VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE PHAM THI THU CUC USING PROJECT-BASED LEARNING TO IMPROVE ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR 10TH GRADE STUDENTS AT A HIGH SCHOOL IN NAM DINH PROVINCE: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT từ vựng của học sinh lớp 10 ở một trường trung học phổ thông tinh Nam Định) M.A MINOR PROGRAMME THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231.01 Hanoi — 2024 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE PHAM THI THU CUC USING PROJECT-BASED LEARNING TO IMPROVE ENGLISH VOCABULARY FOR 10TH GRADE STUDENTS AT A HIGH SCHOOL IN NAM DINH PROVINCE: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT (Nghiên cứu về ảnh hưởng của phương pháp học dự án đối với việc học M.A MINOR PROGRAMME THESIS Field: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231. Vi Thi Thanh Nha Hanoi — 2024 STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY I honestly confirm my authorship of the thesis submitted today entitled “Using Project-Based Learning to Improve English Vocabulary For 10" Grade Students at A High School in Nam Dinh Province” as the statement of requirements for the master thesis. I hereby declare that this thesis represents my initial work, which has not been submitted, in whole or in part, in any previous application for a degree. Except where stated otherwise by reference or acknowledgment, the work presented is entirely my own.
This thesis has not been submitted for any degree in any other tertiary institutions. Hanoi, 2024 Pham Thị Thu Cúc Approved by SUPERVISOR (Signature and full name) Dr. Vũ Thi Thanh Nhã ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to express my whole-hearted thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Vũ Thi Thanh Nhã for her whole-hearted assistance, encouragement as well as profound guidance she gave me while I was doing my research.
I would like to take this opportunity to send my grateful words to all my lecturers and staff of Faculty of Post-graduate Studies, Vietnam, University of Languages and International Studies, whose support and consideration have enabled me to pursue the course. Last but not least, I owe my sincere thanks to my family and my kind-hearted friends, who have always inspired and encouraged me to complete this study Hanoi, 2024 ii ABSTRACT This action research study investigates the impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) on the vocabulary learning of 10th-grade students in a Vietnamese high school setting. The research was conducted over a period of several weeks using a single-group design, focusing on the integration of PBL into the English language curriculum to enhance students' command of vocabulary related to environmental and ecotourism topics. The study employed a vocabulary pre-test and post-test to measure the direct impact of PBL on students' vocabulary knowledge.
Additionally, student and teacher questionnaires, as well as classroom observations, provided qualitative insights into the participants' experiences and perceptions of the PBL approach. The findings revealed an improvement in students' vocabulary test scores, suggesting that PBL can be an effective instructional strategy for vocabulary learning 11 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS English Language Teaching ELT Interactive Whiteboards IWB Project - Based Learning PBL 1V LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Traditional Teaching Method vs. Project-Based Learning. Table 2: Paired Samples f~f€Sf.- G1 1H TH TH ng HH kg krry TABLE OF CONTENTS STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY.
nh HH HH rệt 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTTS. 11 LIST OF ABBREYVIA TIONS. HH HT HH ng HH nhiệt1V LIST OF TABLUES. HH HH TH HH HH HH V CHAPTER 1.
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Structure Of the tÏH€S1S. - - s1 ng nh HH ng gi nh 4 CHAPTER 2. HH HH HH HH ru 5 2. Traditional Vocabulary Teaching Methods.
Vocabulary Teaching Techniques in Vietnam and Similar Contexts. Traditional Vocabulary Teaching. Interactive Teaching MethOs.9 1H ng ng ng 8 2. Project-Based Learning: Definitions, Theoretical Underpinnings, and TaN 0) 0) | (er-18 (0) 1 5a.
PBL’s Foundational Principles 2. Advantages Of PBL ou. Disadvantages and Possible Limitations of PBÌL,. PBL in the Context of Language Learning: Emphasis on Vocabulary ACQUISITION 0.
Theoretical Foundations of PBL in Language Learning. PBL and Vocabulary Learning .- --- --c- - + sk*vk* kg gniệt 17 2. PBL and Student MOtIVafIOI.- SG 3 1 HH ng rưy 17 2. Implementation of PBL in Language CÏasSTOOINS.
Investment in Language LL€aTTIT. ng ng giết 23 KG. Data Collection ÏnStTU€TIES.- s5 s1 19001930 9119 1 91 vn ng nến 24 3. 24 Ensuring Test Validity and Reliabl]1fy.
Gà HT HT TH Hệ 28 3.-- 5 11 90 9E nh ng HH nến 28 3. Data Analysis PTOC€(ÌUTC. Research PTOC€(UTC. G3 119119 HH TH HH Hệ 29 3.-- 2G 5 111v ng TT HH HH Hưng gà 30 CHAPTER 4.- HH nàng HH Hy 32 4.
Vocabulary Test RÑ©SUÏ(S.- -- - + E1 TH HH ng 32 4. Pre-test FInInS.- - óc c1 HH TH HH net 32 C1 An 8con ae he.- - Sàn vn HH HH HH HH, 34 4. General ÏmprOV€IN€II. Individual PTOT€SS.- -- c1 11v HH TH ng HH ng 35 4.
Support for Lower AChI€V€TS. --- cv HH HH HH tt 35 4. Strengthening High AChI€V€TS. G11 1S ng ng rg 35 4.
Retention Through EngaØ€Tm€TI. Analysis PBL’s Impacts on Vocabulary LearnIng. -- -«- -« «<< <<sx+se+sx+ 37 ii 4. Impact of PBL on Vocabulary ACQUI1SIfIOH.
Students’ FeedbaCÌks. --- - - cv HT TH TH TH HH HH, 37 4. G32 1321183118311 9111 1111 111111 ng ng ng 41 CHAPTER 5. Hàng HH HH Hy 42 5.
Comparison with Previous Research. Impact of PBL on Vocabulary Learn1ng. Stakeholders' Perceptions Of PIBÌLU,. Students' Attitudes toward PBÌL.- -- 6 tk v11 ng nền 43 5.
Motivation and Engagement .-- + +3 3 93 9319 1 91 1 ng ng gưkp 44 5. Challenges in Implementing Project-Based Learning. ĐH ng ng nến 47 6. Summary Of FÏnÏITIES.-- -- 5 << + x11 vn HH HH nh rệt 47 6.
Implications of the Study .- -- «s1 ST HH HH nhớt 48 6. Recommendations for Future Research. Limitations and Constraints. -- G11 11 2101191119119 1 TH ng ng nề 50 REFERENCES.- HH HH HT HH HH Hệ 51 APPENDICES 10.
I Appendix 1: English Vocabulary Pre-Test & POSt-test .--- S2 sSsseeress I Appendix 2: Lesson Plan: Project-Based Learning on "Vocabulary on 80419010019) 1. IV Appendix 3: Project-Based Learning (PBL) Feedback Interview Form. x Appendix 4: Pre-test Results (Out of 10). ecsceesseceeeceeeeeeeeeeeeessaeeeseeeeneesaes XI Appendix 5: Post-test Results (Out Of ).- SG 32k HH , XII Appendix 6: Student Motivation and Engagement Questionnaire.
XII Appendix 7: Student Motivation and Engagement SCOFes .-----+--<++ XV Appendix 8: Vocabulary Learning Questionnaire .----- «5+ +-ss++s++sss2 XVII Appendix 9: Pictures related to the researcH.-- 5 +5 s + ***+sskseeereseerre XIX 11 CHAPTER 1. Rationale English language learning has become a very important task for Vietnamese students. This is because Vietnam is integrating in more and more part of the world community. The ability to communicate in English helps us to be part of economic, educational, and cultural exchanges.
It creates a wide range of new opportunities for the Vietnamese in the global market. One of the most important aspects in studying English is learning new words - also called vocabulary. Words are like building blocks for a language (Read, 2000, p. If you know few words, you cannot communicate effectively.
Vocabulary provides input for other language skills such as speaking and writing (Nation & Waring, 1997). Rich vocabulary can help learners to express what they think and feel more clearly, and enhance their understanding of what other people are saying. However, learning new words is a big challenge for many and this is particularly true for some students in the 10th grade at a high school in Nam Dinh Province. They often find it hard to remember new glossary and to use them correctly.
This problem needs to be addressed, and that is where this research comes in. Our aim is to find out if a different way of teaching - called "project-based learning" (PBL) - can help these students to improve their English vocabulary. 110) mentioned that “vocabulary should be presented, and explained in all kinds of activities to promote better learning.” Therefore, in PBL, students work on real-world projects that are related to what they are learning. They collaborate with each other, solve problems, and create a product or a presentation.
This is different from traditional teaching methods, where the teacher gives a lecture and the students listen and take notes. This research is very important because if PBL is effective, it can be used to help English learners in Nam Dinh Province and maybe even other parts of Vietnam to improve their vocabulary. This could make a big difference in their English learning journey and open up more opportunities for them in the future. Aim and objectives of the research The findings of this study could provide valuable insights into the potential of PBL as an innovative pedagogical approach in English language teaching, particularly in the context of Vietnamese high schools.
By doing so, the study aims to enhance English language teaching and learning in Vietnam, particularly in areas where vocabulary learning remains a significant challenge. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of PBL in improving English vocabulary learning among 10th-grade students at a high school in Nam Dinh Province. Research questions To achieve the aim and objectives, the study will address the following research questions: e How does the implementation of project-based learning influence the vocabulary learning of 10th-grade students? e What are the perceptions of students towards the use of project-based learning for vocabulary learning? 1. Scope of the research In this context, we need to look at different ways of teaching.
One method we can consider is PBL. PBL lets students learn through meaningful projects. They can work on real-life issues and get involved actively in a specific circumstance where they can learn new words. The idea is that PBL might be a better way to teach vocabulary than the usual teaching methods.
However, we have not really studied if PBL can help 10th-grade students in Nam Dinh Province to learn vocabulary better. This research is trying to find that out. Research method This study used action research to see how PBL helps 10th-grade students learn vocabulary in a high school in Nam Dinh Province. Action research means planning, doing, watching, and thinking about how to solve problems.
It is good because it involves people in finding solutions. The study used two ways to collect information: 1. Quantitative Tools: We gave students tests before and after they learned with PBL. These tests checked how well they knew vocabulary from their English 10 book.
Qualitative Tools: We used surveys, talks, and watching classes to get more information. We asked students and teachers to fill out surveys about what they thought of PBL. We also talked to some of them to understand more about their experiences. Watching classes helped us see how students learned with PBL.
By using these methods, the study could look at both test results and what students and teachers felt about PBL. This helped us understand better how PBL works for learning vocabulary. Significance of the research In many schools across the country, students are often taught to learn English vocabulary by regular exercises and memorizing words. This might not be the best method to learn new lexicon.
Usually, in these traditional teaching approaches, students are given lists of glossaries to learn by heart. The texts normally come without enough context or examples of how to use in real conversations or documents. This routine can make it difficult for students to understand them in speaking or writing in a context.