VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES whe DAO KHANH LINH IMPROVING STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY RETENTION THROUGH WATCHING ENGLISH SUBTITLED VIDEOS: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT AT A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HAI PHONG 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 wllos DAO KHANH LINH IMPROVING STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY RETENTION THROUGH WATCHING ENGLISH SUBTITLED VIDEOS: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT AT A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HAI PHONG MA. MINOR THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231. Nguyen Thi Huong HA NOI - 2024 DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP I certify that the minor thesis entitled “Improving students’ vocabulary retention through watching English subtitled videos: An action research project at a secondary school in Hai Phong ” is the result of my own work and has not been submitted in any form for another degree or diploma at any universities or other institutions.
I am fully aware that should this declaration be found to be dishonest, disciplinary action and penalties in accordance with University policies and rules can be imposed. Hanoi, 2024 The researcher Dao Khanh Linh Approved by SUPERVISOR (Signature and full name) Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong Date:. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge my truthful gratitude to my supervisor, Dr.
Nguyen Thi Huong for her thorough reading, critical comments, invaluable guidance and precious corrections of the thesis. It was his acute guidance that has supported me to find the right way to complete this study. I also would like to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues at the school and my students who have been willing to answer my questions. I appreciate the assistance and cooperation of the students in classes from the seventh grade at the chosen school.
My special words of thanks are sent to my family for giving me constant encouragement and support throughout my research work. Hanoi, 2024 ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of English-subtitled video watching in enhancing students' vocabulary retention and their perceptions towards English-subtitled video watching. The research employed the action research method with 40 grade 7 students at a secondary school in Hai Phong. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, questionnaires, teacher’s diaries and interviews.
The results revealed that the post-test scores showed a significant improvement compared to the pre-test, indicating the positive impact of English- subtitled video watching on vocabulary retention. The analysis of mean scores also demonstrated higher post-test scores, further supporting the effectiveness of English-subtitled video watching. The statistical analysis confirmed the significant impact of vocabulary retention on students' vocabulary retention. Moreover, the questionnaire results highlighted the benefits of implementing English-subtitled video watching in the classroom, emphasizing its value for student motivation and enjoyment.
These findings provide valuable insights for teachers seeking to enhance English language teaching and learning activities, particularly in the context of English learning in Vietnam. Overall, the watching of English-subtitled videos offers an effective and enjoyable approach to improving students' vocabulary retention and fostering a positive learning environment. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION. Rationale of the Study.
Aims of the study and research QU€SfÏOTNS. Scope of the SÍU(ỈY. Significance of the Study. Organization Of the (Ï€SÏS .6 11 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEỀW.Hn nh» HH nHn nHre 13 2.
Vocabulary Knowledge and Incidental Vocabulary Acquisifion. Incidental vocabulary retention through audiovisual input. Use of multi-media in language Classr00m. Definition of IUHÏÍ-IH€Ï[.
G1 SE SH HT HH Hy ưến 17 2. Roles of multi-media in language CIASSTOOM. Relevant principles of multimedia learning. Use of English subtitled videos as multi-media aids.
Review Of Previous Study .0 28 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. Restatement of research Questions. Research CÌ€SÏØTN. Definition of an Action TeSCAPCH.
SG SH teen 30 3. Principles of AN ACtiON F€S€ŒIFCÏH. - SÁ SH HT kết 31 3. Models of an action T€S€QTCÏH.
TT HH Hệ 32 3. Research setting and Participant. Procedures of the Study. Data collection ÏnSẦTUTTN€TIÉS.
Pre-test ANd POSÍ-Í@Sf.- - HH5 5301 1kg 1 reo 44 S02). HH TH HT HT HT HH TH Hi Hư 48 3. Teacher ’s MiavieS na. Data collection DFOC€(ÌUITS.
Data analysis II€fÏlO(S. 900000000000509090009095009096 8 53 CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Findings from the tests 16. Findings from the questiOnnatres.
SG SH Hinh tre 56 4. Findings from the semi-structured interview. 2à SG SSS sex 58 4.0809 67 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. Pedagogical implications for teacher's.
Pedagogical implications for learners. SG St nihieirsrrsrree 69 5. Suggestions for further SẤUCỈY. cceccscsecsecsecneesessesscssesseescacseeeesecseesessessessesaeesssaesaeneeaeeseeneeaeeneeaes 74 APPENDIX 1: STUDENTS’ RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
74 APPENDIX 2: TEACHING DIARIES. 2 2-5-5 5< 5 5s 9 1 50 s0 78 APPENDIX 3: PRE-TEST AND POST-TEST .sesseese 84 APPENDIX 4: PRE-TEST AND POST-TEST RESULT .--5=-s< 91 APPENDIX 5: STUDENTS’ ANSWERS ON THE INTERVIEW.-« 93 APPENDIX 6: PHIẾU DONG THUAN THAM GIA NGHIÊN CỨU. Rationale of the study Vocabulary is a crucial component of English language learning because it has a strong association with academic success in all subject areas and reading comprehension (National Reading Panel, 2000). Multimedia can be beneficial for language learning, according to compelling evidence from a number of scholars (Brett, 1995; Khalid, 2001).
The effectiveness of multimedia technology, such as TV, computers, networks, and films, as well as increasing access to such tools, facilitate the teaching approach of integrating real-life events with the target language (TL) in language classrooms. As a result, there are now more options for teachers of foreign languages at all levels to employ visual resources, and they usually do so with effectiveness in language classrooms (Markham, 1999). Due to the growing emphasis on language uses communicative features, the use of video clips has increased quickly although in some cases it might be difficult for language learners to grasp in the target language. In those cases, subtitles in either the target language or the mother tongue are provided to help learners comprehend a foreign language better.
Therefore, many educators and academics take it for granted that subtitles, which combine spoken information with visual context, will help students better understand video resources since they seem to offer a highly rich background for learning foreign languages. According to Paivio's (1971) dual-coding theory, the use of visuals increases the number of signals linked with the message, boosting the viewer's likelihood of remembering it. Therefore, many teachers encourage their students to view videos with subtitles in the target language, hoping that greater exposure to the language may help the students’ language skills. Additionally, it is thought that when subtitles are offered, viewers are much more driven to comprehend what is stated or displayed in the videos (Danan, 2004).
According to research on captioning, subtitles, or the display of a transcription of a video's utterances, help learners of a target language, independent of their prior knowledge of the language, score better on comprehension tests. Garza (1991) examined the effect of subtitles on vocabulary learning and discovered that they improved EFL _learners' understanding and memory. In Vietnam, Vietnamese English language learners do not frequently have opportunities to speak beyond the educational context (i., schools and English institutes) because English is considered a foreign language. Even in certain educational institutions and systems, students are not placed in situations similar to those of native speakers, which makes it more likely that they will struggle to acquire and understand the target language.
Even if Vietnamese students accidentally run upon Westerners, they can struggle to communicate with them in English. Since vocabulary is not given as much emphasis in Vietnam's curricula as grammar and reading comprehension, the majority of students have weak oral communication abilities. In the school where I am working at, the main methodology employed by teachers when teaching vocabulary is through traditional methods, which causes students to cram new words. That is the main reason why produce language in writing and speaking without understanding the context in which those words are used.
They are frequently given lengthy lists of vocabulary terms along with their definitions (mostly in Vietnamese), and asked to use the words in sentences. The glossary list provided at the end of their course books is often used to choose the words for them to study. Every lesson requires students to write the definitions of the terms they are given and construct sentences. As a result, individuals often just recall the vocabulary words for tests and exams.
They find this exercise to be exceedingly tedious since it is repetitious and they are unable to recognize words in various situations. Because of this, traditional teaching practices that emphasize memorization and repetition fail to take into account the learning styles and strategies of all students. Although there are audio and visual components in all of the textbooks used in educational institutions, illustrating ideas using videos with authentic real-life situations results in more realistic settings and lively classroom debates. Some teachers assert that their students felt the excitement of anticipation and the learners' expectation of fun and satisfaction in the classroom when they used video clips or other kinds of media as teaching aids (Danan, 2004).
In keeping with the aims, objectives, requirements, and interests of learners, authentic resources like online videos should be appropriate and of the highest caliber, according to Koolstra and Beentjes (1999). Additionally, they ought to be natural in terms of relevant and real-world communication. The content, effects, and ability to captivate audiences have long been unparalleled; thus, providing English language learners with this unique experience will enhance the processes of teaching and learning. However, not every learner is able to listen to and comprehend every word that is said, which makes it challenging to understand the content of videos.
In order to aid viewers' comprehension, English subtitles are frequently added to a variety of videos. In my own teaching context, according to the feedbacks from the teachers as well as one year of observation, I notice that the major issues which almost all students of class 7A7 have in common are related to lexical resources. First of all, students have trouble when expressing their actual thoughts due to a shortage of vocabulary. Second, a low level of fluency is also resulted from this limited spectrum of lexis.
Moreover, for certain words, students misunderstand their authentic meanings and usage, which leads to ineffective usage. Lastly, according to a questionnaire with 20 items (What is your learning style quiz from Educationplanner.org — Appendix 1) previously conducted, most of them are visual, auditory and visual-auditory learners. Because of the above-mentioned reasons, I thought of applying English subtitled videos watching into my vocabulary teaching, and I chose “Follow ws”, which is a famous English learning program whose copyright belongs to VTV7, hosted by an American and an excellent English learner in Vietnam. The show is provided to English language learners via two or three small five-minute-episodes in the same topic, which reflects everyday life and heading-concerned issues of today society such as transportation, environment, shopping, studying, sports and so forth.
Each episode is a real conversation of the two hosts in which a wide range of vocabulary and useful diverse expressions are naturally appear and are subtitled with English (on-screen target language subtitles). When the Vietnamese host faces difficult or oblivious lexical items, the native host will explain them in terms of pronunciation, usage, origin and special notes through methods such as mime, situation, visual, synonym/antonym and translation. For undoubted benefits from this program, grade 7 students may find it an efficient tool of learning vocabulary. With this idea in mind, I carried out a research project to investigate how certain episodes from this show can help students of grade 7 from a secondary school in Hai Phong widen their lexical resources and enhance their vocabulary retention.