MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING QUY NHON UNIVERSITY TRAN THI KIEM EFL TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF THE JOLLY PHONICS PROGRAM ON CHILDREN’S PRONUNCIATION IN A KINDERGARTEN Field: Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching Code: 8140111 Supervisor: Bui Thi Dao, Ph. D BINH DINH - 2023 BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC QUY NHƠN TRẦN THỊ KIỂM NHẬN THỨC CỦA GIÁO VIÊN TIẾNG ANH VỀ TÁC ĐỘNG CỦA JOLLY PHONICS ĐẾN PHÁT ÂM CỦA TRẺ MẪU GIÁO Ngành: Lý luận và phương pháp giảng dạy Tiếng Anh Mã số: 8140111 Người hướng dẫn: TS. BÙI THỊ ĐÀO BÌNH ĐỊNH - 2023 i STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP I hereby certify that the research work presented in this report "EFL Teachers’ perceptions of the Impact of the Jolly Phonics Program on Children’s Pronunciation in a Kindergarten" has been conducted under the supervision of Bui Thi Dao, PhD, a lecturer at Quy Nhon University. I have not utilized any sources other than those cited in the references.
Furthermore, I affirm that this thesis has not been submitted to any other institution to obtain a degree. Binh Dinh 2023 Tran Thi Kiem ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all, I am grateful to my thesis supervisor, Bui Thi Dao, PhD, for her amazing supervision. As an MA student at Quy Nhon University, I was impressed by her knowledge and professional skills in teaching-related matters. She also helped me expand my horizons in the field.
She was extremely patient with me and helped me overcome challenges as I worked on my thesis, and I appreciate that. I consider myself fortunate to have her help me with my work. I also take this opportunity to express gratitude to all the lecturers who took part in the training process of the M.A course at Quy Nhon University for their scholarly knowledge and experience as well as their inspiration which incited me to widen my research from various perspectives. Next, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the lecturers in my M.A course for their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm in teaching throughout the past two years.
Special thanks go to the head as well as the staff of Eco-school for their assistance and encouragement for me to conduct the study at the facility. Last, but not least, I am grateful for all the support and encouragement I received from my beloved family throughout the process of writing this thesis in particular and my life in general. Binh Dinh 2023 iii ABSTRACT This study investigates issues relating to the impact of Jolly Phonics on kindergarten children's pronunciation in a preschool in Quy Nhon City. The purpose of this qualitative evaluation study was to investigate teachers’ perceptions of Jolly Phonics implemented to improve kindergarten children's pronunciation.
The research questions focused on EFL teachers’ perceptions of the program's impact on children’s pronunciation and the strategies used in Jolly Phonics. The data for the study was collected through tests, interviews, and classroom observations, and then analyzed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The findings of the study revealed (1) the impact of Jolly Phonics on children's pronunciation and (2) EFL teachers’ perceptions of the impact of and strategies used in Jolly Phonics. Positive perceptions aligned with the implementation of practices targeting the effectiveness of the program, which is in favor of curriculum planning and professional development to improve kindergarten children's pronunciation.
iv TABLE OF CONTENTS STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP. vii LIST OF TABLES. viii LIST OF FIGURES. ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.
Aim and Objectives of the Study. Aim of the Study. Objectives of the Study. Scope of the Study.
Significance of the Study. Organization of the Study. 4 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW. Pronunciation and Its Factors and Techniques in Learning and Teaching.
Factors Influencing Learning Pronunciation. Pronunciation Teaching Techniques. Concept of Phonics. Synthetic Phonics Explicit.
Multisensory Phonics Instruction. Definition of Jolly Phonics. Five Skills of Jolly Phonics. Definition of Teachers’ Perceptions.
Types of Perception. Children's Development and Language Development. Research Setting and Participants. Data Collection Instruments.
Pre-test and Post-test. Reliability and Validity. 40 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Impacts of Jolly Phonics on Kindergarten Children's Pronunciation.
EFL Teacher’s Perceptions of Impacts of Jolly Phonics on Kindergarten Children’s Pronunciation. 55 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. Suggestions for Further Research. 13 vii ABBREVIATIONS ELT English Language Teaching EFL English as a Foreign Language ELLs English Language Learners CEFR Common European Framework for Languages K Kid L1 First Language L2 Second Language MSL Multisensory Structured Language YLs Young Learners viii LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Language Acquisition.28 Table 2 Study Population .34 Table 3 Research Questions and Instruments.35 Table 4 Scales used in Tests .41 Table 5 Pre-experimental Test Results .42 Table 6 Pre-test scores .43 Table 7 Post-experimental Test Results .44 Table 8 Post-test Score and Performance .45 Table 9 Average Results between Pre-test and Post-test Results .47 Table 10 Pre-test and Post-test Scores .48 ix LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.
1 Sequencing of Sounds According to Jolly Phonics. 2 Phonics Action and Song. 3 Identifying Letter Sounds and Blending. 5 Tricky Words Tree.
24 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapter introduces the background information on the issue discussed in this study. Additionally, it is established with the framework of the thesis, which consists of the rationale, aim and objectives, research questions, scope, significance and organization of the study. Rationale In the globalization era, it cannot be denied that English is very important. Harmer (2001) stated that English offers many great opportunities to anyone who has sufficient English language knowledge.
Pinter (2006) stated that most parents agree that the sooner young learners (YLS) learn a second language, the better they will be in language learning. Pronunciation is “the way a word or a language is spoken or the manner in which someone utters a word.” If one is said to have “correct pronunciation”, then it refers to both within a particular dialect or simply the way a particular individual speaks a word or language.”, according to Wikipedia. In the fascinating language acquisition journey, children embark upon a remarkable exploration of sounds, words, and expressions that eventually shape their ability to communicate effectively. Pronunciation isn't merely a technical aspect of language; it holds profound significance in a child's development, influencing their communication skills, cognitive growth, social interactions, and even self- confidence.
Teaching children about pronunciation early on for all many reasons. If children can pronounce words correctly, they will communicate effectively and even lay the foundation for future reading and writing skills later on. By the time children reach the ages of 3-5, they have some challenges to identify letters and sounds different from their mother tongue. 2 This makes a difficult age for working on pronunciation, so teachers should try to teach them in a suitable way.
In Vietnam, the challenges children face with the pronunciation of learning English are both common and nuanced. These challenges can be attributed to linguistic differences between Vietnamese and English, as well as the complex sound system inherent in the English language. As a result, these pronunciation difficulties warrant attention and specialized support to ensure effective language acquisition and communication skills among Vietnamese children. To address these challenges, tailored strategies are necessary.
Patient and skilled educators can employ techniques such as phonetic exercises, speech therapy, and audio resources to help children develop more accurate pronunciation. Incorporating interactive activities, role-playing, and phonemic awareness exercises into the curriculum can create an engaging learning environment that focuses on improving pronunciation skills. Despite the increasing amount of research on the Jolly Phonics program on teaching English to children. However, there is a lack of research addressing teachers' perceptions of the impact of the Jolly Phonics program on children’s pronunciation in kindergarten.
Therefore, the writer has been motivated to select the topic "EFL teachers’ perceptions of the impact of the Jolly Phonics program on children’s pronunciation in a kindergarten". This study is expected to be able to provide insightful analysis and instructional recommendations that will help to enhance kindergarten children’s pronunciation and lead to more successful learning outcomes. Aim and Objectives of the Study 1. Aim of the Study This study aims to explore EFL teachers' perceptions of the impact of the 3 Jolly Phonics Program on kindergarten children's pronunciation.
Objectives of the Study The objectives of the study are: - To investigate the impact of Jolly Phonics on kindergarten children’s pronunciation - To find out EFL teachers’ perceptions of the impact of the Jolly Phonics Program on kindergarten children’s pronunciation 1. Research Questions To achieve the aim and objectives of the study, the researcher focuses on the following research questions: - What is the impact of the Jolly Phonics program on kindergarten children’s pronunciation? - What are EFL teachers’ perceptions of the impact of Jolly Phonics on kindergarten children’s pronunciation? 1. Scope of the Study This research study focuses on investigating the impact of Jolly Phonics on kindergarten children’s pronunciation and EFL teachers’ perceptions of the impact of Jolly Phonics on kindergarten children’s pronunciation. Thus, the study is limited to four skills in Phonics Pupil Book 1, consisting of learning letter sounds, letter formation, blending, and identifying sounds in words which mainly affect kindergarten children's pronunciation.
Significance of the Study This study is undertaken to provide valuable insights into EFL teachers' perceptions of the impact of Jolly Phonics on kindergarten children. It is anticipated that the study's conclusions will help educators better comprehend difficulties or barriers they face when instructing YLs in pronunciation. This 4 study is important from an educational perspective, both theoretically and practically. Theoretically, the study contributes to the teaching theories of EFL teachers to sharpen their pronunciation teaching skills and the study may be used as a source of reference for further research.
Practically, the findings of this study may benefit EFL teachers, children, and researchers. As for EFL teachers, the findings of the study could raise their awareness of how they perceive the use of Jolly Phonics in class. As a consequence, they will endeavor to implement it effectively so that children can improve their pronunciation. This study can also be used as a reference, not only by kindergarten EFL teachers but also by EFL teachers at other school levels who want to employ the program to serve their teaching.
For children, this study hopes to help them know and be aware of the phonetic system. Finally, as for researchers, those who share the same interest in this topic could certainly rely on this research to find reliable and useful references for their related studies. Organization of the Study The study is presented in five chapters: Introduction, Literature Review and Theoretical Background, Methodology, Findings and Discussion and Conclusion. Chapter 1, Introduction, consists of the rationale, aim, and objectives of the study, research questions, scope of the study, significance, and an overview of the study’s organization.
Chapter 2, Literature Review, presents pronunciation and its factors and techniques in learning and teaching, phonics and its types, introduction to the Jolly Phonics program, teachers’ perceptions, children's development and language development, phonological awareness, and related studies related to the topic of this study. 5 Chapter 3, Methodology, covers the research methods, data collection, and data analysis. Chapter 4, Findings and Discussion, presents the results gained in the processing of the data and discusses the results of the data analysis. Chapter 5, Conclusion, summarizes the findings, presents the limitations of the study of Jolly Phonics, gives implications and provides some suggestions for further study.
6 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW Chapter 2 is to shape the theoretical framework of the study.