VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES LE THI THU CUC AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT ON THE USE OF WORDWALL.NET TO IMPROVE SIXTH-GRADE STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY AT A PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HA NOI MA. MINOR THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231.01 Ha Noi, 2024 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES LE THI THU CUC AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT ON THE USE OF WORDWALL.NET TO IMPROVE SIXTH-GRADE STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY AT A PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HA NOI MA. MINOR THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231. Võ Dai Quang Ha Noi, 2024 DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP I, the undersigned, declare that this thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree at any other university.
Any expression, thoughts, research results, references, and/or bibliographies cited in the work have been fully acknowledged. Therefore, I confirm that the intellectual content of this work is the result of my own efforts and was prepared under the guidance of my supervisor. Approved by SUPERVISOR STUDENT (Signature and full name) (Signature and full name) Assoc. V6 Dai Quang | DY (ne ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to my supervisor, Assistant Professor Dr.
Vo Dai Quang, who was not only caring and generous but also extremely knowledgeable. He patiently contributed a great deal through his numerous comments to the completion of the current thesis. Without his assistance, it would not have been possible to complete this thesis. In addition, I would like to express my gratitude to the collaborator for the assistance she provided in the statistical analysis of the data.
Within the context of the interpretation of this analysis, her knowledgeable explanation was extremely beneficial. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family and friends, who have been patiently waiting for me to finish writing on the computer rather than spending time with them. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to my mother, whose love and assistance were extremely valuable throughout the process of writing this thesis. ii ABSTRACT This study was carried out in a sixth-grade public secondary school class in Hanoi, where students were encountering difficulties in acquiring English vocabulary.
In response to this challenge, the researcher implemented a novel vocabulary acquisition approach by leveraging information technology, specifically the website wordwall.net, to assist students in expanding their vocabulary during the second semester of the academic year. The aim of this study is to determine if the usage of wordwall.net can improve 45 sixth grade students’ vocabulary mastery. In order to address the issue of vocabulary mastery among students, the researcher conducted Classroom Action Research (CAR) using Kemmis and McTaggart’s design, which comprised four phases: planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Tests, observation and interview techniques were used for data collection.
Based on the study findings and discussion, it can be noted that Word Wall considerably enhanced students’ vocabulary mastery. In addition to this, there was an observable upgrade in students’ learning activities, which brought out the effectiveness of wordwall.net in increasing students’ comprehension when learning vocabulary. In addition, researchers have received positive feedback from students regarding the use of the website in their English vocabulary learning process. With promising results, the wordwall.net website should be used by teachers to help students improve their vocabulary.
Keyword: Vocabulary Mastery, wordwall.net, Classroom Action Research (CAR). iii TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP. LH HH HH ệt ii ABSTRACT ooo. 11 LIST OF TAB.- ng HH TH HH Hà Hư ngư vil LIST OF FIGURES, CHARTS.
HT HH rệt Vili CHAPTER 1. HH HH HH nghiệt 1 1. G9 ng HT 1 ID. Problem 1dentIÍICAfIOIN.
Aims and Objectives .- -G SH HH HH nh 4 1. Methods of the Study 77 a7. Significance of the SfUỦY.-- kh HH TH TH HH HH HH nh nh nh5 1. Theoretical S1gT'IIÍICATIC€.- 5 <1 1 9 TH TH TH HH nh 5 1.
Practical S1øTIIÍICATCC.-- G c1 111g HH HH ng 5 1. Structure of the S{UỈy.-- - c1 1H ST HH HH ng 6 CHAPER 2. c1 SH HH TH TH kh 8 2. The Definition of Vocabulary.
The Significance of VocabulÌary. Kinds of Vocabulary. G9 TT HT HH HH ệt 10 2. Vocabulary MaSf€TY.- - HH HH nh hư 12 2.- HH TH HH TH TH HH Hệ 12 2.
The Importance of Vocabulary Mastery. Aspects of Vocabulary MaS(€TV. Methods of teaching vocabulary. Web-Based of Language Learning .-- --- 5 5s s ng ng rưkt 19 QA.
Information about “wordwalÏ. Introduction of “wordwalÏ. - cv kg HH TH ngàng HH Hiệp 21 2.net” in Teaching English Vocabulary. Advantages and Disadvantages of wordwalÏ.
Previous Related StUI€S.- 5 «+ ng TH ng nh ng nghiệt 25 VY Nha an —.- HH HH HH ng ng ệt 28 3. Context of the SEUy.- Án HH HT HH Hệ 28 3. Research Design: Classroom Action Research. Methods of the S{UỈy.
2G SH TH TH HH HH nvrry 31 3.-- - - c 001111211 S SH ng key, 33 3. The Procedure of the ResearCH:. 5 + 5 13 1 vn ng ng niệt 35 3. G0 11 TT TH Hi 36 3.
Indicators Of SUCCESS TT OAa. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION .- c1 1S SH TH Ho TH HH HH nh 44 4. The Result of the Students’ Vocabulary Score in Cycle Ì. The Result of the Students’ Vocabulary Score in Cycle II.
The Recapitulation of Students’ Improvement in Vocabulary Score from Three Tests —. Interpretation the Result of Students’ Activities in Cycle I and Cycle II. Interpretation the Result of The Students’ Attitudes Towards the Application of “wordwall.com” to learn VOCabULALY. The effectiveness of using the website “wordwall.com” to improve students’ Muv 00506 sa.
The Students’ Attitudes Towards the Application of “wordwall.com” to learn M2001. nà HH HH HH Hy 60 5. Limitations and implications for future Studies .- G110 ng HT HH HH nhện 61 5. Implications for future Studies.
2c 2 121112 1119 1111111811 8 ng rry 61 REFERENCES. - SH HH HT gọn Tu TH HH HH HT nh Ti ng I APPENDIX 2. Án HH HH HH HH To TT TH HH HH HT ng IV APPENDIX 3. Án HH HH HH HT TH TH Hà HH nh HT TH XIV APPENDIX 4 nh.
LG HT HH HH HH HH kh XXII APPENDIX 6 Ưaaa. XXIV APPENDIX ƯNỚ. XXVIII APPENDIX 9 TT n. XXXIX Vi LIST OF TABLES Table 3.
The Procedure of the Researc.-- 5 5 + xe rerriee 35 Table 4. The Frequency of the Students’ Scores in Pre- Test. The Frequency of the Students’ Scores in Post Test I. Paired Samples Statistics (Pre-Test & Post-Test Ï).
Paired Samples Correlations (Pre-Test & Post-Test 1). Paired Samples Test (Pre-Test & Post-Test 1) oo. eee cents 46 Table 4. The Frequency of the Students’ Scores in Post Test 2.
Paired Samples Statistics (Post-Test 1 & Post-Test 2). Paired Samples Correlations (Post-Test 1 & Post-Test 2). Paired Samples Test (Post-Test 1 & Post-Test 2). The Result of the Students’ Activities in Cycle Ï.
The Result of the Students’ Activities in Cycle IÏ. The Result of the Students’ Activities in Cycle I and Cycle I. 54 Vii LIST OF FIGURES, CHARTS Figure 3. Kemmis and Mc Taggart Model (1986).-- --¿- 5< eee eeeeeeeees 31 Chart 4.
Result of the Students’ Scores in Pre- T€Sf. Result of the Students’ Scores in Post Test Ì. Result of Students’ Scores in Post Test 2. The Percentage of Students’ Improvement in Vocabulary Score.
The Result of the Students’ Activities in Cycle Ì. The Result of the Students’ Activities in Cycle IÏ. Research background A cornerstone of successful foreign language learning is the acquisition of a robust vocabulary (Nation, 2006). This essential linguistic component serves as the building block for developing all four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing (Schmid, 2010).
Research consistently highlights vocabulary development as one of the most critical steps language learners must take to achieve proficiency (Laufer & Nation, 1995). Essentially, vocabulary refers to the collection of words and terms that an individual understands and can utilize in various contexts (Schmitt, 2000). This understanding goes beyond simply memorizing definitions. Effective vocabulary development involves actively engaging with words, exploring their nuances, and practicing their usage in different contexts.
This process leads to deeper comprehension and improved application in real-world communication (McCarthy & O'Donnell, 2007). An expanded vocabulary range becomes crucial for learners to grasp written texts with complex vocabulary and express themselves fluently in both spoken and written communication. Conversely, learners with limited vocabulary may struggle to not only comprehend complex ideas but also to effectively convey their own thoughts and ideas in the target language (Horst et al. Furthermore, restricted vocabulary can hinder their ability to participate actively in classroom discussions and engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers.
Despite the abundance of methodologies employed to improve English proficiency, vocabulary acquisition remains a critical, yet challenging, aspect of effective language learning (Schmitt, 2000). This is because vocabulary serves as the building block for all language skills. A robust vocabulary foundation allows learners to not only decode complex grammatical structures but also navigate the rich tapestry of synonyms, antonyms, and figurative language that imbue spoken and written English with depth and nuance (West, 1994). Ultimately, a wider vocabulary repertoire empowers learners to express themselves more precisely and creatively across all four language domains: reading, writing, listening, and speaking (Read, 2000).
However, the process of teaching and learning vocabulary presents hurdles for both educators and students. Teachers grapple with creating engaging activities that cater to diverse learning styles and promote long-term retention (Gu, 2013). Students, on the other hand, often struggle with memorizing new words, mastering their spelling, and grasping the subtle variations in meaning depending on context (McLaughlin & Nation, 1993). Therefore, effective vocabulary instruction necessitates innovative teaching strategies that not only present new words but also foster deeper understanding and active engagement with language.
The acquisition of vocabulary is undeniably crucial for secondary English learners, impacting their ability to grasp complex subject matter, comprehend spoken and written language, and ultimately, express themselves effectively (Read, 2000). A limited vocabulary hinders communication and message transmission across all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking (Nation, 2003). This lack of vocabulary represents a significant barrier to English language acquisition, as students struggle to understand the nuances of spoken and written communication (McLaughlin & Nation, 1993). Recognizing this challenge, educators play a pivotal role in facilitating vocabulary acquisition.
Effective teachers employ a diverse range of engaging instructional methods and tools to spark students’ interest in the learning process (Gu, 2013). Ultimately, successful vocabulary development hinges on the effective execution of these teaching and learning strategies. In simpler terms, how educators present and students engage with new vocabulary determines the success of the learning process. Consequently, in order to increase the students' participation in the process of learning vocabulary, a technological solution should be applied.
One such application is the website wordwall. The use of this website proves immensely beneficial for teachers seeking to augment the students' interest in learning English. When students possess a genuine curiosity about a particular subject matter, comprehending it becomes considerably easier. Additionally, Word Wall serves to invigorate the students and enliven the classroom atmosphere.
Moreover, Word Wall is considered as one of the most effective tools for teaching and learning vocabulary. By utilizing Word Wall as a medium for teaching vocabulary mastery, junior high school students can embark upon a novel learning experience. This approach facilitates an effective educational process in terms of English vocabulary acquisition, thereby enabling students to comprehend the subject matter. The students assimilate new words effectively when the educator introduces them through the medium of word walls.
Consequently, Word Wall proved to be a valuable asset in the teaching and learning process pertaining to vocabulary.