VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES LANG THU PHUONG A STUDY ON VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY HIGH-SCORING IELTS CANDIDATES AT SOME ENGLISH CENTERS IN HANOI IELTS ở một số trung tâm tiếng Anh trên địa bàn Hà Nội) M. MINOR THESIS (Applied Orientation) Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231. Nguyen Thu Hanh HANOI, 2024 DECLARATION I declare that the thesis titled "A study on Vocabulary Learning Strategies adopted by high-scoring IELTS candidates at some English centers in Hanoi" is my own original work. I have acknowledged all sources used or referred to in my research.
This work has not been previously submitted for any other degree or examination. I understand the importance of academic integrity and take full responsibility for the integrity of my work. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those who have contributed to the completion of this thesis. This journey would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and inspiration of many individuals and institutions.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my thesis advisor, Assoc. Nguyen Thu Hanh, whose unwavering support, expertise, and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the direction of this research. I am also immensely grateful to the participants who generously shared their time, experiences, and insights during the survey and interviews. Their contributions provided invaluable depth and context to this study.
I wish to acknowledge the contributions of the University of Languages and International Studies, which provided the necessary resources, access to materials, and a conducive research environment. The unwavering support of the faculty and staff is deeply appreciated. My sincere thanks also go to my friends and family for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout this journey. Lastly, I am grateful to the educators, scholars, and researchers whose work has laid the foundation for this thesis, aiming to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of English language teaching.
Approved by Date: April 08, 2024 SUPERVISOR STUDENT Assoc. Nguyén Thu Hanh Lang Thu Phuong Date: April 08, 2024 il ABSTRACT This thesis conducts a thorough investigation into vocabulary learning strategies, focusing on 50 successful IELTS candidates in Hanoi, aged 21 to 22. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines surveys and interviews to comprehensively explore the application of vocabulary learning strategies by these proficient candidates. The survey questions cover determination, social, memory, cognitive, and metacognitive strategies, providing valuable insights into the preferences of successful language learners.
Notably, metacognitive strategies, particularly the prevalent use of English language media, emerge as the cornerstone of effective language learning, while participants’ determination strategies showcase proactive engagement, utilizing context and English-English dictionaries for independent interpretation. Additionally, memory strategies emphasize auditory and phonetic memory, aligning with existing studies on repetition and oral engagement. Simultaneously, the cognitive dimension underscores structured approaches, featuring note-taking and organized vocabulary lists. Moreover, social strategies highlight peer collaboration, reflecting a contemporary shift in language learning practices.
Survey responses and interviews enrich the narrative, emphasizing English language media and reading as prominent strategies. Interestingly, technology-based learning, encompassing various tools such as games, vocabulary apps, and online platforms, exemplifies a dynamic and multifaceted approach to language acquisition and skill development. Less commonly employed strategies, such as teaching, shadowing, and exploring word origin, contribute nuanced insights, emphasizing the personalized nature of learners' journeys. This comprehensive study contributes to language learning strategy research, advocating for personalized, enjoyable, and adaptable approaches, and providing valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and learners.
1H TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLAARA TION. 5< G HH n0 g8 ii ABSTRACT.csscssccssccccsssccssncscesesssccssnsscesssesccssnescsssscscesssescesssessossssscossseeoes iii TABLE OF CONTTIENTS.o <5 G00 0066006896 060 iv LIST OF TA BÌLEES.00008008089690 9090 vi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION. Research aim and Objectives .-- 5 <6 213k 1k key 3 In ion. Significance of the Study .- - G c 111g HH ng key 5 1.
Scope of the S{UY .-- G9 HH TH nh HH rry 5 1. Structure of the tÏ€S1S .- - G- G1 112111119111 119119 11H ng nh re 6 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEỀ. The importance of vocabulary in language acquisition. The concept of Vocabulary Learning Strategies.
Classification of Vocabulary Learning Strafeg1es. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Related studies on vocabulary aCdQu1SIIOTI .- 5 «<< << c<+s 12 “ho lan ha. ee eee G1 HT nh TH HT TH HH ngư 29 3.
cọ TH TH HH HH t 31 3. Ethical COnSIC€TAfIOTNS. -- 5 - + s1 9 99v nh ng nh ng 51 SNan ca. 51 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION .o-csceSSe<see 52 Non a.
- -c c1 ng ng Hy S1 4. The correlation between Vocabulary Learning Strategies and English 5051019510 oo. Major findings of the Study. Implications for language education and pedagO§y.
Limitations of the S{UỦY. Suggestions for future research 0. TH TH HT 0900001000 60008096 00 108 APPENDIX 1: SURVEY QUESTIONAIRE .-555e5<<5sessese 111 APPENDIX 2: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS .ccccsssssssscssescsescessssseeseee 115 LIST OF TABLES Table 3. Comparison of VLSs: Schmitt 1997 vs.
Vocabulary learning strategies not included in the research. Example of coding data for effective VLSs (Survey). Example of coding data for additional VLSs (Survey). Example of raw data: VLSs calculation.
Example of data for calculating VLSs by number. Participant IELTS overall score and Vocabulary learning scores. Examples of coding data for VLSs (InterVview§). Overview of participants' Vocabulary Learning Strategy Usage.
Most used Vocabulary Learning Strategies in the survey. Least used Vocabulary Learning Strategies in the survey. Use of determination strategies by participants. Use of social strategies by participants.
Use of memory strategies by participants. Use of cognitive strategies by pDartICIpaTIfS. Use of metacognitive strategies by parfICIpanS. Participants’s perceptions of effective VLSS.
Additional VLSs beyond the questionnaire .11: Strategies discussed for vocabulary learning in the interviews .82 Vi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the research, starting with the background of the study, which emphasizes the crucial role of vocabulary in language acquisition and its significance for the IELTS exam. The research aim and objectives are then outlined, followed by the key research questions that guide the investigation. The section highlights the significance of the study within English language education and assessment, while also acknowledging its scope and limitations. Finally, the structure of the thesis is outlined, offering a roadmap for the subsequent chapters and their contributions to presenting the research findings and analysis.
Background of the study In the context of language acquisition, proficiency in a foreign language is undeniably linked to mastering vocabulary. As pointed out by Laufer (1986), gaining knowledge of words is a crucial aspect of the overall language learning process, forming the very core of linguistic competence. In other words, linguistic competence, which encompasses the ability to understand and use a language effectively, is built upon a strong foundation of vocabulary knowledge. Indeed, without a sufficient understanding of words and their meanings, it becomes challenging to express oneself accurately or to comprehend the messages conveyed by others.
Moreover, vocabulary learning is pivotal for developing various language skills, as observed by Laufer (2001): "lexical knowledge is linked to reading, writing, general language proficiency, and academic achievement." Building on this perspective, Nation (2006) suggests that a vocabulary spanning from 6,000 to 7,000 words is indispensable for achieving 98% comprehension in listening or speaking. For independent comprehension of written text, a vocabulary of 8,000 to 9,000 word families is deemed necessary, while a vocabulary of 6,000 to 7,000 suffices for spoken discourse. This insight emphasizes the indispensable nature of vocabulary knowledge for effective language use and understanding. In the context of competency assessments such as the IELTS exam, the importance of mastering vocabulary becomes even more evident.
According to Smith (2019), possessing a strong vocabulary is essential in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), acting as a requirement for comprehending the reading and listening test sections, while also influencing the evaluation of writing and speaking proficiency. This statement accurately underscores the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and overall language proficiency as assessed by the IELTS exam. In addition, the recognition of vocabulary's critical role in language proficiency is further emphasized by early language acquisition studies conducted by numerous scholars in the field of second language acquisition (SLA), who highlighted the significance of these strategies (Schmitt, 1997; Kafipour & Naveh, 2011; Tanyer & Ozturk, 2014; Rabadi, 2016; Aloqaily et al. Investigations into the strategies utilized by second language (L2) learners have revealed diverse approaches and their varying degrees of effectiveness (Gu & Johnson, 1996; Ta’amneh, 2021).
Furthermore, research has delved into the impact of vocabulary strategies on reading comprehension (Kafipour & Naveh, 2011), English language proficiency (Gu & Johnson, 1996), and vocabulary size across different proficiency levels (Tanyer & Ozturk, 2014; Yazdi & Kafipour, 2014; Aloqaily et al. While numerous studies have delved into vocabulary acquisition and learning strategies, particularly in the realm of English as a second or foreign language, there's a noticeable gap in the literature. Specifically, there is a lack of focus on the vocabulary learning strategies employed by high-achieving IELTS candidates, particularly within Vietnamese English centers. While significant research has examined vocabulary acquisition and learning strategies, much of it has been generalized across learners of English as a second or foreign language.
This gap underscores the limited understanding of the unique strategies utilized by top- performing IELTS test takers, particularly in the Vietnamese context. Additionally, existing studies have primarily concentrated on the impact of vocabulary strategies on language proficiency and comprehension, without specifically investigating their effectiveness in high-stakes competency assessments like the IELTS exam. Recognizing the pivotal role of vocabulary, particularly in the context of IELTS preparation, this research embarks on a comprehensive exploration of effective vocabulary learning strategies. The study targets successful IELTS candidates at specific English centers in Hanoi, Vietnam, aiming to understand the detailed aspects of the strategies they employ.
Through a thorough evaluation of these strategies, the research seeks to shed light on their impact on candidates’ performance in the IELTS examination. To achieve these objectives, a multifaceted approach will be adopted. Firstly, detailed surveys will be conducted to gather quantitative data regarding the frequency and types of vocabulary learning strategies employed by the candidates. Additionally, qualitative insights will be gathered through in-depth interviews, allowing for a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind the candidates' chosen methods and their perceived effectiveness.
The findings of this research can enrich theoretical frameworks related to vocabulary acquisition, shedding light on the effectiveness of various strategies in different educational contexts. Additionally, by exploring the correlation between vocabulary learning strategies and language proficiency, the study may offer insights into broader theories of language development and proficiency assessment. From a practical standpoint, the findings of this research have tangible implications for language learners, educators, and curriculum developers. For language learners, understanding effective vocabulary learning strategies can enhance their study habits and increase their chances of success in language proficiency exams like the IELTS.
Educators can benefit from insights into which strategies are most effective, allowing them to tailor their teaching methods to better support their students’ vocabulary acquisition efforts. Furthermore, curriculum developers can use the research findings to inform the design of language learning materials and programs, ensuring that they align with best practices in vocabulary instruction. Ultimately, the practical significance of this study lies in its potential to improve language education and exam preparation practices, ultimately benefiting learners and educators alike. Research aim and objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of vocabulary in language acquisition, with a specific focus on its importance in preparing for the IELTS exam.
By examining the vocabulary learning strategies employed by high-scoring IELTS candidates in Vietnam, the study aims to shed light on effective approaches to vocabulary acquisition. Additionally, the research seeks to address a significant gap in the literature by providing insights into the specific methods used by successful IELTS test takers, particularly within Vietnamese English centers.