VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES NGUYỄN THỊ THƯƠNG HUYỀN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES AND LEARNER AUTONOMY OF THE 1ST YEAR NON-MAJOR ENGLISH STUDENTS AT THAINGUYEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Mối quan hệ giữa việc sử dụng các chiến lược học từ vựng với tính tự chủ của sinh viên năm thứ nhất không chuyên tiếng Anh tại trường Đại học Kỹ Thuật Công Nghiệp Thái Nguyên) M.A MINOR PROGRAM THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 60.10 Hanoi - 2012 LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES NGUYỄN THỊ THƯƠNG HUYỀN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES AND LEARNER AUTONOMY OF THE 1ST YEAR NON-MAJOR ENGLISH STUDENTS AT THAINGUYEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Mối quan hệ giữa việc sử dụng các chiến lược học từ vựng với tính tự chủ của sinh viên năm thứ nhất không chuyên tiếng Anh tại trường Đại học Kỹ Thuật Công Nghiệp Thái Nguyên) M.A MINOR PROGRAM THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 60. Hanoi - 2012 LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION……………….iii LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES……………………………………………….vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS…………………………………………………….vii PART A: INTRODUCTION 1. Aims of study………………………. Scope of the study……………………….
Methods of the study…………. Significance of the study…………………………. Organization of the study……………………….3 PART B: DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW 1.Definition of learner autonomy……………………. Characteristics of autonomous language learners…………………….
Factors affecting learner autonomy…………………………………………. Language learning strategies………………. Definition of language learning strategies……………………………. Definition of vocabulary learning strategies……………………………….
Classification of vocabulary learning strategies……………………………11 1. The effect of learner autonomy and language learning strategies on successful language learning………………. The effect of learner autonomy on successful language learning…………. The effect of learning strategies on successful and autonomous language learning.15 iv LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY 2.
Research questions and descriptions of variables…………. Descriptions of variables………………………. Data collection instruments…………. Autonomous learner checklist……….
Data collection procedures………………. Questionnaire data analysis………………………………………………. Autonomous learner checklist analysis…………………………….The analysis of the correlation between two variables: the use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy………….21 CHAPTER 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3. The respondents‟ profile…………………………………….
The students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies……………………. The level of students‟ autonomy………. The students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy……………………………………………………………………. The results of determining the form, direction and degree of the correlation on a graph and by regression analysis…………………………………………………33 3.
The results of determining the relationship between the students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy with Paired Sample T- test………………………………………. Discussion of the results of the association between the students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy…………………………….……38 v LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail. Limitations of the study………………………………. Suggestions for further research………………………….42 APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: SCHMITT‟S TAXONOMY OF VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES (1997)………………………………………………………………ix APPENDIX 2: QUESTIONNAIRE (English version)…………………………….xi APPENDIX 3: AUTONOMOUS LEARNER CHECKLIST (English version).xvi APPENDIX 4: QUESTIONNAIRE (Vietnamese version)……….……………xviii APPENDIX 5: AUTONOMOUS LEARNER CHECKILST (Vietnamese version)………………………………………………………….………………xxiii APPENDIX 6: RESULTS OF THE RESPONDENTS‟ BACKGROUND INFORMATION…………………………………………………….xxv vi LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES TABLES Table 1.1: Dependent and Autonomous Learners…………………………….1: Informants‟ background information of the survey……………….1: The use of vocabulary learning strategies………………………….2: Learner autonomy checklist……………………………………….3: The regression of the Correlation between the students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy………………………….4: The coefficient size of the relationship between the students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy………………………….5: The coefficients in the pattern……………………………………… 34 Table 3.6: Mean and Standard Deviation of the scores of the use of VLSs and learner autonomy……………………………………………………………….7: Correlation of the use of VLSs and learner autonomy…………….8: Paired t-test Analysis of the scores of the use of VLS and learner autonomy……………………………………………………………………….1: Vocabulary learning strategy use results………………………….2: Learner autonomy results………………………………………… 29 Figure 3.3: The linear relationship between TNUT students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy………………………… 33 vii LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS LLS: Language learning strategy LLSs: Language learning strategies M: Mean N: Number of respondents P: Probability R: Correlation coefficient SD: Standard Deviation TNUT: Thainguyen University of Technology VLS: Vocabulary learning strategy VLSs: Vocabulary learning strategies viii LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com PART A: INTRODUCTION 1.
Rationale of the study Learner autonomy has gradually come into existence and become one of prominent themes since the 1970s as a consequence of a new shift in study interests on language learning. Few would doubt that learner autonomy in language learning can lead to positive outcomes, such as the development of life-long learners. Besides, Oxford (1990) adds that language learning strategies also encourage greater overall self-direction which is particularly important for language learners, because they will not always have the teacher around to guide them as they use the language outside the classroom. In addition, Wenden (1991) also emphasizes that learners need to be aware of different learning strategies so that they can become autonomous language learners.
They will become not only efficient at learning and using their second language but also enable them to self-direct these endeavors. Obviously, language learning strategies play an important role in fostering learner autonomy. Undoubtedly, learner autonomy in vocabulary learning has become a necessity for English language learners in higher education institutions that adopt either traditional or open education nowadays. One of the areas that has the greatest potential for adopting learner autonomy is vocabulary (McCarthy, 1990).
Therefore, exploring the relationship between the use of vocabulary learning strategy and learner autonomy is particularly necessary and helpful. Despite being discussed worldwide, learner autonomy remains a fairly novel concept in Vietnam and Thainguyen University of Technology is no exception. Benson, Chik & Lim (2003) explained that since the idea of learner autonomy originated from Western cultures, it hardly suffices to just transfer the concept to an Asian context. Besides, vocabulary plays an important role because students at TNUT need to learn English in the two years of their course with emphasis on English for Specific Purposes studies in the second year.
However, after seven years studying English at school, most tertiary students continue to find learning vocabulary a difficult task, so they have to depend on teachers and dictionaries so 1 LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com much that their scores in English learning are not high. As mentioned, language learning strategies contributes effectively to the enhancement of learner autonomy. Hence, it is useful to develop TNUT first year students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies, and thereby fostering the learner autonomy to higher learning outcome expectations. For both practical and theoretical reasons, there is a pressing need for the researcher to carry out this study to explore what the relationship between the use of students‟ vocabulary learning strategies and the learner autonomy is.
Aims of the study The study is aimed at improving the use of vocabulary learning strategies and the learner autonomy by determining the relationship between the use of students‟ vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy. To achieve this aim, the three following specific objectives are to be obtained: The level of TNUT first year students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies is investigated. The level of learner autonomy is measured. The relationship between TNUT first year students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy is decided.
Scope of the study The focus of the study is on the level of TNUT students‟ use of vocabulary learning strategies; students‟ degree of learner autonomy and the relationship between the students‟ use of English vocabulary learning strategies and their level of learner autonomy. Methods of the study To achieve the above aims, a study is carried out as a survey using mainly quantitative approach for data collection and analysis from different sources. First, a survey questionnaire is carried out on first year students at TNUT to investigate their frequent use of vocabulary learning strategies. Next, autonomous learner checklist is used to collect data to find out how autonomous the students are.
After 2 LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com that, the results of the collected data are computed and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), version 17.0 to explore the relationship between their vocabulary learning strategies and learner autonomy. Significance of the study The researcher hopes that the findings of the study would help her to know the level of vocabulary learning strategy use and degree of learner autonomy of the TNUT students and the relationship between them. The results of the study would help to develop students‟ vocabulary learning in English as well as foster their learner autonomy in order to improve English teaching and learning process at TNUT. Organization of the study The research paper is organized in three main parts as follows: Part A: Introduction This part presents the rationale, aim, scope, method and organization of the study.
Part B: Development This part is divided into different chapters. Chapter 1 (Literature Review) provides theoretical background, covering definitions and related theories. Chapter 2 (Methodology) justifies and describes the methodology of the study in details. Chapter 3 (Results and Discussion) presents full analysis of the collected data and discusses findings.
Part C: Conclusion This part recaps the main content of the study and deals with some suggestions for improving the use of vocabulary learning strategies as well as learner autonomy. In addition, it also poses several directions for future research. 3 LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com PART B: DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter reviews theories related to terminological definitions of learner autonomy, characteristics of autonomous language learners, factors affecting learner autonomy, language learning strategies in general and vocabulary learning strategies in particular. It also summarizes some studies on the effect of LLSs and learner autonomy on successful language learning that have been conducted so far.
Learner autonomy For over twenty years, the notion of learner autonomy has attracted attention from many researchers. It is understandable because autonomous learners satisfy what democratic societies require (Hedge, 2000) and also meet the demand of highly technological societies (Knowles, 1976, cited in Wenden and Rubin, 1987). Definition of learner autonomy Learner autonomy has been defined in different ways by different researchers and theorists in different contexts. According to Holec (1981:3), one of the earliest advocates of autonomy in language teaching has defined it as “the ability to take care of one‟s own learning”.
In language education, however, the word has been used in at least five different ways: (a) for situations in which learners study entirely on their own; (b) for a set of skills which can be learned and applied in self-directed learning; (c) for an inborn capacity which is suppressed by institutional education; (d) for the exercise of learners‟ responsibility for their own learning; (e) for the right of learners to determine the direction of their own learning (Benson &Voller, 1997). According to Berge (1995, cited in Hsu, 2005) the definition of learner autonomy can be understood as the notion of being ready to act independently and to cooperate with others as a socially responsible. Later, Little (2003, quoted in Sert, 2006) points out that “the practice of learner autonomy requires insight, a positive attitude, a capacity for reflection, and a readiness to be proactive in self-management and in interaction with others”. 4 LUAN VAN CHAT LUONG download : add luanvanchat@agmail.com As mentioned above, there have been many different definitions of learner autonomy.
Holec‟s definition is chosen as the basic of this study. However, because the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the use of VLSs and learner autonomy, the operational definition is used based on Holec‟s definition, “learner autonomy is the learner ability to take responsibility for their own learning; study entirely on their own; acquire the learning strategies; hold positive attitude; be self-reliant; and be ready in interaction with others”. Characteristics of autonomous language learners This section discusses some proposals of scholars on characteristics of autonomous language learners.