VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES wlles IMPLEMENTING 4ENGLISH APPLICATION TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY USE AMONG GRADE 4 STUDENTS: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT AT A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HAIPHONG (Triển khai ứng dung 4English nham nâng cao khả năng sử dung từ vựng cho học sinh lớp 4: Dự án nghiên cứu hành động tại một trường tiểu học ở Hải Phòng) MA. MINOR THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231.01 Hanoi — 2024 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES wlles NGUYEN THI PHUONG THAO IMPLEMENTING 4ENGLISH APPLICATION TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY USE AMONG GRADE 4 STUDENTS: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT AT A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HAIPHONG từ vựng cho học sinh lớp 4: Dự án nghiên cứu hành động tại một trường tiểu học ở Hải Phòng) MA. MINOR THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231. Huynh Anh Tuấn Hanoi — 2024 DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP I certify that the minor thesis entitled “Implementing 4English application to improve vocabulary use among grade 4 students: an action research project at a primary 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 Student’s signature Nguyễn Thị Phương Thao Approved by SUPERVISOR (Signature and full name) Dr. Huỳnh Anh Tuấn Date:. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis could not have been completed without the help and support from several people.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Huynh Anh Tuan, my supervisor, who has patiently and constantly supported me through the stages of the study, and whose stimulating ideas, expertise, and suggestions have inspired me greatly through my growth as an academic researcher. A special word of thanks goes to all the teachers and students who took part in the research. Without their cooperation, it would be impossible for me to accomplish this study.
Lastly, I immensely appreciate family and close friends, for the sacrifice they have devoted to the fulfillment of this academic work. 1H ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of implementing 4English application in improving students' vocabulary use and their opinions of the use of the 4English application to improve their vocabulary use. The research employed the action research method with 40 grade 4 students at a primary school in Hai Phong. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, questionnaires, interviews and journals.
The findings from the questionnaires and interviews illustrated that 4English application had positive influences on students' vocabulary use. The analysis of the journals documented key observations and significant events related to the integration of the 4English application in vocabulary instruction. Therefore, teacher had changed and improved teaching methods which were suitable for students’ interest and solved the problems during the treatment implementation in order to improve students’ vocabulary use in English lessons. Consequently, the findings of the research might be the basis of developing English teaching vocabulary methods through 4English application and be foundation of many future studies.
1V TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP o. HH HH HH HH HH nh nh tư 11 ABSTRACT ooo Úc HH nh TT HT HH TH ghi iv CHAPTER 1.- HH HH HH HH nưệt 1 ID Cu) ccYPỌPPnhẦhaaaaaiiiiiẳiaiiiiiiẠẠ. Research aim and Objectives .- -- G1911 191 TH TH ng gu 2 1. Scope of the Study.- --- su TT HH Hà HT TT TH 3 1.
Significance of the r€S€ATCÌ. -- G- G6 1399111311191 1991119 11 91 1H vn ng ng 4 1. Structure Of the thesis. ce ceeesseesecsseesesseesseesseessesseessececeseeseesseeaeseesaeeeeesseees 5 CHAPTER 2.
Vocabulary and vocabulary use in foreign language learning.-- -- c1 HH HH tt 8 2. The role of vocabulary in English language learning. Vocabulary use proficiency and language DrOfICI€TCY. Skills related to vocabulary use development of primary school students.
Listening skills and vocabulary use deveÏopImeI. Reading skills and vocabulary use development. Writing skills and vocabulary use development. Communication skills and vocabulary use developmen.
The role of the learning environment in students' vocabulary use ability. Overview of 4English appÏICAat1OH. The role of the 4English application in students' vocabulary use activities. Psychological and educational foundations for language characteristics of fourth grade primary school S(TIS.
Trends in innovating foreign language teaching methods in primary schools .8 Previous related SfUIGS.-- c0 SE HH HH HH Hiện 29 2. Studies on vocabulary development and vocabulary use for primary school StUCOMS 218. Studies on enhancing vocabulary use in primary school students. Studies on the use of the 4English application for vocabulary learning in 9)90)Ạ8-900990 0007017078787.
ng HH HH Hệ, 37 3.1 Reinstating the research QU€SfIOTS .2 Research approach: Action research.1 Definition of action r€S€aTCH.-- «s1 1 93 9 1 vn nh ng ng nghiệt 38 3.2 Action research model: Utilizing Mills' framework .5 Data collection fOO ÌS. - G11 0 9H nh ng TH TH HH rệt 42 3.- HH TH HH HH Hy 42 Em A0) 2. HH HH HH TH HH HH HH hệt 46 3.6 Data collection procedure 00008. Quantitative analysis: tests and quesfIOnTIaIT©S.
Qualitative analysis: Open-ended question in the questionnaire, interviews, and JOUTTIAS “41. DATA ANALYSIS, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. Data analysis Of the Tests. Data analysis Of QUeStIONNAILE.
Data analysis Of II{€TVICWS. HH HH TH TH HH kg 66 4. Data analysis of JOUTTIAÌS. Findings and đ1SCUSSIOTIS.
Students’ improvement in vocabulary USG. Difficulties encountered by the teacher and students during the research.- 5 G5 00%%101%1101 1910111910 11930 K1 1 ng trườ 80 CHAPTER 5. SH HH HH HH Hệ, 81 5. Summary of the major findings.
Limitations of the Study. Suggestions for further Study .- HH HH HH HH TH TT HH HH Hà HT ch TH TH ng I [ˆUu9i 00005. I Appendix IT: Post-test 20. ceccccssccsscceeseeeeeeeeeeesceceaeeecaeeeaeceseeceseeeeaeeeeaeeesaeeneeesgs VI Appendix IIL.
- -- 1112111911191 19 11911 1111 HH Hiệp XIH Appendix IV: Ín†€TVICW. LH HH TH HH HH HH gu XXI Appendix V: JOUTniaÌS.- ccc 11 ST HT TH HH Hệ XXIII Appendix VI: Lesson plan sampÏe. - - --- c2 S391 vn ve XXXV Vil CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION This chapter unfolds the rationale behind the study, outlining its purpose and research questions aimed at addressing specific issues.
The study's overarching objectives are defined, guiding the exploration of the identified concerns. Additionally, the chapter delves into the scope of the study, elucidating the boundaries and parameters within which the research unfolds. Rationale In the context of primary education in Vietnam, especially Hai Phong primary education today, the urgency to prepare grade 4 students with proficient language skills, especially in the use of vocabulary, becomes paramount. Therefore, the demand for diversifying teaching methods and applying information technology in teaching vocabulary is increasing.
Teachers and students have a multitude of teaching tools and applications and one of the most popular learning applications in recent times is 4English. The forces of globalization and international integration necessitate the cultivation of a workforce equipped with not only foundational knowledge but also communicative competence and language proficiency. The 4English application emerges as a potential solution to address this need, aligning with the broader goal of innovative responses to the demands of education globalization. Moreover, the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rapid digital transformation, notably accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, underscore the importance of integrating technology into education.
In this digital era, where information technology permeates various aspects of life, the utilization of the 4English application becomes inevitable for effective teaching and learning, especially in the enhancement of vocabulary skills. The rationale for this action research project is grounded in the recognition of the critical role vocabulary development plays in shaping a student's linguistic proficiency and overall academic success. Building upon foundational works such as Beck, McKeown, and Kucan's (2002) "Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction," the study aims to apply the innovative 4English application in a real educational setting to improve vocabulary use among grade 4 students. The research takes inspiration from the broader literature highlighting the ongoing importance of vocabulary development, including works such as Biancarosa and Snow's (2004) "Reading Next: A Vision for Action and Research in Middle and High School Literacy," Biemiller and Boote's (2006) effective methods for building meaning vocabulary, and Brown's (2021) correlation study emphasizing the connection between vocabulary and academic success.
By grounding the study in the specific context of Hai Phong's primary school education and leveraging the 4English application, the research seeks to contribute valuable insights, bridge existing gaps, and advance our understanding of effective vocabulary instruction within the evolving landscape of primary education. Research aim and objectives This study aims to assess the effectiveness of using the 4English application in improving vocabulary usage among fourth-grade students at a primary school. Specifically, the study focuses on analyzing the extent to which the utilization of the 4English application is effective in improving vocabulary use among the grade 4 students at the school, exploring the challenges and difficulties faced by teachers when implementing the application to enhance students' vocabulary usage, and investigating students’ opinions of the use of the 4English application for the purpose of enhancing their vocabulary usage. Research questions This study aims to answer the following questions: 1.
To what extent is the utilization of the 4English application effective in improving vocabulary use among the grade 4 students at the school? The first research question delves into the effectiveness of the 4English application as an educational tool in enhancing vocabulary use among grade 4 students. This question aims to quantify the impact of the application, providing a measure of its efficacy in the specific context of the primary school in Hai Phong. What difficulties are encountered by the teacher in using the 4English application to improve the students’ vocabulary use? The second research question focuses on the challenges and obstacles faced by teachers when integrating the 4English application into the vocabulary enhancement process. What are the students’ opinions of the use of the 4English application to improve their vocabulary use? The third research question explores the perspectives of Grade 4 students regarding the 4English application.
Understanding students' opinions is crucial for gauging the user experience, engagement levels, and overall satisfaction with the application. Scope of the study The study was specifically designed to investigate the efficacy of the 4English application in enhancing vocabulary proficiency among 40 grade 4 students at a primary school in Hai Phong. The research was conducted over a period of three months, commencing from August 1# 2023 to November 1* 2023. The primary focus of the study was on the utilization of the 4English application as a teaching tool to improve vocabulary proficiency among the targeted grade 4 students.
The research aims to identify and explore effective strategies for integrating the application into the educational curriculum, fostering an environment conducive to vocabulary development. Features of the 4English application utilized in the study: Vocabulary use scope (Level AI): The study concentrated on the A1 level of vocabulary use, aligning with The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This ensured a foundational focus on basic language skills suitable for grade 4 students. Selected theme for teaching (two-month period): The chosen thematic focus for the two-month teaching period was determined based on pedagogical considerations, relevance to the curriculum, and alignment with the students' developmental needs.
Challenges encountered (Technical and psychological aspects): The research explored challenges faced by both teachers and students in utilizing the 4English application. These challenges encompassed technical aspects, such as software usability, and psychological dimensions, such as the impact on student motivation and engagement. Student opinions and feedback: The study seeks insights into students’ opinions regarding various aspects of the 4English application.