Using self voice recording as a supplementary activity to improve efl learners’ speaking ability

STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP This work has not previously been submitted for a degree or diploma in any university To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the thesis itself Date: 31/ 07/ 2017 Signature Nguyen Thi To Hang i ABSTRACT This study was conducted to explore how self-voice recording influences EFL students’ speaking ability In the experiment, two groups were following the usual English program at university while the treatment group did self-voice recording as a supplementary activity A general English test, pre-test and post-test were administered to evaluate the participants’ English proficiency, speaking fluency and accuracy The results indicated that the use of self-voice recording can facilitate the participants’ speaking ability development The treatment group not only significantly improved accuracy in pronunciation and word stress but also remarkably increased speaking speed Based on the findings, implications for teaching and learning the speaking skill and suggestions for the future research were also proposed ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I have been fortunate to receive invaluable help from many people during my assignment First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr Tran Thi Ngoc Yen, my supervisor, for his immense encouragement, whole hearted and detailed guidance, without which the assignment could not have been completed I would like to thank all the teachers who have taught me during the course and have given me useful advice and favorable conditions for the completion of the thesis I also would like to show my special thanks to my students who help me a lot in giving their invaluable comments, efforts and contributions while the work of this assignment was in progress Last but not least, I also owe my indebtedness to my family and colleagues for their kind co-operation and encouragement which help me in completion of this study Nghe An, July 2017 iii TABLE OF CONTENT STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP i ABSTRACT ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii LISTS OF TABLES vi LISTS OF FIGURES vii CHAPTER INTRODUCTION - 1.1 Introduction - 1.2 Rationale - 1.3 Aims of the study - 1.4 Scope of the study - 1.5 Research questions - 1.6 Thesis format - CHAPTER LITERATURE REVIEW - 2.1 Speaking ability - 2.1.1 Definition - 2.1.2 The role of speaking in communication - 2.1.4 Speaking competence vs speaking performance - 2.2 Assessing speaking ability - 10 - 2.2.1 Indicators of speaking ability - 10 2.2.2 Accuracy, fluency and complexity - 11 2.2.2.1 The definition of accuracy - 11 2.2.2.2 The definition of fluency - 12 2.2.2.3 The definition of complexity - 13 2.2.3 Methods to assess speaking ability - 14 - 2.2.4 Rubrics for assessing speaking ability - 14 2.3 Teaching speaking to EFL learners - 18 2.3.1 EFL learners’ difficulties in learning to speak English - 18 2.3.2 Factors affecting EFL learners’ speaking ability - 19 2.3.3 Methods and activities to improve speaking ability - 20 2.3.3.1 Accuracy-oriented activities - 21 iv 2.3.3.2 Fluency-oriented activities - 22 - 2.4 Voice recording - 22 2.4.1 Self-voice recording - 22 2.4.2 Benefits of self-voice recording - 22 2.4.2.1 Self-assessment - 22 2.4.2.2 Autonomy development - 23 2.4.3 Voice recording in teaching and learning English - 24 CHAPTER METHODOLOGY - 26 3.1 Research questions - 26 3.2 Participants - 26 3.3 Materials - 27 3.4 Procedures - 28 CHAPTER FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION - 30 4.1 Results - 30 4.1.1 The general English test result - 30 4.1.2 Results of the eight self-voice recordings - 32 4.1.2.1 Speaking speed - 32 4.1.2.2 Word stress accuracy - 38 4.1.3 Results of pre-test and post-test - 43 4.1.3.1 Speaking speed - 43 4.1.2.2 Accuracy improvement - 48 4.2 Discussion - 52 - CHAPTER CONCLUSION - 56 5.1 Conclusions - 56 5.2 Limitations - 57 5.3 Suggestions for further research - 57 REFERENCES - 59 APPENDIX A - 66 APPENDIX B - 74 APPENDIX C - 75 APPENDIX D - 76 APPENDIX E - 77 v APPENDIX F - 79 LISTS OF TABLES vi LISTS OF FIGURES Table 2.1: An Analytic rubric example for speaking Table 2.2: A Holistic rubric example for a research paper Table 2.2: A Holistic rubric example for a research paper Table 3.1: Demographic information of participants Table 4.1: The treatment and control group’s Score in general English test Table 4.2: The average total scores and standard deviations of general English test in the experimental group and the control group Table 4.3: Means and standard deviations of eight sessions in the treatment group Table 4.4: Means and standard deviations of the first and the last session in the treatment group Table 4.5: Increases in the treatment group Table 4.6: Summary of the increase levels of all participants Table 4.7: Means and standard deviations of participants in eight sessions Table 4.8: Number of participants for different change patterns Table 4.9: Means and standard deviations of word stress errors in eight sessions for the treatment group Table 4.9: Decreases in word stress errors in the treatment group Table 4.10: Means and standard deviations of pronunciation errors for the treatment group Table 4.11: Decreases in pronunciation errors in the treatment group Table 4.12.: Means and standard deviation of pre-test results for both groups Table 4.13: Means and standard deviations of post test results of both groups Table 4.14: Means and standard deviations of speaking fluency of the pre-test and the post-test of both groups Table 4.15: Means and standard deviations of speaking accuracy of the pre-test and the post-test of both groups Table 4.16: Means and standard deviations of pronunciation errors of the pre-test and the post-test of both groups LISTS OF TABLES Figure 4.1: The results of general English test of both groups Figure 4.2: Progress chart of participant A8/decrease Figure 4.3: Progress chart of participant A7/increase Figure 4.4 Progress chart of participant B5/ fluctuated increase Figure 4.5 Progress chart of participant A3/ gradual increase Figure 4.6 Progress chart of participant A15/ mixed increase Figure 4.6: Number of participants in word stress error decrease Figure 4.7: Number of participants in pronunciation error decrease Figure 4.8: A comparison of speaking speed between the control and the experimental group Figure 4.9: Numbers of participants in speaking speed groups in both groups Figure 4.10: A comparison of speaking speed between the control and the experimental group Figure 4.11: Numbers of participants in speaking speed groups in both groups Figure 4.12: The improvement in speaking speed of the control group and the treatment Figure 4.13: Decreases in word stress errors of the treatment group and the control group Figure 4.14: Means of word stress errors in the pre test and post test of both groups Figure 4.15: Decreases in pronunciation errors of both groups Figure 4.16: Means of pronunciation errors in the pre test and post test of both groups APPENDIX A GENERAL ENGLISH TEST Time: 90 minutes READING AND WRITING (60 minutes) I READING Part Questions 1-5 B or C on your answer sheet Claire Look at the text in each question What does it say? Mark the correct letter A, Tom needs to get the concert tickets If you don’t want to go, can youtell him? If he doesn’t hear from you, he’ll buyyou one A Tom wants Claire to get a concert ticket for him.B Tom can’t go to the concert and wants Claire to use his ticket C Tom will get Claire a ticket unless she tells him not to A You can get the money you paid for TRIP CANCELLED ON THURSDAY GO TO OFFICEFOR REFUND Thursday’s trip from the office B If you haven’t paid for Thursday’s trip, you should go to the office C The trip which was cancelled will now take place on Thursday - 66 - Mum The computer store can deliver your new computer tomorrow or you can collect it A Luke is offering to collect the computer from the shop for his mother They close at 5.30 today, so can B Luke’s mother needs to collect her computer you tell them which you prefer? from the shop by 5.30 today Luke C Luke’s mother should decide today if she can fetch her computer from the shop A Use either entrance if you want to buy a bicycle Take bicycles for repair to side entrance of shop B Use the side entrance if your bicycle needs mending Front entrance for C Use the side entrance if the front entrance is sales only closed Bella thinks A she has found Stefan’s hat Stefan I can’t find my hat It’s a bit like yours so maybeyou picked B Stefan has taken her hat C Stefan has lost his homework it up bymistake when we weredoing our homeworktogether last night Bella - 67 - Part Questions 6-15 Look at the sentences below about a hotel Read the text on the next page to decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect If it is correct, mark A on your answer sheet If it is not correct, mark B on your answer sheet During the 1980s, few tourists used to go to the Arctic in summer People came in large numbers to Jukkasjarvi to see the Arctic Hall The artist encouraged people to sleep in the Arctic Hall Each winter, guests come and sleep in the hotel before it is finished 10 Progress when building the hotel is influenced by the weather 11 The temperature inside the hotel changes according to the temperature outside 12 Some clothes are provided by the hotel 13 Guests should buy boots which fit as tightly as possible 14 Items ordered through the ICEHOTEL shop will be delivered to your home 15 It is possible to take a train from the airport to the ICEHOTEL THE ICEHOTEL For many years the Arctic was a popular destination in the summer season to see the land of the midnight sun but in winter the few inhabitants had the snow and ice to themselves By the end of the 1980s it was decided that the dark and cold winter should be seen as an advantage In the winter of 1990 the French artist Jannot Derit was invited to have the opening of an exhibition in a specially built igloo (a building made of snow) in the little town of Jukkasjarvi on the frozen Torne River The building, named Arctic Hall, attracted many interested visitors to the area One night a group of foreign guests decided it would be a good idea to sleep in the Arctic Hall The following morning the brave group were very pleased with their experience and the idea of an ice hotel was born Today it is world famous As soon as winter begins, a team of snow builders, architects and artists from all - 68 - over the world come to Jukkasjarvi and they make the hotel for that year As one part is completed, it opens to visitors and overnight guests, while the other parts are still being built The first part is completed in December and each week after that a new part opens, until January 7th when the hotel is completed As the ICEHOTEL is built under the open sky, using the natural materials of the winter season, the finishing date depends on nature and therefore there are sometimes changes to the plan In the spring, as the weather gets warmer, the hotel melts Inside the hotel, the temperature is never colder than -5 °C to -8 °C, however cold it may be outside Winter outer clothes such as warm overalls, hats and gloves are included in the cost of guests’ stay at the hotel In addition to this, it is a good idea for guests to bring sweaters and a scarf as well as plenty of woollen socks and to choose footwear that is larger than normal to allow space for thick socks If you are planning to come to the hotel, you can buy warm sweaters, woollen socks and much more on the ICEHOTEL website You can order these and the equipment you will need at the same time as you book your visit The items will be delivered to your room when you check in The hotel is in the village of Jukkasjarvi, 200 km above the Arctic Circle but only 15 km from Kiruna airport and 17 km from Kiruna train station Transport by bus can be arranged from the airport or train station to the ICEHOTEL Part 3Questions 16- 25 Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space For each question, mark the correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet THE SIDEWALK The Grand Canyon in the United States was created by the River Colorado People visitthe Grand Canyon Park to go walking and running but (16) to look at the view It is awonderful view made (17) better by the Skywalk The distance (18) theSkywalk to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is 1219 metres It is a platform (19) wallsand floor are built of glass (20) that you can see the beautiful rocks of the canyon Up to120 people are allowed to stand on it at the same (21) It opened in 2007 and since(22) thousands of people have used it You have to (23) special coversover your shoes to (24) scratching the - 69 - glass beneath your feet Walking onto theSkywalk makes you (25) like a bird floating high up in the air 16 A hugely B mainly C greatly D completely 17 A already B such C more D even 18 A from B through C by D for 19 A who B where C whose D which 20 A therefore B although C so D because 21 A day B period C hour D time 22 A then B there C that D this 23 A take B wear C dress D change 24 A avoid B keep C hold D let 25 A believe B wish C consider D feel II WRITING Part Questions 1-10 Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first Write only the missing words on your answer sheet You may use this page for any rough work My friend told me she always went there, so I started going too My It has been there for four years It It stays open until seven o’clock It I have my hair cut there every six weeks - 70 - The hairdresser Men’s haircuts are cheaper than women’s haircuts Men’s The journey was so long that I fell asleep on the train It was The bus stop is quite near my house The bus stop I passed my driving test three years ago It has You shouldn't take too much luggage on holiday It's a 10 I have never owned a car as fast as this one This car Part This is part of a letter you receive from your English friend, Sara I’ve got one close friend who I spend a lot of time with What about you? Tell me about your friends? How important are they to you? Now write a letter to Sara about your friends Write at least 100 words LISTENING TEST (30 minutes) Part Questions 1-6 You will hear a man called Simon Webster talking about being a racing driver For each question, put a tick (/) in the correct box When races take place? A during part of the year B on most days during the week C mainly on Fridays - 71 - What problem does Simon have? A He can’t stop training before a race B He can’t improve any more C He doesn’t ever have holidays What does he say is most important for a racing driver? A not getting frightened B being able to concentrate C knowing how a car works How did he become interested in cars? A His friends were keen on motor-racing B He enjoyed watching motor-racing on TV C His father took him to races What advice does he give to young racing drivers? A They should other sports too B They should study hard C They should get very fit - 72 - Part Questions 8-19 You will hear a man talking about a photography course For each question, write the missing information in the numbered space PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE On some Tuesdays students visit local (6) to seeany (7) The tutor has been taking photographs for (8) On Thursday students take photographs of (9) The course runs for (10) July years objects weeks and begins onthe (11) The course costs (12) £ Full fees must be paid at the (13) of the course John is on (14) for a few days and back in college THE END - 73 - on (15) APPENDIX B PRE-TEST Talk about a problem that affects the environment in the area where you live You should say: > what the problem is >what causes it > what people feel about the problem and explain what you think could be done to solve it - 74 - APPENDIX C POST-TEST Talk about a famous tourist destination in your country You should say: >what it is >what are the main attractions of this place >what can someone see/do there And say whether it is good for young people to visit - 75 - APPENDIX D A SAMPLE OF STUDENT’S PRE-TEST TRANSCRIPTION The treatment group (Time: 01:26; Word number: 142) Environment is a significant issue that my village always concern about There’s a Oo factory which produce wooden furniture It make noise all the time and .uhm Oo oOo people in my village feel uncomfortable about big noise We can’t sleep well, ooOoo/Pr Pr children can’t pay attention to study Hence, their learning qualification get worse Pr Even we can’t listen to each other well Clearly whenever we talk uhm Besides, it take.our year Therefore, this lead us to have a bad health and difficult life We wish this problem would be solved right now And the government should Pr try to negotiate with ah.boss, their boss or move this factory to other place and Oooo/Pr Pr or they can force them to work in certain time, for example, when people in my Pr village go to work, they can run their factory I uhm honesty hope that the problem could reduce I think action big louder than word Oo - 76 - APPENDIX E A SAMPLE OF STUDENT’S ONE SESSION TRANSCRIPTION Topic: Talk about a website that you usually visit First recording (Time: 2:00/ Word number: 106) Ah Facebook is website I usually visit because of ah FB brings a lot of benefits Firstly, I can post my status umh can show my emotions, feelings ah anything I want to show for anyone Moreover, I can chatting chat with my friend friends ah through Facebook, I also can update information about education, economic, economy education, economy, showbiz It updates oOoo Pr Pr information regularly Moreover, I can leam a lot of things from FB ah I usually oOoo like some fan-pages Ah some educational, for example IELTS, FCE ah Pr These fanpages pages usually post a lot of useful things to help me improve my English skills for example listening skills, speaking skills and reading and Pr writing skills I see it.umh.because of huge benefits FB brings That’s why I usually choose FB to visit - 77 - Second recording (Time: 2:29 / Word number: 170) Today, I would like to tell you my favorite website It is Facebook FB is the most social network umh a lot of people around the world use FB nowadays and so Pr I.I spend and hours per day to surf FB FB brings a lot of benefits ah people can connect Through FB you can connect with people, Oo Oo sharing special event events I can surf FB to connect with my family, my friend Pr Oo friends I usually post some pictures, videos and share my emotion or feelings I want to show that I want to I want everyone to know ah whatever I moreover through FB I can learn a lot of things I usually like English pages about IELTs examination because I am studying ah I am majoring English linguistic so I have to get exam next year I usually visit English pages to learn vocabulary, English skills like listening, speaking, reading and writing skills All of above.ah all of above reasons I really love FB Pr Pr - 78 - APPENDIX F A SAMPLE OF STUDENT’S POST TEST TRANSCRIPTION The treatment group (Time: 02:33; Word number: 260) If you want a week destination you should visit, I will help you Hue’s on the top of Pr historical and beautiful sightseeing of the beautiful place of the world In Vietnam, Oooo Pr Hue is an ancient city in Vietnam It is located in central Vietnam on the bank of Pr Oo Huong river Hue has several tourist attraction which are beautiful and ancient Pr Among these, Hue _ which were recognized in World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO Besides, there are many Asian ancient pagoda, temple and river That is Pr also known by many tourist all over the world The typical climate in Hue is tropical climate The city also well-known by special food and drink People Pr Pr ah tourist can enjoy the ancient atmosphere by eating royal food and listening Pr Ooo to royal music In addition, coffee is one the most typical drink You can enjoy a Ooo cup of hot coffee.in Hue in the morning Besides, there are many there are plenty - 79 - of festival, particularly Hue festival is the biggest festival in here People are very friendly and kind, they are ready to help other people and Hue is a valuable destination for young people because of the following reason First, if young people feel it is really noisy, they are surrounded by loud sound, they can ah young people can learn about Vietnam history and they can _ in lifestyle and people’s politeness and simples are good example for them to follow In conclusion, it is Oo Ooo worth visiting Hue I’m sure that Hue is one of the most ideal place to visit Pr - 80 - ... CHAPTER LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter provides theoretical background relevant to the topic such as speaking ability, assessing speaking ability, teaching speaking to EFL learners and using voice. .. of a language actually is and what a language is in order to balance the students’ competence and performance in that language 2.2 Assessing speaking ability 2.2.1 Indicators of speaking ability. .. voice recording on speaking ability Therefore, the study entitled ? ?Using voice recording as a supplementary activity to improve EFL learners’ speaking ability? ?? was conducted with the hope that