THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES DAO DINH MANH THE USE OF BLOOKET GAMES TO IMPROVE ENGLISH VOCABULARY RETENTION OF THE 6TH GRADERS AT ALOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL IN VIETNAM M.A THESIS Field: English Linguistics Code: 8220201 THAI NGUYEN - 2024 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES DAO DINH MANH THE USE OF BLOOKET GAMES TO IMPROVE ENGLISH VOCABULARY RETENTION OF THE 6TH GRADERS AT ALOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL IN VIETNAM M.A THESIS (APPLICATION ORIENTATION) Field: English Linguistics Code: 8220201 Supervisor: Dr. Nguyen Trong Du THAI NGUYEN - 2024 DAI HOC THAI NGUYEN TRƯỜNG NGOẠI NGỮ DAO DINH MANH NGHIEN CUU VE VIEC SU DUNG CAC TRO CHOI TREN BLOOKET DE TANG CUONG KHA NANG GHI NHO TU VUNG TIENG ANH CUAHOC SINH LOP 6 O MOT TRUONG TRUNG HOC CO SỞ O VIET NAM LUAN VAN THAC SI (Định hướng ứng dụng) Ngành: Ngôn ngữ Anh Mã số: 8220201 Cán bộ hướng dẫn: TS. Nguyễn Trọng Du THÁI NGUYÊN - 2024 DECLARATION I, Dao Dinh Manh, declare that this study titled "The use of Blooket games to improve English vocabulary retention of the 6th graders at a lower secondary school in Thai Nguyen province" submitted as a partial fulfillment for my Master Degree of English Language at School of Foreign Languages — Thai Nguyen University is the result of my own work. | have provided fully documented references to the work of others.
The material in this thesis has not been submitted for any other formal course of study. Approved by SUPERVISOR Author’ signature Nguyen Trong Du, Ph. Dao Dinh Manh ACKNOWLEDGEMENT | humbly express my heartfelt gratitude to those whose unwavering support and encouragement have helped me reach new academic heights. To my supervisor, Mr.
Nguyen Trong Du, who has been a beacon of light, guidance, expertise, and support. His patience, understanding, and constant motivation have helped me stay the course and achieve my research objectives. To the lecturers from Thai Nguyen University, who have imparted valuable knowledge and shaped my research thinking with their lectures and guidance. Their vast experience has helped me identify the right research methodologies that led to the successful completion of my thesis.
To my colleagues and students at the this school, who have been a vital ingredient in my academic journey. Their encouragement, support, brainstorming, and collaboration have contributed enormously to my research. | am grateful to each of them for their assistance and time that helped me achieve my research goals. To my family and friends, whose love, support, and unwavering belief in me have been a source of inspiration and motivation during my academic journey.
They have lifted me up during my most challenging moments and pushed me to pursue my academic goals. TABLE OF CONTENTS 98. vi ABSTRACT ou. eee eee ane e eee ea eee seen enaeeeee eee eneeaea 1 1.
Aims of the SỈUV.- LH TT Ko KH Ho Ko KH 4 1. Research qU©S†ÏO'S.--- -L LH HT HE kh 4 1. Scope of the reSearCH.-- -- L1 S111 HH HH Họ By 4 1. Significance Of the on.
5 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW .-- << HH HH nọ KH Ti 6 2. Definition of vocabulary .-- -- LH» HH nen kg kh 6 2. Definition of reteritiOFN. -- - HH HT HH HH kh 7 2.
Defimition Of GAMES «0. Definition of Blooket. - -- << c1 SH» TT KH kh 8 2. Definition of affitUd€.
Learmers' Attitudes Towards Language Learning Tools. Why Blooket games can be a useful tool for teaching English vocabulary. The implementation of Blooket games in teaching English vocabulary. Suggested Blooket games applied in the s†udy .-- - LH HH HT Họ Họ kh 21 CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY .- - Ăn SH TH HH Hư 23 3.
Design of the SỈUV. - LH ng» nọ ng HH tiếp 23 3. Subjects and setting of the s†Udìy. Data collection instruments and procedUres.
aaeaeeg eee teaa eases aeeeeeeees 29 3. -- - cọ HH CB ki ki ve 30 3.-- HH HH HH Họ ko Họ BE“ 31 CHAPTER IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS. The effects of Blooket games on students’ English vocabulary retention. Results of the pre-†©S†.- LH HH HH HH Ho kh 33 4.
Results of the pOSI-[©S†. Họ ki ki kh 34 4. Comparison of the pre-test and posi-†esi. Learners’ attitudes towards the use of Blooket games in vocabulary lessons 38 4.
Results of questionnair€. - HH HH Tnhh khe 38 “S0 on. 43 CHAPTER V: CONGCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION. Implications for the teachers and studenis.- --- nhe 46 5h nà: na.
FOr tne StUCENHS 0. Limitations of the SỈUY. HH» TH HH Ho kh 49 5. Recommendations for further research.--- chế 50 Bi niniiii9=s.
| APPENDIX 2: ACTION RESEARCH PROCEDURE.--<ccccsc- VỊ [dd ẲG nan =. XI dd =NIISG soi i=. XV LIST OF TABLES Table 3.1 Schedule of Applying Blooket in Vocabulary Lessons KH TH kg ngưng 25 Table 3.2 Schedules of The Data Collection Procedures .3 Score IE€FVAÌ. eee eee HH HH HH Ho Họ Hit 32 Table 4.1 Frequency of The Pre-test SGŒOF@S.- -SS SH HH rẽ 33 Table 4.2 Frequency of The Post-tes† SCOr@S.-ccc TQ n SH nh nen ren 34 Table 4.
-- SH SH» TH nọ kh Họ KH 37 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1 Two Types of Answer ScreenshotL.- SH nh, 14 Figure 2.2 Café Game Mode Screenshot .3 Tower Defense Game Mode Screenshot .4 Tower of Doom Game Mode Screensho†.5 Gold Quest Game Mode Screenshot.6 Crypto Hack Game Mode Screenshot .7 Fishing Frenzy Game Mode Screenshot.1 Steps in Action Research Cycle (Kemmis & Mc Taggart, 1988) .1 Results of The Pre-test SCOF@S.- SH ng kg 34 Figure 4.2 Results of The Post-tes† SGCOF@S. ST nen» nh re 35 Figure 4.3 Comparison of The Pre-test and Posft-†esf .4 Students’ Opinions towards Using Blooket Games to Improve English Vocabulary Retention.- LH TT Ho Họ KT kh 38 Figure 4.5 Students' Enjoyment of Blooket Games .- Si se 39 Figure 4.6 Students' opinions on Blooket games. Error! Bookmark not defined.7 Technical Difficulties Experienced While Playing Blooket Games. 41 vi ABSTRACT This thesis examined the impact of Blooket, a gamification platform, on English vocabulary retention among lower secondary school students in Thai Nguyen Province.
The study employed tests and questionnaires to assess Blooket’s effectiveness over several weeks with a class of students. Results indicated that Blooket significantly improved vocabulary retention, with students showing better test scores and positive attitudes towards learning with games. Challenges included maintaining discipline and motivation, and addressing technical issues. The study suggested Blooket as an engaging alternative to traditional methods, highlighting the need for teachers to adapt game-based learning to student proficiency levels and encourage repeated practice.
Students were encouraged to actively participate, be open to new learning methods, and provide feedback. The findings contribute to English language teaching, suggesting that Blooket games can enhance vocabulary retention. The thesis recommends further research into the long-term effects of gamification and its application in various language learning aspects. vii CHAPTER |: INTRODUCTION This chapter introduces the foundation and motivation behind the research on the use of Blooket games to enhance English vocabulary retention among sixth graders at a Lower Secondary School.
It outlines the importance of vocabulary in effective communication and the specific challenges faced by students in a Vietnamese context. The chapter also details the aims, research questions, scope, and significance of the study, providing a comprehensive overview of what the research seeks to achieve and its potential impact on English language education. Rationale Vocabulary plays an essential role in effective communication across the globe. It is the foundation of language and a crucial aspect of successful interpersonal interactions.
An individual's vocabulary reflects their knowledge, understanding, and ability to express themselves effectively (Anderson, 1976). In today's globalized world, where communication is a key component of almost every aspect of life, a strong vocabulary is more important than ever before. A well-developed vocabulary can enhance critical thinking, improve reading comprehension, facilitate effective writing, and boost overall cognitive ability (DeCarrico, 2001). It allows individuals to express themselves with precision, nuance, and accuracy, increasing their chances of being understood and respected by others.
It also enables individuals to engage in complex discussions, negotiate effectively, and build strong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, in professional contexts, a strong vocabulary is essential for success. It is particularly crucial in fields such as law, medicine, and academia, where precise language is necessary to convey complex concepts (Qian, 2005). Without a robust vocabulary, individuals in these fields may struggle to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
The role of English in Vietnam has become increasingly significant, as it is seen as a necessary skill for both personal and professional development. Consequently, English language education has gained the attention of parents and students alike, with an emphasis on fostering a love for the language, exploring the differences between languages, and learning about the cultures and socio-economics of countries where English is spoken. In recent years, the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam has stressed the importance of innovation in teaching methods for all subjects and levels to improve the quality of education. English language education in particular, and lower secondary English language education specifically, require innovative approaches that promote proactive creativity, are student-centered, and foster a love for learning.
Vocabulary plays a crucial role in everyday and academic communication, with its importance evident even in the initial stages of second language learning. Vocabulary is a core element of language aptitude and reflects how well learners can listen, speak, read and write (DeCarrico, 2001). Language ability can be improved through vocabulary improvement, and the methods of vocabulary acquisition are becoming increasingly important as vocabulary learning is often considered a laborious and monotonous process. This Lower Secondary School implements a rigorous English language program, with students attending 10 lessons per week.
This intensive approach aims to familiarize students with the language; however, it presents unique challenges. One hurdle is the requirement to navigate two distinct curricula: the Ministry of Education and Training’s program and the Cambridge ESL program. Furthermore, some students haven't yet grasped the significance of English language proficiency, leading to a lack of intrinsic motivation. Exacerbating this challenge is the extended school day at this school, which concludes at 5 pm and restricts opportunities for independent practice at home.
In contrast, students in other state-owned schools typically follow a half-day schedule, affording them more time for self-directed learning. Consequently, this school’s students require more targeted in-school strategies to develop and retain vocabulary effectively. Furthermore, the sheer volume and difficulty of homework assignments can be demotivating, especially when the tasks are perceived as boring and repetitive. This can hinder student engagement and limit the effectiveness of the program.
A well-calibrated workload with engaging and diverse activities would allow students to practice and retain vocabulary more effectively, even with limited time for independent study at home. As a result, English teachers at a Lower Secondary School must find effective teaching methods to encourage students to study and acquire intended knowledge. Teachers needed to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment and continually seek innovative, scientific, and effective teaching methods that enable students to memorize lessons quickly and enjoyably. To inspire students' learning and engage them in learning activities, teachers need to encourage students to develop a passion for the subject, build their confidence in the language, and foster their language skills.
Teachers must continually investigate and learn from colleagues, the media, and other resources to find effective teaching methods, especially for lower secondary school students, whose knowledge acquisition is extremely limited if there is no interest. The use of games to teach and learn vocabulary is widespread in many countries worldwide. Games have rich content and use interesting and useful language, making them suitable for students' perception. Through games, students can acquire knowledge and language skills easily, consolidate and remember information firmly, and gain excitement and passion for learning and future employment.