A study on the effectiveness of using task-based approach in teaching vocabulary in ESP to the second year students at Construction School N04

VIETNAMNATIONALUNIVERSITY – HA NOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES NGUYỄN THỊ HÀ A STUDY ON THE EFECTIVENESS OF USING TASK-BASED APPROACH IN TEACHING VOCABULARY IN ESP TO THE SECOND YEAR STUDENTS AT CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL N04 (NGHIÊN CỨU TÍNH TÍCH CỰC CỦA VIỆC SỬ DỤNG PHƢƠNG PHÁP DẠY HỌC DỰA TRÊN NHIỆM VỤ VÀO VIỆC DẠY TỪ VỰNG CHUYÊN NGÀNH CHO SINH VIÊN NĂM THỨ HAI TRƢỜNG TRUNG CẤP XÂY DỰNG SỐ 4) M.A MINOR THESIS Field : English Language Teaching Methodology Code : 60140111 HANOI, 2013 VIETNAMNATIONALUNIVERSITY – HA NOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES NGUYỄN THỊ HÀ A STUDY ON THE EFECTIVENESS OF USING TASK-BASED APPROACH IN TEACHING VOCABULARY IN ESP TO THE SECOND YEAR STUDENTS AT CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL N04 (NGHIÊN CỨU TÍNH TÍCH CỰC CỦA VIỆC SỬ DỤNG PHƢƠNG PHÁP DẠY HỌC DỰA TRÊN NHIỆM VỤ VÀO VIỆC DẠY TỪ VỰNG CHUYÊN NGÀNH CHO SINH VIÊN NĂM THỨ HAI TRƢỜNG TRUNG CẤP XÂY DỰNG SỐ 4) M.A MINOR THESIS Field : English Language Teaching Methodology Code : 60140111 Supervisor : Dr Phạm Thị Thanh Thủy HANOI, 2013 DECLARATION This paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts at Department of Post Graduate studies – University of Languages and International Studies-Vietnam National University I certify that this thesis is the result of my own research, and it has not been submitted for any other degrees Hanoi, November 2013 Student‟s signature Nguyễn Thị Hà i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to all the people who have helped me with this research study My thanks to: My supervisor - Dr Pham Thi Thanh Thuy, whose expert help and guidance has been invaluable to me throughout the writing of this thesis The teachers of the Postgraduate Department - College of Foreign Languages - Vietnam National University for the knowledge they have provided The three teachers of English and 50- second-year students at Construction School N04 for their assistance and participation in my experimental research Lastly, my thanks go to my family members, friends and other colleagues at Construction School N04 for their love and support to me, which are very significant for me to finish this research study ii ABSTRACT This thesis is devoted to examining the comparative effectiveness of task-based approach in teaching ESP vocabulary to second year non-major students at Construction School N04 In order to achieve this objective, a theoretical and practical research is carried out In the Theoretical Background, the background of vocabulary and relevance to teaching vocabulary is summarized An overview on task-based approach that has been employing in foreign language teaching, especially in teaching ESP vocabulary is also introduced in this part After that, a brief background setting to the quasi-experiment relating to teaching and learning ESP vocabulary at Construction School N04 is highlighted Subsequently, the quasi-experimental study is given to evaluate the effectiveness of task-based approach And the results we will get based on data analysis are in the third chapter Finally, some recommendations for ESP vocabulary teaching/learning effectively are suggested iii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ESP: English for Specific Purpose EGP: English for General English CG: Control group EG: Experimental group iv LIST OF TABLES Table 1: The results of the post-tests of EGP part Table 2: The results of the post-tests of ESP part Table 3: The results of vocabulary-checking tests v LIST OF CHARTS Chart 1: Below-average Chart 2: Average Chart 3: Good Chart 4: Excellent Chart 5: Below-average Chart 6: Average Chart 7: Good Chart 8: Excellent vi TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii ABSTRACT iii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS iv LIST OF TABLES v LIST OF CHARTS vi PART I: INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………… 1 Rationale ………………………………………………………………… Aims of the study………………………………………………………… Significance of the study………………………………………………… Scope of the study……………………………………………………… Research Questions……………………………………………………… Methods of the study…………………………………………………… Design of the study……………………………………………………… PART II: DEVELOPMENT…………………………………………………… CHAPTER 1: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND……………………… 1.1 An overview of vocabulary…………………………………………… 1.1.1 Definition…………………………………………………… 1.1.2 The importance of vocabulary……………………………… 1.2 English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and vocabulary in ESP………… 1.2.1 English for Specific Purposes (ESP)………………………… 1.2.2 Vocabulary in ESP 1.3 Teaching vocabulary…………………………………………………… 1.3.1 Purposes for teaching vocabulary…………………………… 1.3.2 Principles of teaching vocabulary…………………………… 1.3.3 Stages in teaching vocabulary………………………………… 1.3.4 Techniques in teaching vocabulary…………………………… 10 1.3.5 Teaching vocabulary in ESP………………………………… 12 1.4 Task-based language teaching………………………………………… 13 1.4.1 Task-based language teaching……………………………… 13 vii 1.4.2 Task-based language teaching in ESP context……………… 17 CHAPTER 2: THE QUASI-EXPERIMENT…………………………… 19 2.1 Background to the study……………………………………………… 19 2.1.1 The teachers………………………………………………… 19 2.1.2 The students………………………………………………… 19 2.1.3 The textbooks………………………………………………… 19 2.1.4 The attitudes of teachers and students at Construction School N04 about the importance of ESP vocablary teaching 20 2.1.5 The real situation of teaching vocabulary in ESP at Construction School N04 21 2.2 The quasi-experiment………………………………………………… 21 2.2.1 Subjects and process of vocabulary teaching………………… 21 2.2.2 Main testing instruments: Pre-test and post-tests…………… 22 2.2.3 Supplementary testing instruments…………………………… 22 CHAPTER 3: DATA ANALYSIS, RESUTLS AND DISCUSSIONS… 24 3.1 Class observation result……………………………………………… 24 3.2 Teacher‟s self-assessment result……………………………………… 25 3.3 The post-tests result…………………………………………………… 25 3.4 Vocabulary-checking test result……………………………………… 29 PART III: CONCLUSION 33 REFERENCES 34 APPENDICES I viii APPENDICE 10: POST-TEST Part I General English I Choose the best answer …………… have you been learning English? A For how long time B How long C How long time B in two C two I got married ……… years ago A for two What with inflation and everything, there‟s just no ……… saving nowadays A idea to B point in C meaning to You have got it all wrong, Jan That wasn‟t … …… A what I mean B my meaning C my purpose I‟m sorry but I didn‟t have ……… to post the letters A time enough B enough with time C enough time Good morning I ……… to see the manager, please A will B want to C wish Did you have ………… in England last summer? A a nice time B a funny time C it very nice I‟m sorry, but I haven‟t ……… today A read my lesson B done my lesson C done my homework I must remember to fill in my tax ………… this week A return B declaration C brochure 10 I thought Joanna said she ……… spend the weekend with her parents A was going to B should D will 11 I hate doing the ……… – especially cleaning the windows A homework B housework D jobs 12 These shoes don‟t ………… They are much big A suit B pass D fit II Synonyms – adjectives Write down a synonym for each of the words on the left Choose from the ones on the right XL 13 boring ……………… reserved 14 rich ……………… unattractive 15 sad ……………… unhappy 16 ugly ……………… wealthy III Synonyms – Verbs Write down a synonym for each of the words on the left Choose from the ones on the right 17 assist ……………… adore 18 get ……………… mend 19 repair ……………… receive 20 love ……………… help Part II English for Construction I Choose the best answer Concrete is produced by mixing together cement, water and ……… A sand B clay C sized stone D aggregates Concrete gains its strength through a process called…………… A hydration B curing C Portland cement D water The cement paste covers the surface of the stones and ……………… A metal B glass C bricks D sand particles With suitable …………… and moisture condition, concrete becomes harder and stronger as it grows older A pressure B temperature C weather D climate The chemical …………… often continues for many years A reaction B abrasion C process D element The aggregates are mixed by …………and stones A metal B steel C sand D iron It is necessary to ensure that concrete is ………… enough to resist the attacks such as weather A long B thick C strong D high Hydration gives off heat, known as the …………… of hydration A heat B hot C temperature D Air is chemically induced into the mix or added to the mix as a result of the mixing XLI process Hence, all concrete contains some …………… A mixture B chemicals C agents D air 10 In buildings, concrete is …………… footings, foundations, columns, beams, all important building elements A used B used in C used on D used for II Circle the words related to the process of producing concrete entrance, locate, bottom, bind, separate, roof, combine, moisture, build, attack, abrasion, face, flexible, bend 11 ……………… 12………………… 13…………………1 4………………… 15 ……………… III Listen and fill the words you hear in the blank to complete the sentences 16 The essential …………… concrete must have are strength, durability, and watertightness 17 Concrete strength is largely determined by the ratio of water to ………… in the mixture 18 Concrete can resist the effects of wind, frost, snow, ice, ……………… 19 Concrete and cement are among the most important construction …………… 20 During setting and ….….……… , the heat of hydration raises the concrete temperature, and then gradually cools (Script: 16 The essential properties concrete must have are strength, durability, and watertightness 17 Concrete strength is largely determined by the ratio of water to cement in the mixture 18 Concrete can resist the effects of wind, frost, snow, ice, abrasion 19 Concrete and cement are among the most important construction materials 20 During setting and hardening, the heat of hydration raises the concrete temperature, and then gradually cools.) XLII APPENDICE 11: POST-TEST Part I General English I Choose the best answer His parents wouldn‟t …………… him stay out later than 10.30 at night A allow B let C permit “Do you have anything to ………… ?” the customs officer asked the passenger A show up B offer C declare It was very difficult to see the road through the …………… fog A thick B strong C deep The wasp ……… David on the arm A bit B stung C scratched The dog stood in front of the fire ………… its tail A waving B nodding C wagging My sister is really ……………… of children A fond B interested C keen “I‟m sorry I‟m late.” A You‟re welcome B The same to you C That‟s all right Some students feel ……… when they make mistakes But they shouldn‟t, because everybody does when they learn a new language A proud B embarrassed C cautious The ……… From London to Cardiff took three hours on the motorway A journey B travel C voyage 10 This is my brother‟s son, Kevin He‟s my favorite ………… A cousin B nephew C brother 11 The train now ………… at a platform 11 is the 14.52 to Birmingham A lying B resting C standing 12 She felt very ……… when she didn‟t get the job A disappointed B shy C unfriendly II Synonyms – adjectives Write down a synonym for each of the words on the left Choose from the ones on the right 13 warm ……………… XLIII incorrect 14 keen ……………… friendly 15 difficult ……………… hard 16 wrong ……………… intelligent III Opposites – Verbs Write down an opposite for each of the words on the left Choose from the ones on the right 17 hate ……………… disagree 18 spend ……………… forget 19 remember ……………… love 20 agree ……………… save Part II English for Construction I Choose the best answer At least five ……………compose the construction industry A participants B contributors C parts D materials The concrete hardens through the chemical ……………… between water and cement A reaction B active C reactive act Wood is ……………… A soft B opaque C transparent D flexible The construction industry is also affected by ……………… environment A economy B economics C economical D economic Gold is good ………………… of electricity A conduct B conductor C element D part The designers are basically either …………… or engineers A contractors B sellers C builders D architects If the soil at hand is not suitable, it may be improved by adding clay or sand A produce B use C organize D own The proportions of cement paste and aggregate affect the ………… of concrete A strong B strength C thickness D strongness The construction labor is …………… by the contractors A manage B manager C managed 10 What is this? XLIV D organize A roof B space C floor D structure II Matching: Match a word with a definition 11 architect workman who decorate 12 the power station place of worship 13 concrete mixer where generates electricity 14 mosque expert in setting up, repairing and operating electrical equipment 15 electrician a machine mixing water and cement together III Listen and fill the words you hear in the blank to complete the sentences 16 The general contractor is ……………… by the client 17 Wood is used in beams and …………… 18 The ……………… setting affects construction process either positively or negatively 19 Handmade bricks has the property of low ………………… strength 20 The economic stetting also ……………… upon the construction industry (Script: 16 The general contractor is employed by the client 17 Wood is used in beams and columns 18 The institutional setting affects construction process either positively or negatively 19 Handmade bricks has the property of low compressive strength 20 The economic stetting also imposes upon the construction industry.) XLV APPENDICE 12: PRE-TEST Part I General English I Choose the best answer When you buy something, you are usually given a …………… A recipe B receipt C bill You must ……… for at least two hours a day if you want to play the piano well A train B practice C practice Most banks will ………… people money to buy a house A lend B give C borrow I wonder if you can ………… me to play the guitar? A assist B teach C learn I always feel very nervous when I have to ………… a speech A make B perform C I had a very ………… time in London last summer A fun B nice C funny Would you ………… this letter to the Post Office, please? A send B take C bring The ………… in the north of Sweden is really beautiful A scenery B nature C view My wife has a ………… job at a chemist‟s A half-time B spare-time C part-time 10 I saw a very good ……… advertised in the paper this week A job B work C occupation 11 If you put money in the bank, you get about 8% …………… A increase B interest C rent 12 When I was in Denmark, I ………… a boat for a few days A hired B rented C leased II Synonyms – adjectives Write down a synonym for each of the words on the left Choose from the ones on the right XLVI 13 glad ……………… happy 14 nice ……………… terrible 15 very big ……………… pleasant 16 awful ……………… huge III Synonyms – Verbs Write down a synonym for each of the words on the left Choose from the ones on the right 17 talk ……………… ring 18 phone ……………… depart 19 swim ……………… speak 20 leave ……………… bathe Part II English for Construction I Choose the best answer My brother is a(n) …………… He designs buildings A engineer B teacher C electrician D builder C painting D drawing The workers are ……………… the wall A bending B mixing We need a lot of ………… to build a house A rubber B glass C bitumen D wood C bitumen D wood B height C high D long B soft C flexible D plastic Brick is made from …… A clay B rubber What is the ………… of the room? A tall Glass is ……… A transparent Stones, steels, irons, etc are called ……… A part B components C ingredients D materials The designers define the overall ……………… of the building A wall B structure C roof D column Materials ………… sell materials to the consumers A architect B workers C suppliers 10 Concrete can …………… quite severe weather conditions XLVII D sand A attack B remain C withstand D resist II Matching A B 11 The brick a is shaped like a rectangular prism 12 The cement paste b also affects the construction site 13 The clients c can resist compression force very well 14 Economic setting d are those who want to use the building space 15 Stainless steel e can resist corrosion III Listen and fill the words you hear in the blank to complete the sentences 16 The ………… cuts metal pipes 17 Most of the ………… and strength gain take place within the first month of concrete's life cycle 18 When the architect …………… the house, he placed the bedrooms away from the living room 19 What the floor …………… support? 20 Steel is used for the ………… structure of the factory (Script: 16 The plumber cuts metal pipes 17 Most of the hydration and strength gain take place within the first month of concrete's life cycle 18 When the architect designed the house, he placed the bedrooms away from the living room 19 What the floor beams support? 20 Steel is used for the frame structure of the factory.) XLVIII APPENDICE 13: VOCABULARY-CHECKING TEST Look at the picture and complete the words below ……………… …………………… ……………………… …………………… …………………… …………………… ………………………… ……………………… ……………………………… …………………………… XLIX APPENDICE 14: VOCABULARY-CHECKING TEST Listen and write the words you hear flexible opaque corrosion elastic permeable transparent asbestos sheeting fireproof insulation 10 water vapour L APPENDICE 15: VOCABULARY-CHECKING TEST Filling the missing letters to complete the words c _ _ c _ _t e r e a _ t _ o n h y _ r a _ _ o n c _ _ b _ n e r e_m a _ n h a _ d e _ w i_h _ t a n _ a g _ r e _ a t e m o_ s t _ r e 10 p a _ t e LI APPENDICE 16: RESULTS IN EGP Post-test Post-test Post-test EG CG EG CG EG CG 6.5 6 6.5 6.5 6.5 7.5 7 7.5 8 4.5 5 5.5 5 6.5 5.5 6 7.5 7.5 7.5 7 7.5 7.5 8 8 5.5 6 6.5 7.5 6.5 7.5 7 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 8.5 5 7.5 6.5 7.5 6.5 5.5 6.5 5.5 8 7 7 7.5 7 5.5 6.5 6.5 8 8 6.5 6.5 7.5 8 5.5 6.5 5.5 6.5 6.5 6 7.5 7.5 7.5 5.5 7 7.5 7.5 Mean = 6.42 Mean = 6.48 Mean = 6.74 Mean = 6.64 LII Mean = 7.04 Mean = 6.88 APPENDICE 17: RESULTS IN ESP Post-test Post-test Post-test EG CG EG CG EG CG 5 5 5.5 7 7.5 8.5 8 8.5 7 5 6.5 5.5 7 7.5 7 8 8.5 8.5 8.5 6.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 8.5 8 8.5 8.5 5 5 8 8.5 6 6.5 7.5 8 7.5 8.5 8.5 6.5 6.5 7.5 8 7.5 7.5 7 7.5 6.5 8.5 6 8.5 7 5.5 8 Mean = 6.48 Mean = 6.5 Mean = 6.88 Mean = 6.76 Mean = 7.48 Mean = 7.02 LIII APPENDICE 18: RESULTS OF VOCABULARY-CHECKING TESTS Test Test Test Test Test Test EG CG EG CG EG CG EG CG EG CG EG CG 5 6 5 5 5 7 8 8 9 9 8 9 10 6 7 8 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 5 6 7 8 8 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 5 6 6 8 8 8 9 9 6 5 8 8 7 7 8 7 9 6 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 8 7 7 7 8 7 9 10 6 8 8 5 9 9 9 7 7 8 9 9 Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean 6.44 6.48 6.72 6.6 7.08 6.76 7.36 LIV 6.84 7.68 7.08 7.76 7.2