUATION PAPER FIELD: ENGLISH LINGUISTICS A STUDY ON THE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY FOR THE FIRST-YEAR ENGLISH MAJOR STUDENTS AT HUNG YEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION (NGHIÊN CỨU CÁC CHIẾN LƯỢC NÂNG CAO VỐN TỪ VỰNG CHO SINH VIÊN NĂM THỨ NHẤT NGÀNH NGÔN NGỮ ANH TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC SƯ PHẠM KỸ THUẬT HƯNG YÊN) Supervisor: Le Thi Thanh Nga Student: Tang Thi Gam Student number: 11317124 Hung Yen – 2021 HUNG YEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES - GRADUATION PAPER FIELD: ENGLISH LINGUISTICS A STUDY ON THE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY FOR THE FIRST-YEAR ENGLISH MAJOR STUDENTS AT HUNG YEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION (NGHIÊN CỨU CÁC CHIẾN LƯỢC NÂNG CAO VỐN TỪ VỰNG CHO SINH VIÊN NĂM THỨ NHẤT NGÀNH NGÔN NGỮ ANH TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC SƯ PHẠM KỸ THUẬT HƯNG YÊN) Student: Tang Thi Gam Student number: 11317124 Supervisor: Le Thi Thanh Nga (ký tên) Hung Yen – 2021 i DECLARATION I certify that the thesis “A study on the strategies to improve vocabulary for the first-year English major students at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education” is the result of my research and the substance of the thesis has not been submitted for a degree to any other universities or situations Hai Duong, Jun 2021 Signature Tang Thi Gam ii ACKNOWLEDGMENT During the process of doing this graduation paper, I have received much necessary assistance, precious ideas, and timely encouragement from my teachers, family, and friends This paper could not have been completed without the help, encouragement, and support from some people who all deserve my sincerest gratitude and appreciation First of all, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor- Ms Le Thi Thanh Nga- MA of the English Department, who has always been willing to give me valuable advice and suggestions so that I can complete successfully this study I also would like to take this opportunity to show my sincere thanks to all my teachers at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Hung Yen University of Technology and Education, who have handed me basic knowledge to complete this study I am so thankful to students of K18 at the Faculty of Foreign Language for their whole heart participation in the study I would like to acknowledge my thanks to all the authors of the books, magazines, and the other materials listed in the reference part for their ideas that have been reflected and developed in the study I am equally indebted to my classmates for their suggestions and encouragement in the process of my study Last but not least, my particular thanks are given to my parents for their encouragement and support which played an important role in my graduation paper iii ABSTRACT Learning English vocabulary is one of the most necessary things to communicate in life In learning a foreign language, it is more and more important to learn vocabulary Everybody knows that to read and understand a message is not simple The thesis will study the subjective and objective difficulties of the students in learning vocabulary Then, it would like to find out the reasons for those problems and the solutions for both teachers and students in teaching and learning vocabulary Therefore, I applied qualitative and quantitative methods to the research The collecting data instruments like questionnaires, interviews were used to the study The results of the study will point out the difficulties that students meet when they learn vocabulary More importantly, the study helps me find out the causes of those difficulties so that I can work out the right solutions to the problems With the hope of improving students' vocabulary competence, I have tried my best to this thesis through my own experiences and knowledge of English teaching methodology iv TABLES OF CONTENTS DECLARATION i ACKNOWLEDGMENT .ii ABSTRACT iii TABLES OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .viii LIST OF CHARTS AND TABLES viiii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale of the study 1.2 The aims of the study 1.3 Research questions 1.4 The cope of the study 1.5 The method of the study 1.6 Design of the study CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Overview of vocabulary 2.1.1 Definition of vocabulary 2.1.2 Classification of vocabulary 2.1.3 The importance of vocabulary in learning a foreign langiage 2.2 Factors that affect learners in the vocabulary learning process 2.3 Definition of vocabulary learning method 2.4 Classification of vocabulary learning method 2.4.1 Typical vocabulary learning method 2.4.2 Classification of vocabulary learning methods 2.5 Some typical vocabulary learning methods 2.5.1 Guessing words v 2.5.1.2 Guess the word based on the same root word 2.5.1.3 Guess the words based on context 2.5.1.4 Use references 10 2.5.1.5 Design word lists and cards 11 2.5.2 Communication method 12 2.5.3 Memorization method 13 2.5.3.1 Use picture 13 2.5.3.2 Related words 13 2.5.3.3 Group word 14 2.5.3.4 Some other memory methods 14 2.5.4 Cognitive methods 14 2.5.4.1 Read a lot, write a lot 14 2.5.4.2 Use word lists in textbooks 14 2.5.4.3 Take note of new words 15 CHAPTER 3: THE STUDY 16 3.1 Methodology 16 3.2 The participants of the study 16 3.2.1 The teachers 16 3.2.2 The students 16 3.3 Data collection instruments 16 3.3.1 The questionnaire for the students 17 3.3.2 Interview question for students 17 3.3.3 The questionnaire for the teachers 17 3.3.4 Procedure of data collection 18 3.4 Data analysis of the questionnaire results 19 vi 3.4.1 Attitudes of first-year students towards learning English vocabulary at FFL, Hung Yen University of Technology and Education 19 3.4.2 The problems that the first-year English major students at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education meet in learning vocabulary 22 3.4.3 Some possible techniques to help students study vocabulary effectively 25 3.5 Interview 30 3.6 Discussion and findings 32 3.6.1 What are the student's attitudes towards learning English vocabulary? 32 3.6.2 What are the students' difficulties in learning English vocabulary? 32 3.6.3 What are some effective techniques to help students learn vocabulary better? 33 3.7 Recommendations 33 3.7.1 For students 34 3.7.2 For teachers 36 CHAPTER IV: CONCLUSION 39 5.1 Summary of the study 39 5.2 Limitations of the study 39 5.3 Suggestions for the further study 40 REFERENCES 41 APPENDIX I APPENDIX .VI APPENDIX 3: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS .XI vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS UTEHY: Hung Yen University of Technology and Education FFL: Faculty of Foreign Languages IELTS: International English Language Testing System M.A: Master of Arts viii LIST OF CHARTS AND TABLES LIST OF CHARTS Chart 3.1 Student’s and teacher’s thoughts on vocabulary learning …………………… 19 Chart 3.2 Student’s and teacher’s perceptions toward learning vocabulary …………… 20 Chart 3.3 Student’s and teacher’s opinion on the importance of learning vocabulary … 20 Chart 3.4 Student’s and teacher’s opinion about the problem in learning English vocabulary …………………………………………………………………………………………… 22 Chart 3.5 Student’s and teacher’s opinion about difficulties in learning English vocabulary …………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 Chart 3.6 Student’s and teacher’s opinion about improving the vocabulary of students ….26 Chart 3.7 Student’s and teacher’s opinion about improving the vocabulary of teachers … 28 LIST OF TABLES Table 3.1 Student’s and teacher’s opinion about the cause of the trouble in learning vocabulary ……………………………………………………………………………… 24 Table 3.2 Student’s and teacher’s opinion about the methods that can improve vocabulary …………………………………………………………………………………………… 25 41 REFERENCES Vietnamese 1.Phan Hà (2003), Bí học từ vựng tiếng Anh, nxb Giáo dục English Ellis, R (1997), Second Language Acquisition, Oxford: OUP Lightbown and Spada (1999), How Languages are Learned, Oxford: Oxford University Press Nation, I.S.P (1990), Teaching and Learning Vocabulary, New York: Newbury House Publisher Nunan, D (1999), Second Language Teaching and Learning, Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publisher, p.171 Oxford, R (1990), Language Learning Strategies, Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publisher Pyles, T & Algeo, J (1979), English – An Introduction to Language, New York: Harcourt, Brace Rubin (1987), Language learning strategies, USA: Prentice/Hall International Rubin, J and Thompson, I (1994), How to be a more successful Language Learner, Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publisher Rivers, W.M (1983), Comunicating Naturally in a second language, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 10 Spolsky, B (1989), Conditions for Second Language Learning, Oxford: OUP 11 Schmitt, N (1997), Vocabulary Learning Strategies, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 42 12 Stoffer, I (1995), University Foreign language student’ choice of vocabulary learning stratergies as related to individual different variables, Unublished doctoral dissertation, University of Alabama, Alabama 13 Scott Thornbury (2002), How to Teach Vocabulary, British: Pearson educational, p.13 14 Troike (1976), Foundations for Teaching English as a Second Language, USA: Prentice-Hall 15 Ur, Penny (1996), A course in Language Teaching, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 16 Wilkins, D (1972), Linguistics in Language Teaching, London: Edward Arudd, p.76 Websites: https:// ejoy-english.com/blog/improve-english-vocabulary/? https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/vocabulary-autonomy? https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/working-vocabulary? I APPENDIX Survey questionnaires for students This survey questionnaire is designed for my graduation paper namely: “A study on the strategies to improve vocabulary for the first-year English major students at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education” in completing these questions, please choose the answer by circling the letter next to your choice, ticking off the items in a checklist or expressing your idea in the blanks All your personal information, as well as your answers, will be kept confidential and not be used for other purposes Thanks for your help! Personal information: Your gender: A Male B Female How old are you? ………………………………………………………… How long have you been learning English: … years I Students' attitudes towards learning English vocabulary Do you like learning English vocabulary? Why? A Yes B No Explanations: (please write here) ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.How you feel about learning English vocabulary? II A Very important B Important C Normal D Less important E Not important at all Why you think learning English vocabulary is important? (You can choose more than one) A It is necessary for international examination (Ielts, SAT, Toeic…) B It is important to read and understand specialized text (economic, environment…) C It is essential for effective communication D It is important to write a complete article E It’s necessary for future job II Problems about learning English vocabulary How often you meet troubles in learning English vocabulary? A Always B Usually C Sometimes D Rarely E Never What are your difficulties when you learn English vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) III A I don’t remember the meaning of the word B I use words that not match the context C There is confusion in pronunciation (forgot to read ending sound, connecting -swallowing sounds, intonation, stress…) D I often have mistakes in spelling What are the reasons for these above difficulties? (You can choose more than one) A There are many words to memorize B It is unclear how to use the word for different situations C Knowledge of pronunciation is still weak D Teacher’s support is not enough E Time for the study is not enough F There is a lack of reference books /books for study III Solution to improve the English vocabulary of the first-year students What methods you think can improve your vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) Reading anything in English 2.Using new words in speaking and writing Using the internet to find useful information 4.Trying to remember the spelling and meaning of new words as much as possible Noting down new words in a vocabulary notebook whenever see them IV 6.Making word lists alphabetically or by themes 7.Asking for help from friends and teachers whenever you not understand the meaning of new words or not know how to use them 8.Keeping a word list of new words and review or study the list often Other: ………………………………………… What you to improve your English vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) Using social media: Internet, TV, … Improving knowledge in a variety of fields: culture, country, economy, sports, … Using a flashcard Taking part in Engish clubs/contests Communicating with native speakers Others: …………………………………………………………………………… 9.What does your teacher to help you improve your English vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) A Teaching vocabulary in context, in sentences B Using illustrations, the diagram C Playing word games (Listen to music and fill words, puzzles, …) D Practicing the use of new words in conversation E Practicing the translation books and stories F Sending relevant learning materials to the lesson V G Commenting on the learning situation, giving the most suitable plan Other: ……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… Thank you very much for your cooperation! VI APPENDIX Survey questionnaires for teachers This survey questionnaire is designed for my graduation paper namely: “A study on the strategies to improve vocabulary for the first-year English major students at Hung Yen University of Technology and Education” in completing these questions, please choose the answer by circling the letter next to your choice, ticking off the items in a checklist or expressing your idea in the blanks All your personal information, as well as your answers, will be kept confidential and not be used for other purposes Thanks for your help! Personal information: Your gender: A Male B Female How old are you? ………………………………………………………… How long have you been teaching English: … years I Students' attitudes towards learning English vocabulary Do your students like learning English vocabulary? Why? A Yes B No Explanations: (please write here) ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.How your students feel about learning English vocabulary? VII A Very important B Important C Normal D Less important E Not important at all Why your students think learning English vocabulary is important? (You can choose more than one) A It is necessary for international examination (Ielts, SAT, Toeic…) B It is important to read and understand specialized text (economic, environment…) C It is essential for effective communication D It is important to write a complete article E It’s necessary for future job II Problems about learning English vocabulary How often your students meet troubles in learning English vocabulary? A Always B Usually C Sometimes D Rarely E Never What are your students’difficulties when they learn English vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) VIII A They don’t remember the meaning of the word B They use words that not match the context C There is confusion in pronunciation (forgot to read ending sound, connecting - swallowing sounds, intonation, stress…) D They often have mistakes in spelling What are the reasons for these above difficulties? (You can choose more than one) A There are many words to memorize B It is unclear how to use the word for different situations C Knowledge of pronunciation is still weak D Teacher’s support is not enough E Time for the study is not enough F There is a lack of reference books /books for study III Solution to improve the English vocabulary of the first-year students What methods you think can improve your students’ vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) Reading anything in English 2.Using new words in speaking and writing Using the internet to find useful information 4.Trying the remember the spelling and meaning of new words as much as possible Noting down new words in a vocabulary notebook whenever see them IX 6.Making word lists alphabetically or by themes 7.Asking for help from friends and teachers whenever you not understand the meaning of new words or not know how to use them 8.Keeping a word list of new words and review or study the list often Other: …………………………………………… What your students to improve their English vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) Using social media: Internet, TV, … Improving knowledge in a variety of fields: culture, country, economy, sports, … Using a flashcard Taking part in Engish clubs/contests Communicating with native speakers Others: …………………………………………………………………………… 9.What you to help your students improve their English vocabulary? (You can choose more than one) A Teaching vocabulary in context, in sentences B Using illustrations, the diagram C Playing word games (Listen to music and fill words, puzzles, …) D Practicing the use of new words in conversation E Practicing the translation books and stories F Sending relevant learning materials to the lesson X G Commenting on the learning situation, giving the most suitable plan Other: ……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… Thank you very much for your cooperation! XI APPENDIX 3: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS What is your attitude towards learning English vocabulary? What difficulties you encounter while studying vocabulary? Do you have any methods to study English vocabulary better? XII APPENDIX: TAPE SCRIPT Student 1.m4a Student 1: Question 1: What is your attitude towards learning English vocabulary? Student's answer: I ready like English vocabulary, I am excited every time I learn new words Question 2: What difficulties you encounter while studying vocabulary? Student's answer: While study vocabulary, I have some difficulties such as I can not remember the word or how to write Sometimes, I mispronounce Question 3: Do you have any methods to study English vocabulary better? Student's answer: I not have any special methods But I also have some personal experience I take notes of new words for myself All the time, I change my language in my computer or smartphone into English, not Vietnamese anymore Student 2.m4a Student 2: Question 1: What is your attitude towards learning English vocabulary? Student's answer: I feel that learning vocabulary is important to each language major So I like to learn it and keep trying Question 2: What difficulties you encounter while studying vocabulary? Student's answer: Each learner has his issues, but the most common that I felt in my learning are the following: lack of vocabulary, grammar, and correct pronunciation XIII Question 3: Do you have any methods to study English vocabulary better? Student's answer: To improve my vocabulary, I read an English language newspaper Reading habits will improve, and it is basic to correct your language Therefore, a grammar book will be helpful during the learning process Student 3.m4a Student 3: Question 1: What is your attitude towards learning English vocabulary? Student's answer: For me, learning vocabulary is not easy, but I still enjoy learning it Because it not only helps me pass my exams, but it is also essential for my future job Question 2: What difficulties you encounter while studying vocabulary? Student's answer: English vocabulary is difficult because there are many words with many definitions, so it is easy to misunderstand their meanings It’s also difficult to memorize many different definitions for each word Question 3: Do you have any methods to study English vocabulary better? Student's answer: I use FluentU FluentU is an incredible tool to learn English pronunciation (and many other skills) directly from native speakers It provides real English videos like movie trailers, music videos, inspiring talks and more that have into personalized English lessons