Using vocabulary expansion exercises to develop 11th graders vocabulary as an action research

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING VINH UNIVERSITY NGHIÊM THỊ THUỲ MAI USING VOCABULARY EXPANSION EXERCISES TO DEVELOP 11TH GRADER’ VOCABULARY AS AN ACTION RESEARCH IN QUYNH LUU I- HIGH SCHOOL NGHE AN PROVINCE MASTER’S THESIS IN EDUCATION Nghệ An, 2018 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING VINH UNIVERSITY NGHIÊM THỊ THUỲ MAI USING VOCABULARY EXPANSION EXERCISES TO DEVELOP 11TH GRADERS’ VOCABULARY AS AN ACTION RESEARCH Code: 8140111 MASTER’S THESIS IN EDUCATION SUPERVISOR: LÊ VĂN CANH, Ph.D Nghệ An, 2018 ii STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP I acknowledge that this study is mine The data discussed in the thesis are true, used with permission from associates, and have not been published elsewhere Author Nghiêm Thị Thuỳ Mai i ACKNOWLEDGEMENT For the completion of this study, I have been fortunate to receive invaluable contributions from many people Firstly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Ph.D Le Van Canh, who helped me with his precious knowledge, absolutely indispensable assistance, excellent suggestions, expert advice and detail critical comments during the long process of researching and writing this Master Thesis, without which the study would not have been complete Secondly, I would also like to give my sincere thanks to all my teachers at QuynhLuu 1- High School, where my investigation was carried out I thank them for their advice, great cooperation which are very useful for me to finish this study In addition, I am fully grateful to the help of all the students taking foreign languages at QuynhLuu 1, thank for their willingness to answer my questionnaires so that I could finish the survey for my study Last, I also wish to thank my family and all my friends for their various kinds of help and encouragement Vinh, May 2018 ii ABSTRACT This proposal research examines the use of vocabulary focused extended activities in the post-reading stage Survey questionnaires, further practises, efforts by teachers and students, were collected to find out the effectiveness of using this new technique The information and exercises gathered supports vocabulary focused activities should be used, because they are an effective tool for teaching and learning language In addition, the researcher also suggested some recommendations for applying vocabulary knowledge during reading lessons in English textbooks for upper secondary students Based on the data generated by this study, further studies should be conducted by other researchers to investigate various kinds of vocabulary exercise to develop reading skill This and future study‟s will help students have a more effective result Current in-use textbooks can be upgraded with new tools, and in so doing, a new generation of students will learn at a faster rate—and retain more of the relevant material Teachers will be more effective in their work, and their lesson plans will yield greater results Therefore, using vocabulary expansion exercises to impart academic gifts to millions of students iii TABLE OF CONTENT STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP………………………………………… i ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………… ii ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………… … iii LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLE………………………………………… iv LIST OF ABBREVIATION………………………………………………… v CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale ………………………………………………………………… 1.2 Aims of the study ………………………………………………………… 1.3 Research question ………………………………………………………… 1.4 Methods of the study ……………………………………………………… 1.5 Scope of the study ………………………………………………………… CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 The role of vocabulary in foreign language learning……………………… 2.2 Second language vocabulary development………………………………… 2.3 Status quo of vocabulary teaching in Vietnam …………………………… 2.4 Approaches to vocabulary learning ( Intentional and Incidental)………… 16 2.5 Reading texts as a source of lexical input………………………………… 21 2.6 Vocabulary- focused activities in the task-based model…………………… 23 2.6.1 Content- based instruction (CBI)………………………………………… 23 2.6.2 Task- based instruction (TBI)…………………………………………… 28 2.7 Studies on the integration of vocabulary development exercises………… 29 iv CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY I Action research in language teaching………………………………………… 32 3.1.1 Why action research? 32 3.1.2 Characteristics of action research………………………………………… 32 3.1.3 Procedure of conducting action research……………………………… … 33 II The research procedures……………………………………………………… 33 3.2.1 Identify the problem……………………………………………………… 34 3.2.2 Plans…………………………………………………………………… 34 3.2.3 Action…………………………………………………………………… 37 3.2.4 Evaluation……………………………………………………………… 39 3.2.5 Reflection………………………………………………………………… 39 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Method of data analysis…………………………………………………… 45 4.1.1 Results of students‟ survey questionnaire A………………………… 45 4.1.2 Results of students‟ survey questionnaire B…………………………… 45 4.1.3 Result of student‟ tests………………………………………………… 47 4.1.4 Finding from interviews……………………………………………… 51 4.1.5 Finding from classroom observation………………………………… 51 4.2 Discussion………………………………………………………………… 52 4.3 Reflection………………………………………………………………… 52 4.4 Tentative plan for the next research cycle………………………………… 53 v CHAPTER 5: IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Reflection………………………………………………………………… 55 5.2 Some recommendations and suggestions on extending vocabularies …… 55 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………… 58 References…………………………………………………………………… 60 Appendix……………………………………………………………………… 62 LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES Figure 1: The time students spend on learning English per day……………… 42 Figure 2: The language skills students focus on most and like most…………… 43 Table 1: Comparison between Vietnam, Philipines and Singapore on English proficiency Index………………………………………………………… 21 Table 2: Students‟ attitudes towards English and expand vocabulary………… 44 Table 3: Students‟ attitudes towards in using vocabulary exercises after reading 45 Table 4: Students‟ test results…………………………………………………… 49 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS TBI: Task-Based Instruction CBI: Content-Based Instruction L1: First Language L2: Second Language ESL: English as a Second Language EFL: English as Foreign Language CLT: Communicative Language Teaching vi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale English has been the common language of the world for decades It plays an important role in all aspects of society such as communication, science, technology, education, etc Particularly, English becomes an official and effective international communicative language Learning English would greatly give advantage to the person concerned As a result, more and more people are studying English in order not to be left behind the development of society English has been a compulsory subject among Vietnamese students for many years (Le, 2011) However, the students‟ outcomes are unsatisfactory because of many factors, one of which is their lexical deficiency As a teacher of English at a high school, the author constantly faces the many problems in helping students apply a foreign language As other skills, reading is a very important skill widen vocabulary after reading also to develop reading skills (Le, 2011) Teaching vocabulary is an important part in reading lessons (Alqahtani, 2015) In English textbooks for Vietnamese upper secondary school students, reading is the first skill to start a unit because reading not only helps students widen their knowledge, but also enables them to develop other language skill However, among the passages in textbooks for Vietnamese secondary school students are long and complicated Therefore, many of students seem not to be interested in the reading lesson, because of vocabulary and narrow sentence structure It can be said that consider learning English as building a house, then, the vocabulary is the foundation for that house (Alqahtani, 2015) There are many ways to learn vocabulary, but it is not easy to et a good vocabulary Learning vocabulary is a headache for most foreign language learners In fact the stock of vocabulary in each lesson in general, and in reading lessons in particular is so large, but the time for vocabulary is limited But it is not easy to get a good vocabulary leveraging strategy To use a fluent language to communicate and work, a student must have a vocabulary of up to 3000 words (Alqahtan 2015 ) Students find it difficult to remember the words they have learnt Although they spend a lot of time learning new words, the results make them disappointed Therefore, how to help students memorize words easily as well as effectively and how to motivate them in vocabulary lessons are big questions for English teachers In order to this, teachers have to find out the suitable ways that make learners find it easy to memorize the word in class as soon as the new words are presented to the students Many studies have shown that students were dissatisfied with their current vocabulary learning methods and are having a hard time with this Many students consider the current methods are out dated and ineffective (Alqahtani, 2015) They want to be innovative in learning vocabulary Although students highly value the importance of vocabulary to their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, without good vocabulary, they cannot make good use of these skills Therefore, a research onto way to improve short vocabulary exercises and activities only to teach students vocabulary or to help them understand more about the reading text but also help to increase their interest during the lessons is crucial In Vietnam, efforts to improve the education system have contributed to the country's development The Vietnam's national language project by 2020 set ambitious targets with investments of up to $450 billion In details, Decision No 1400 / QD-TTg dated 30 September 2008 of the Prime Minister approving the project "Teaching and learning foreign languages in the national education system for the period of 2008-2020" Key tasks include the provision of foreign languages, the development and promulgation of a unified foreign language proficiency framework, the development and implementation of programs, the implementation of foreign language training programs, Foreign language training programs for regular education, and renewal of foreign language teaching and testing methods Meaning, Vietnamese government has defined the purpose of education as holistic human training to meet the country's general requirements - industrialization and modernization In particular, foreign language English is one of the languages that serves as an active means to support the most effective integration process of the country Therefore, improving the quality of QUESTIONNAIRE FOR STUDENTS ( B ) This questionnaire is designed for research purposes only and is done on an anonymous basis All the information will be kept confidential Your assistance in completing the survey is appreciated Work as quickly as you can without being careless Thank you very much for your cooperation! I PERSONAL INFORMATION Full name: (optional)………………………………………………… Age: …… Where you come from? ( address at present) How long have you been learning English? …………………… QUESTIONS Do you think you like doing vocabulary exercises in the textbook? Yes Somewhat No Do you like teacher using vocabulary exercises to expand new words? Yes Somewhat No Do you think vocabulary exercises help you learn more during reading? Yes Somewhat No Is it easier to understand details in the reading passage when teacher use vocabulary exercises? Yes Somewhat 63 No Do you think you would well on the reading tests after using vocabulary exercises? Yes Somewhat 64 No QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TEACHERS This questionnaire is designed for research purposes only and is done on an anonymous basis All the information will be kept confidential Your assistance in completing the survey is appreciated Work as quickly as you can without being careless Thank you very much for your cooperation I PERSONAL INFORMATION Full name: (optional)………………………………………………… Age: …… Where you come from? ( address at present) How long have you teaching English? …………………… II QUESTIONS I find vocabulary exercises effective with teaching reading comprehension A agree B disagree C undecided My students can understand the text easily through the vocabulary exercises A agree B disagree C undecided Teachers can use different kinds of vocabulary exercises with different texts A agree B disagree C undecided Expanding vocabulary exercises can develop students‟ vocabulary knowledge A agree B disagree 65 C undecided QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEW The interview is composed of open-ended, other questions may be added based on subjects‟ answers to the questionnaire For students: What did you think was difficult about the reading lesson? What you think of the vocabulary exercises in the textbook? Do you want teacher to use vocabulary exercises after reading? Why? Why not? For teachers: What you think is the most benefit when using vocabulary exercises after reading? What difficulties you meet when using vocabulary exercises after reading? Do you think vocabulary exercises can be applied for other skills ( speaking, listening and writing.) 66 Suggested vocabulary expansion exercises to develop 11th graders’ vocabulary As mentioned above, vocabulary exercises can be applied not only in teaching vocabulary in reading but also student expand new words Thus, within this study, the author only suggests some exercises in English reading classes at the post-reading for the 11th form students Due to the limitation of time, the author did not have chance to use another types exercises However, from her real practice, these exercises below worked really well Type of activities: Individually work or pair work Aims: - Check students‟ vocabulary and make them more interested in reading comprehension - Helps students to expand new words to make them more confident and understand passage easily Class time: 5-7 minutes 67 UNIT 9: THE POST OFFICE LESSON 1: READING What services you think the post office offers? Multiple choice 68  Teacher asks students to work individually, read the sentences and choose the best answer A, B, C or D  Asks students to have to remember and learn many another words Task 4: Choose the word or phrase that best completes each of the following sentences Time: minutes (individually work) You should……… us of the date of your arrival A notify B subscribe C deliver D equip Will my parcel be sent by air or by…………….? A plane B surface mail C transmission D service The management thanked the…….for their dedication and enthusiasm A text B equipment C staff D rate The course aims to………people with the skills necessary for a job in this technological age A transfer B transmit C equip D shape We wish the Queen a ………… recovery from her illness A secure Keys: B B courteous B C convenient C 69 C D speedy D UNIT 10: NATURE IN DANGER LESSON 1: READING Matching - Teacher asks students to read the word in column A with definition in column B and combine them 70 - Aim: Providing students way to learn new words and give students opportunity to learn object/ word definition Time: mins (Pair work) Task 3: Match each of the following words in column A with its definition or equivalent in column B A B atmosphere a small bags to carry things or belongings, often worn behind the body backpacks b the mixture of gases that covers the earth environment c the highest point, usually the top of a very high object garbage d conditions or circumstances in which people live and work summit Keys: B A e waste material, especially that of household origin D E 71 C UNIT 10: NATURE IN DANGER - Synonym vs LESSON 1: READING Antonym Teacher asks students to read all the sentences choose the suitable word with underlined word Aims: Teacher can check students‟ vocabulary both closest and opposite meaning words 72 Time: minutes (Individually work) Task 3: Mark the letter A,B,C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to the underlined part in each of the following questions Being listed as an endangered species can have negative effect since it could make a species more desirable for collectors and poachers A awareness B preservation C support D impact Scientists warn of the impending extinction of many species of plant and animals A coming B absolute C formidable C irrefutable Many scientists agree that global warning poses great threats to all species on earth A irritations B annoyances C fears D risks It is found that endangered species are often concentrated in areas that are poor and densely populated, such as much of Asia & Africa A disappeared B increased C threatened D reduced Human beings are constantly contaminating natural habitats of the wildlife A polluting Keys: D B promoting A C destroying D 73 C D protecting A UNIT 13: HOBBIES LESSON 1: READING Word formation 74 Teacher asks students to read the task and complete each sentence with the correct form of the word Aims: - Check students‟ vocabulary after reading - This exercise can help students‟ knowledge about kind of speech Time: mins (Pair work) Task 3: Complete each sentence with the correct form of the word in brackets I have great……….for those who fight against poverty and injustice ( admire) …… exercise will help you feel fresher and fitter ( regularly) Drawing and singing were among her many……… ( accomplish) Elbow injuries are……….found among tennis players (common) Be keeping yourself……., you will never feel bored with your life ( occupy) She does a lot of work for charities, but her…….forbids her from talking about it (modest) Good food is his only…………(indulge) Keys: admiration 4.commonly regular occupied accomplishments modesty 75 indulgence UNIT 15: SPACE CONQUEST LESSON1:READING 76 Gap- filling Teacher asks students read all the sentences and choose a word in the box to complete sentences Aims: - Check vocabulary in the passage and expand new words Time: mins (Individually work) Task 3: Complete these sentences with the correct form of the word in the box Successful cosmonaunt Last letters planet interesting earth 1.How long did Yuri Gagarin‟s trip into space… ?-Only 108 minutes The first words spoken from space were: “I see the ……… It‟s so beautiful” The ………… flight marked a milestone in China‟s space project In 1957 the Soviet Union launched the first satellite to ……………the Earth The 27-year-old Soviet …………… became the first person to eat and drink in weightlessness Keys: last earth successful 77 planet cosmonaunt ...MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING VINH UNIVERSITY NGHIÊM THỊ THUỲ MAI USING VOCABULARY EXPANSION EXERCISES TO DEVELOP 11TH GRADERS? ?? VOCABULARY AS AN ACTION RESEARCH Code: 8140111 MASTER’S THESIS IN... English constantly change, leading to the way to teach and learn vocabulary has also changed History of teaching and learning English vocabulary has gone through many different methods such as Grammar-Interpretation,... the reasons mentioned above, the author decides to choose the topic” Using vocabulary expansion exercises to develop 11th graders? ?? vocabulary? ?? as the study of graduation thesis 1.2 Aims of the