VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES NGUYEN THI PHUONG THAO CHALLENGES IN TEACHING THE NEW ENGLISH TEXTBOOK “EXPLORE ENGLISH 6” AT A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HANOI (Thách thức trong việc giảng dạy bộ sách giáo khoa Tiếng Anh mới M. MINOR PROGRAMME THESIS Major: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231.01 HA NOI - 2024 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES NGUYEN THI PHUONG THAO CHALLENGES IN TEACHING THE NEW ENGLISH TEXTBOOK “EXPLORE ENGLISH 6” AT A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HANOI (Thách thức trong việc giảng dạy bộ sách giáo khoa Tiếng Anh mới M. MINOR PROGRAMME THESIS Major: English Teaching Methodology Code: 8140231. Huynh Anh Tuan HA NOI - 2024 DECLARATION I, the undersigned, hereby certify my authority of the study project report entitled “Challenges in teaching new textbook “Explore English” at a secondary school in Hanoi” is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in English Language Teaching.
This is the result of my own work. Except where the reference is indicated, no other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgment in the text of the thesis. Hanoi, 2024 Signature Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao Approved by SUPERVISOR (Signature and full name) Dr. Huynh Anh Tuan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr.
Huynh Anh Tuan, for his invaluable encouragement and endless support. Without his comments and corrections, I would not have finished my thesis. My thanks are also extended to 10 English teachers at my secondary school for their great support and enthusiastic participation in the procedure of data collection. Finally, my special thanks go to my beloved family and friends for their love and encouragement on the journey of conducting this thesis.
il ABSTRACT This research, entitled "Challenges in Teaching the New English Textbook ‘Explore English 6' at a Secondary School in Hanoi," delves into the various challenges that teachers face when implementing the "Explore English 6" textbook in the context of a secondary school in Hanoi, Vietnam. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data from adapted questionnaires from Montasser’s tool (2013) and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews, the study reveals a spectrum of challenges. These challenges encompass concerns related to textbook quality, layout and design, instructional content, and the availability of supplementary materials. Ultimately, these challenges have implications for the effectiveness of English language instruction and students' language proficiency.
In response to these challenges, the research provides valuable recommendations aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning experience, as well as improving students' language acquisition and communication skills. The study emphasizes the importance of designing and selecting educational materials that cater to the unique needs and preferences of both teachers and students. By addressing these challenges, the research endeavors to contribute to the advancement of English language education within the region. It is envisioned that the findings will serve as a resource for educational authorities, curriculum designers, and teachers striving to elevate the quality of language instruction in secondary schools.
Keywords: textbook evaluation, Explore English, challenges, teaching 11 TABLE OF CONTENTS I))0007. -Q Q ng HT HH HH HH net ii. iii LIST OF ABBREVIA TIONS.- ng ng HH ệt vil LIST OF TABLES1. eee 1H HH TH TH HH HT Họ Thu nh Hàng vill LIST OF EIGURES.
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Aim and objectives of the Study. Research Aims and Research QueStions. Scope of the Study .-- -- SG 2 1111190111 1111 1H HH ng 3 1. Significance of the Study.- Ă 1119111 11H11 TH HH KH 4 1.
Structure Of the thesis. Definitions Of teXtbOOKS. Roles Of f€XTDOOKS. - 2G ng TH Hi nh 7 2.
Indications of strengths of a textbook. Indications of weaknesses of a f€XtDOOK. An overview Of textbook evaÌÏUafIOIn. - - ng ng ng ng ngư 9 2.
Definitions of textbook evaluation. eee eee «+ x1nrưy 9 2. Purposes of textbook Cvaluation ccc eeesesesceecesesseesecseeseeseeseseeeesseseeceseeseeaeens 9 2. Types of textbook evaluation 0.
Challenges in using a teXfÐOOK.- «kh HH HH TT ngàng ng 11 2. Previous related Studies .- - 0 HH ng HT HH gi 12 2. Summary of the Chapter. TH HH ng như 17 3.
Setting Of the S{UY.-- -- c1 11H11 HH ng HH HH HH rưy 17 3.-- ---- «+ + k1 HT TH TH 19 3. Data collection instrument .- G5 25 0190119101 910 E399 9v nh ng ng nghiện 19 3. nh HH nh HH HT HH nh in 22 3. Data collection DFOC€UTCG.
- -Q- G1 31193119119 1191191 TH ng nh TH ng nghệ 22 E9 ch nh ố. Summary of the CHD€T. Ăn» HH HH HH re 26 4. Data analysis Of QU€SfIOTTIA]T€S.
Data analysis Of Inf€TVICWS.-QL TH nh HH HH nen 43 4. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Strengths and weaknesses of the teXtDOOK. Teachers Challenges and possible SOlUtions.
HH HH HH HH HH HH hư 64 6. Limitations of the Study. Suggestions for further Studies 0. I APPENDIX 1: UNITS TAUGHT IN “EXPLORE ENGLISH 6”.‹©~<« I APPENDIX 2: SCOPE AND SEQUENCCE.
12111 SH HH ng key II APPENDIX 3: LESSONS TAUGHT IN EACH UNIT IN “EXPLORE ENGLISH 6”VH APPENDIX 4: PARTICIPANTS’ BACKGROUND INEFORMATION. Vill APPENDIX 5: QUESTIONNAIRE FORM. eecesceseesecesecsseeseeeeesseesaesseseneesaeenes IX APPENDIX 6: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS.-Ặ cư, XI APPENDIX 7: CONSENT FORM. ST HH ng nh nh XIH APPENDIX 8: INTERVIEW SAMPLLE.-- G5 cere 1T hư XV vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS CLT: Communicative Language Teaching Vil LIST OF TABLES Table 4.
Teacher % challenges regarding General appearance. Teacher * challenges regarding Layout and design. Teacher % challenges regarding V1SuaÌS.--- xxx series 45 Table 4. Teacher * challenges regarding Book obJ€CfIV€S.
Teacher * challenges regarding Teaching a1ds. Teacher * challenges regarding TaskS. Teacher % challenges regarding LIsten1ng. Teacher * challenges regarding SpeaKing.
Teacher * challenges regarding Reading. Teacher % challenges regarding Writing. Teacher % challenges regarding Vocabulary .----- «<< <++se+ssess 50 Table 4. Teacher % challenges regarding GTraimmaï.----- «+ + s+++s++sse++sss+ 51 Table 4.
Teacher % challenges regarding Pronunciation. Strengths and weaknesses of the new textbook “Explore English 6”. Challenges faced by teachers and possible soÏufions.-------««+- 62 Vili LIST OF FIGURES Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation of General Appearance.----s+ssxs+s+sxsseress 26 Figure 4.
Teachers’ evaluation of Layout and desIgn.-- «- «+ +«£+sc+sc+se+sxs 27 Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation Of V1SUa̧. t3 ng re 29 Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation of Book Objectives.
Teachers’ evaluation of Teaching aids .- --- +55 ss++x+ssexeseeesers 31 Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation of Teaching Methods.-- -«-+«c<<c<sx+sesses 31 Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation of Subject and cOnf€TI. Teachers’ evaluation Of TaSKS.
ng ng 34 Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation of Listening skIÌÌ.----- «+ +sssx++sex+seexeseeesess 35 Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation of Speaking skIÌÌ. Teachers’ evaluation of Reading skIÏÌ.
Teachers’ evaluation of Writing Ski]. Teachers’ evaluation of Vocabulary .- -- - -- + sss + sseseerseereersserres 40 Figure 4. Teachers’ evaluation of Grammar. Teachers’ evaluation of PronunciafiOI.
INTRODUCTION This chapter concerns the rationale for carrying out this study whose aim at evaluating the textbook Explore English 6. Additionally, this section also provides the aims of the study, research questions, scope of the study, and significance of the study. Rationale of the study The global landscape of education and communication has been significantly reshaped by the rapid expansion of English as a global lingua franca. With English emerging as a bridge language for international business, diplomacy, and cross- cultural interactions, its importance as a tool for effective communication cannot be overstated.
The English language serves as a unifying force that transcends linguistic and national boundaries, making it an essential skill for students worldwide. The demand for English proficiency continues to grow, leading secondary schools in Hanoi, like many others globally, to incorporate English language instruction into their curricula. Textbooks play a prominent role in facilitating language learning and teaching in this evolving educational landscape. However, the challenge lies in the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all textbook that can satisfy the diverse needs of teachers and learners.
The choice of a suitable English textbook for a specific teaching and learning context is crucial. It directly influences the effectiveness of the educational process and the attainment of desired learning outcomes. Hence, it is imperative for educators to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate and select textbooks that align with their pedagogical objectives and the needs of their students. Furthermore, it is equally important to consider the perspective of textbook designers, who face the challenging task of creating educational materials that cater to a wide range of teaching and learning contexts.
Understanding the challenges faced by educators can provide valuable insights for textbook designers, enabling them to develop materials that are more responsive to the needs of teachers and students. Having taught English using the new textbook "Explore English 6" for an entire year, the researcher has gained firsthand experience and insights into the challenges that English teachers encounter while attempting to implement the prescribed teaching methods effectively. These challenges may include issues related to the appropriateness of the textbook's content, alignment with curriculum goals, suitability for diverse learning styles, and the overall engagement and progress of students. The researcher recognizes the importance of addressing these challenges to enhance the quality of English language instruction and to ensure that students in secondary schools in Hanoi have access to effective learning resources.
Therefore, this thesis, titled "Challenges in teaching the new English textbook “Explore English 6” at a secondary school in Hanoi," aims to investigate, analyze, and shed light on the obstacles that English teachers face when using the "Explore English 6”. Aim and objectives of the study Aim of the Study: The primary aim of this research is to comprehensively investigate the challenges faced by teachers in teaching English using the "Explore English 6" textbook at a secondary school in Hanoi, Vietnam. Objectives of the study: - To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the "Explore English 6" textbook. - To ascertain the challenges encountered by teachers when using the "Explore English 6" textbook in their English language instruction.
- To propose viable solutions to overcome the identified challenges in teaching with the "Explore English 6" textbook. - To contribute insights and recommendations for enhancing the quality of English language instruction in secondary schools through effective textbook evaluation and use. Research Aims and Research Questions In order to identify teaching challenges and viable recommendations for the challenges found, the researcher aims at solving the two following questions: 1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the new textbook “Explore English 6”? 2.
What challenges have teachers faced 1n teaching the new textbook “Explore English 6”? 3. What are possible solutions to overcome those challenges? The underlying assumptions for the research aims and research questions are based on the premise that there are both strengths and weaknesses within the new textbook "Explore English 6." The study assumes that these strengths and weaknesses are discernible and can be identified through comprehensive research and data analysis. Furthermore, the research assumes that English teachers in the context of a secondary school in Hanoi, Vietnam, have encountered challenges while teaching this new textbook. These challenges are seen as challenges that may affect the effectiveness of English language instruction and students’ language proficiency.
Additionally, the research assumes that viable solutions exist to address these teaching challenges, which can be unveiled through the data collection, analysis, and interpretation process. Overall, the study operates on the assumption that a thorough investigation can provide insights and recommendations to enhance the quality of English language education in the Vietnamese context. Scope of the study This study is conducted at a secondary school in Hanoi. The research confines attention to the challenges 10 teachers encountered in teaching the new textbook “Explore English 6”.