MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HOANG DIEU LY PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FIRST-YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ONLINE GAMES IN VOCABULARY ENRICHMENT AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về nhận thức của sinh viên năm thứ nhất chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh Trường Đại học Phenikaa về việc sử dụng trực tuyến để cải thiện từ vựng Student: Hoang Dieu Ly ENGLISH LANGUAGE Student ID No: 20010015 Course: 2020 - 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: M. Trinh Thi Hang Ha Noi – 2024 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FIRST-YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ONLINE GAMES IN VOCABULARY ENRICHMENT AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về nhận thức của sinh viên năm thứ nhất chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh Trường Đại học Phenikaa về việc sử dụng trực tuyến để cải thiện từ vựng Student: Hoang Dieu Ly Student ID No: 20010015 Course: 2020 -2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: M. Trinh Thi Hang Ha Noi – 2024 i ABSTRACT Language learning methods are constantly evolving, with technology providing innovative approaches to enhancing vocabulary acquisition. This study explores the potential of online games as a vocabulary-learning tool for first-year English majors at Phenikaa University.
It examines both students' perceived benefits and drawbacks to learning vocabulary through online games. Online games develop a deep and expansive vocabulary, exposing learners to a wide variety of words. The interface is visually appealing, enhancing the experience, and promoting a positive connection to the learning process. They are suitable for a wide range of learners, cater to different learning styles, and are accessible to learners of all ages.
However, they may have limited vocabulary and interactions. Online games can be time- consuming and detrimental to concentration if not used appropriately. Learners can easily waste time if they do not achieve the clear goal of learning vocabulary. To maximize the benefits and avoid getting lost in the game, learners should use online games appropriately and strategically to ensure vocabulary acquisition remains a top priority and avoid wasting time.
ii DECLARATION I, Hoang Dieu Ly - Student ID No. 20010015, certify that no part of the above report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person’s work without acknowledgment and that the report is originally written by me under the strict guidance of my supervisor. Hanoi, 30th June, 2024 Supervisor Student M. Trinh Thi Hang Hoang Dieu Ly iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Looking back on my four years at Phenika University, I am incredibly grateful to all the lecturers in the Faculty of English.
Their dedication and the valuable lessons they imparted have significantly shaped my academic journey. A special debt of gratitude goes to my esteemed supervisor, Ms. Trinh Thi Hang, for her dedicated guidance, valuable advice, and tremendous encouragement throughout the process of completing this thesis. Thanks to her instructions, I was able to have a clear direction, focus on my research, and complete the topic.
Immense gratitude goes out to my loved ones, whose unwavering support has been my constant source of strength. Thank you, family, for always believing in me and cheering me on throughout my academic journey. Finally, my biggest thank you and a heartfelt hug go to Hoang Dieu Ly. May you continue to love and nurture yourself, and may your dreams come true! iv Table of contents INTRODUCTION.
Rationale for the study. Aims and objectives of the study. Scope of the study. Significance of the study.
Structure of the study. Definition of online games. Types of online games for language learning. Scenario-based role-playing games.
Language learning apps with social features. The importance of vocabulary for English students. Foundation for understanding. Ability to communicate fluently and confidently.
Language skills development. Benefits of using online games in vocabulary enrichment. The enhancement of engagement and motivation. Vocabulary acquisition enhancement.
Challenges of using online games in vocabulary enrichment. Ineffectiveness for some learners. Time-consuming and detrimental tool to focus. Limited vocabulary range.
Unsupervised learning context. Students' perceptions of online games for language learning .31 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Students’ opinion on online games for learning vocabulary. Benefits of using online games for vocabulary acquisition.
Challenges of using online games for vocabulary acquisition. Students’ perceptions of the benefits of using online games in vocabulary enrichment. Students’ perceptions of the drawbacks of using online games in vocabulary enrichment. Limitations of the study.
Suggestions for future research. xii vi LIST OF IMAGES AND TABLES Number of images and Title of images and tables Page tables Figure 3.1 English proficiency of students at Phenikaa University 32 Figure 3.2 Opinion on the effectiveness of learning through online games as a learner 33 Figure 3.3 The appropriate time for online games in learning 34 Figure 3.4 Students’ favorite online games for learning vocabulary 35 Figure 3.5 The advantages of using online games for vocabulary learning 37 Figure 3.6 The effectiveness of online games in enriching vocabulary 38 Figure 3.7 Students' challenges when learning vocabulary through online games 39 vii LIST OF ABBREVIATION Ordinal Abbreviation Expansion number 1 Computer-Assisted Language Learning CALL 2 Role-Playing Games RPGs 3 Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game MMORPG 1 INTRODUCTION 1. Rationale for the study The educational landscape is evolving and online games are emerging as an engaging and interactive approach to language learning. These games have the potential to boost student motivation and engagement, an important aspect for first- year English majors starting their language acquisition journey.
This study investigated the perceptions of first-year English majors at Phenikaa University toward online games as a tool to improve vocabulary. Vocabulary acquisition is the foundation of language proficiency, and research shows that learning words in context, supported by games, enhances retention and application. Exploring how these students perceive the effectiveness and benefits of online gaming can provide valuable insights for educators seeking to integrate technology into their teaching practices. Furthermore, understanding student perceptions is important for informing pedagogical practices and curriculum development in this digital age.
By focusing on Phenikaa University, the study delves deeper into how online gaming is perceived in a specific academic environment. This focused testing can yield valuable insights applicable to similar organizations, paving the way for broader implementation. The study addresses a potential gap in existing knowledge. While gamified learning is receiving increasing attention, specific research on its impact on vocabulary acquisition for first-year English majors may be limited.
This study aims to bridge this gap by providing empirical evidence and student perspectives on the effectiveness of online games in this context. Ultimately, the significance of the research lies in its ability to contribute to multifaceted understanding. It seeks to shed light on how to effectively use online games to improve vocabulary for first- year English majors at Phenikaa University, while also offering broader implications for teaching and curriculum design in educational institutions. Aims and objectives of the study 2.
Aims The effectiveness of online games for English majors likely varies by student. Some may find them valuable, while others prefer traditional methods. A blend, of 2 online games supporting classroom learning, might be ideal. By studying Phenikaa University students' views, we gained valuable insights into the potential and limitations of online games for language learning.
As educators and learners navigate the changing educational landscape, finding the right balance between traditional methods and innovative tools like online games can unlock more effective and engaging learning experiences. Objectives The study aims to shed light on the potential advantages and disadvantages of integrating online games into English teaching practices. The study aims to answer the following questions: 1. What are students’ perceptions of the benefits of using online games in vocabulary enrichment? 2.
What are students’ perceptions of the drawbacks of using online games in vocabulary enrichment? 3. Scope of the study This study explores how first-year English majors at Phenikaa University perceive online games as a vocabulary learning tool. It explores both potential benefits, as well as perceived challenges, from the student's perspective. Additionally, the study will delve into the types of online games these students find most engaging and effective, looking at how these games integrate vocabulary learning elements into the games themselves.
Significance of the study This research delves deeper into the theoretical and practical significance of online games in language learning. A deeper understanding of student cognition is achieved by exploring how students perceive the potential of these games. As online games become more prominent, this insight contributes to a richer understanding of student cognition within the evolving educational landscape. Furthermore, the findings on student perceptions regarding online games can serve as a springboard for informing future research.
By identifying the benefits and challenges, this study paves the way for investigating the objective effectiveness of online games in vocabulary acquisition. This knowledge can also be harnessed for 3 game design and learning methods. Understanding the features that make games appealing can inform the development of more engaging and effective learning methods. Educators can leverage this knowledge to recommend existing games to students based on their preferences and learning styles.
Additionally, the study can inspire the design of game-based activities for the classroom, fostering a more interactive and stimulating learning environment. This research unlocks a multifaceted approach to vocabulary learning through online games. By investigating both the strengths and weaknesses of online games for vocabulary acquisition, the study paves the way for the development of more engaging and effective learning methods. Furthermore, the focus on first-year English majors at Phenikaa University provides educators with practical insights directly applicable to their specific context.
This allows educators to leverage the power of online games while catering to the student's unique needs and learning styles. However, the benefits extend far beyond simply expanding vocabulary. The research highlights that regular exposure to vocabulary within the engaging context of online games fosters a more natural learning environment. This leads to improvements in various areas: students can remember and use vocabulary more naturally, resulting in improved listening and speaking skills.
Additionally, exposure to game content leads to enhanced reading comprehension. Many games also require problem-solving and strategy development, which contributes to developing critical thinking skills. In essence, this research offers a holistic approach that leverages the power of online games to create a more engaging and effective learning experience for vocabulary acquisition. This study holds significant promise for integrating online games into English learning, especially for first-year students building their vocabulary.
The insights gained can empower educators, game developers, researchers, and most importantly, the students. By leveraging online games to improve vocabulary, students won't just expand their word list but also gain practical skills that enhance their overall English fluency. Structure of the study First, this study will begin with an introduction highlighting the importance of vocabulary acquisition and the growing popularity of online games as a potential language-learning tool. This will be followed by a literature review that examines existing research on the effectiveness of online games in vocabulary learning and students' perceptions of this method.
The methods section will detail the study design, participant selection process, data collection tools, and data analysis process. The findings section will present key insights gained from data analysis, focusing on students' perceptions of online games for vocabulary enrichment. Next, the discussion section connects these findings to the literature reviewed, explaining how this research contributes to the understanding of online games and vocabulary learning. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the main findings, providing concluding remarks on the potential of online games in enhancing the vocabulary acquisition of first-year English majors and suggesting practical implications for educators and language learning platforms.
5 CHAPTER 1 LITERATURE REVIEW The language learning landscape has undergone a significant transformation due to technology, with online games emerging as a particularly engaging and effective tool for vocabulary enrichment, especially among college students.