MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON THE USAGE OF PAIR WORK TO IMPROVE SPEAKING SKILL OF THE SECOND-YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về việc sử dụng phương pháp làm việc theo cặp để cải thiện kỹ năng nói của sinh viên năm thứ hai chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh, trường Đại học Phenikaa Student: La Diem Quynh Student ID No: 20010056 Course: 2020 - 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: Lai Thi Phuong Linh, M.A Ha Noi – 2024 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON THE USAGE OF PAIR WORK TO IMPROVE SPEAKING SKILL OF THE SECOND-YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về việc sử dụng phương pháp làm việc theo cặp để cải thiện kĩ năng nói của sinh viên năm thứ hai chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh, trường Đại học Phenikaa Student: La Diem Quynh Student ID No: 20010056 Course: 2020 - 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: Lai Thi Phuong Linh, M.A Ha Noi – 2024 I ABSTRACT This study looks into how pair work affects Phenikaa University second-year English majors' speaking abilities. Assessing how pair work improves students' skills in academic and professional contexts, the research focuses on fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar accuracy, and general speaking confidence. The research, which makes use of questionnaires and in-depth interviews with sixty students, finds that working in pairs considerably increases self-assurance, vocabulary, and grammar proficiency. Even if obstacles like uneven participation and communication breakdowns still exist, several students reported gains in their active speaking and pronunciation skills.
The results highlight the significance of incorporating structured pair work tasks and customized approaches to cater to different skill levels, promoting a more participatory and cooperative learning atmosphere. This study offers empirical support for the effectiveness of pair work in language acquisition by identifying its advantages and disadvantages. This has practical implications for improving English language teaching practices at Phenikaa University and elsewhere. II DECLARATION Author, La Diem Quynh - Student ID 20010056, a certificate that no part of the above report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person’s work without acknowledgments and that the report is originally written by me under strict guidance of my supervisor.
Hanoi, 1st July 2024 Supervisor Student Lai Thi Phuong Linh La Diem Quynh III ACKNOWLEDGMENT I want to start by expressing my gratitude to the English faculty at Phenikaa University for making it easier for me to finish my graduation thesis. I would like to sincerely thank Ms. Lai Thi Phuong Linh for her direct guidance and assistance throughout the completion of my graduation thesis. Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank the Phenikaa University second-year English students for their assistance in helping me compile the survey results and the required interview questions.
In the process of doing the graduation thesis, although I tried very hard, it was difficult to avoid mistakes, I hope that the teachers will understand. At the same time, due to my limited theoretical level as well as scientific research ability, I am looking forward to receiving your suggestions to improve my knowledge. Many thanks for that! Ha Noi, 1st July 2024 Student La Diem Quynh IV LIST OF CHARTS Number of List of charts Page charts Chart 4.1 Years spent learning English 26 Chart 4.2 Students’ participation frequency of pair work before entering university 28 Chart 4.3 Students’ participation frequency of pair work during English speaking classes 30 Chart 4.4 Students’ perception on the effectiveness of pair work in speaking skill 32 Chart 4.6 Students' level of comfort during pair work 37 Chart 4.7 Students' preferences for pair or individual work speaking exercises 38 V LIST OF DIAGRAMS Number of Title of diagrams Page diagrams Diagram 4.5 Students’ perception on the aspects of pair work in enhancing speaking skill 34 Diagram 4.8 Students' challenges during pair work 40 VI TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION. Background of the Study.
Importance of Speaking Skills for English Majors. Purpose of the Study. Overview of English majors, Phenikaa University. 3 Chapter 1: Literature overview of the research issue.
Theoretical Framework of Speaking Skills Development. Previous Studies on Pair Work in Language Learning. Challenges and Benefits of Pair Work in Improving Speaking Skills. 9 Chapter 2: Research Methodology.
20 Chapter 3: Findings and Discussion. Analysis of speaking skills before pair work implementation. Analysis of Speaking Skills After Pair Work Implementation. Interpretation of results.
Implications for teaching and learning. Summary of Key Findings. Contribution to the Field. Recommendations for English Language Educators at Phenikaa.
Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research. Background of the Study The capacity to speak is critical in second language acquisition (SLA), particularly for English majors who must communicate well in both professional and academic settings. However, a variety of factors, such as language anxiety, a lack of practice opportunities, and traditional lecture-based teaching methods, might make it difficult to develop these skills. In response to these challenges, pair work has become a popular teaching style, enabling an interactive and collaborative learning environment while also giving students with an excellent opportunity to practice speaking.
Reasons for Choosing the Topic Since English is regarded as a worldwide language in today's globalized world, students majoring in the language must be able to speak it fluently and confidently. Many students, however, struggle to enhance their speaking skills due to a lack of compelling learning environments, opportunities for practice, and anxiety. Pair work, a technique of education in which students do assignments in pairs, has shown promise in addressing these issues. Students can practice speaking in a calm environment, receive immediate feedback, and learn collaboratively by working in pairs.
This study focuses on second-year English majors at Phenikaa University, as this stage is vital for acquiring language skills that will be useful in their academic and professional future. Importance of Speaking Skills for English Majors Speaking abilities are vital for university students majoring in English because they are used in both academic and professional settings. Proficiency and selfassurance in speaking English enable students to communicate ideas clearly, participate in insightful classroom discussions, and present their research findings logically and coherently. Strong speaking abilities help students participate in seminars, debates, and group discussions in academic settings where they can share ideas, justify their opinions, and critically examine a range of subjects.
These exchanges not only improve their 2 comprehension of the subject matter but also encourage peer collaboration and intellectual development. Furthermore, English majors frequently have to communicate with coworkers, clients, and stakeholders in English-speaking nations or multinational corporations in professional settings. Proficiency in communication is crucial for individuals engaged in agreement negotiations, presentation delivery, and professional organization representation. Employers respect workers who can communicate verbally and present concepts in a compelling manner.
Additionally, speaking abilities foster assertiveness and self-confidence, both of which are beneficial to personal growth. In addition to honing their language skills, students who participate in speaking exercises like debates, role-plays, and presentations also learn critical interpersonal abilities like empathy, adaptability, and active listening. As a result, improving speaking abilities through creative methods like pair work is essential for preparing university English majors for success in the classroom and in the workplace in a globalized society where English is the language of communication. Teachers can enable students to effectively navigate varied linguistic and cultural contexts and ensure their competitiveness in the global arena by emphasizing speaking proficiency.
Purpose of the Study This study's main goal is to find out how well pair work can improve second-year Phenikaa University English majors' speaking abilities. A vital part of learning a language is being proficient in speaking, which is necessary for both professional and academic success in English-speaking settings. Despite its significance, a lot of students struggle to become confident and fluent speakers since there aren't enough opportunities for practice and engagement in conventional classroom environments. This study seeks to address these challenges by exploring how pair work activities can foster speaking proficiency among students.
Specifically, it aims to: - Evaluate 3 the impact of pair work on students' fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary use, grammar accuracy, and overall confidence in speaking English. - Examine students' perceptions of the effectiveness of pair work in improving their speaking skills and their attitudes towards collaborative learning. - Provide practical insights and recommendations for integrating pair work into the language curriculum at Phenikaa University to optimize language learning outcomes. This study targets a critical juncture in the academic journey of second-year English majors, when core language abilities are improved and honed.
The results are intended to add to the body of knowledge on successful teaching strategies in language learning, with a focus on how cooperative activities foster communicative competence and active learning. The ultimate goal of this project is to equip teachers with research-proven techniques that can improve the quality of language instruction and learning, better preparing students for successful communication in academic and professional settings where fluency in English is required. Overview of English majors, Phenikaa University Renowned Vietnamese university Phenikaa University provides a vibrant setting for language learning, with a varied student body and an emphasis on cutting-edge teaching methods. The English major program at the university aims to provide students with a broad range of language abilities, thereby preparing them for a variety of professional disciplines.
English language students at Phenikaa University learn through theoretical research and practical application, participate in field trips, and internships at member companies of Phenikaa Group and Vietnamese partners. They are encouraged to participate in research projects to promote the spirit of creativity and experience right from the second year of university. Students come from various regions across the country, bringing diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. Many students have limited experience with pair work before entering university.
The traditional education system may not emphasize collaborative learning, 4 resulting in students being more accustomed to individual work and teacher- centered instruction. Therefore, they have challenges when they work in pairs: - Language Barriers: Limited vocabulary, grammatical errors, and pronunciation issues can impede effective communication. - Speaking Anxiety: Many students experience anxiety and a lack of confidence when speaking English, fearing mistakes and judgment from peers. - Interpersonal Communication Skills: Students may struggle with turn-taking, active listening, and negotiating meaning, which are crucial for effective interaction.
- Autonomy and Responsibility: There is often a reliance on teacher guidance, with students finding it challenging to take responsibility for their own and their peers' learning. - Motivation: Varying levels of intrinsic motivation and external academic pressures can affect students' engagement and enthusiasm for learning English. Object and Scope of Research The Phenikaa University second-year English majors are the subject of this study. The assessment of speaking class pair work activities and their effect on students' speaking skills is included in the study's scope.
The study will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, interviews, and surveys, to offer a thorough grasp of the advantages and difficulties of pair work. Scientific and Practical Significance This study makes a scientific contribution to the field of language instruction by offering empirical proof of the efficiency of pair work in enhancing speaking abilities. It contributes to the body of knowledge already available on cooperative learning techniques and their function in language learning. The results of this study have practical implications for Phenikaa University and other educational institutions' instructional strategies.
The study can motivate teachers to include more interactive and student-centered activities in their curricula by emphasizing the advantages of pair work, which will ultimately improve the standard of language instruction as a whole. 5 In summary, this study on the usage of pair work aims to provide valuable insights into how collaborative learning can improve the speaking skills of English majors, thereby supporting their academic success and future career opportunities. 6 CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH ISSUE 1.