INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
A recent PISA survey conducted by the OECD reveals that among 510,000 students aged 15 to 16 from 65 countries, Indonesia ranks highest in 'students feeling happy at school' and 'students making friends easily.' This finding highlights the positive social environment in Indonesian schools, showcasing the importance of emotional well-being in education.
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) evaluates the educational quality of countries by examining the skills of 15 to 16-year-old students in mathematics, reading, and science According to Angel Gurria, the OECD Secretary-General, nations are increasingly seeking successful educational policies and practices beyond their borders In today's global economy, educational success is measured not just by national standards but by comparison with the highest-performing and fastest-improving education systems Gurria emphasizes that the education system is fundamental to national development and should be prioritized.
Indonesia's performance in the PISA assessment reveals a significant gap between student achievement and competencies in mathematics, language, and science, ranking second to last among 65 countries, just above Peru In contrast, top performers like Shanghai-China, Singapore, Hong Kong-China, and Chinese Taipei excel in these subjects The PISA 2012 results indicate that Indonesia's education system still falls short of its goals Notably, the school-based curriculum (KTSP) utilizing a CTL/PAKEM teaching approach has led to increased student happiness in Indonesia, with students reporting greater satisfaction compared to their peers in higher-scoring nations, such as Shanghai-China, which ranks lower in student happiness.
In the recent PISA rankings, Indonesia placed second to last, just above Peru, indicating that students struggle significantly in mathematics, language, and science The CTL/PAKEM approach has primarily fostered student happiness and social connections, but has not effectively improved academic performance Conversely, students who excel in these subjects tend to work diligently, prioritizing their studies over a relaxed school atmosphere The 2013 curriculum designates English as optional local content for elementary schools, allowing institutions the flexibility to choose other subjects such as ICT, culture, or life skills If English is selected, it is essential to provide adequate resources, including trained teachers and learning materials.
Before young learners begin to speak a foreign language, they first absorb words, phrases, and sentences as their initial input This exposure serves as their first encounter with foreign vocabulary, following their native language Recognizing that speaking—specifically pronouncing new words—is the primary skill in young learners' activities is essential for educators.
The H123 English Afterschool Center offers significant advantages for children, particularly in areas like listening comprehension and long-term pronunciation benefits Although younger learners progress more slowly in grammar compared to older students, they generally find it easier to acquire new languages However, young learners face unique challenges that adult learners do not, such as ongoing physical and intellectual development, heightened emotional needs, and a reduced capacity for self-directed learning Therefore, I believe that teaching English to young learners is more effective than to older learners.
Younger learners tend to have a greater ability to understand and imitate spoken language, which can significantly enhance their overall English learning experience Starting to learn English at an earlier age can lead to many more years of language acquisition, making it beneficial for young students compared to secondary school pupils.
Figure 1 Frame grab of “Super Simple Song” website’s main page
Figure 2 Frame grab of “The Singing Walrus” website’s main page
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In today's world, effective communication in English is crucial, especially for students in developing countries who represent the future of their nations Mastering English not only enhances their educational prospects but also opens doors to stable job opportunities However, many students still struggle with speaking skills when interacting with foreigners, highlighting the need for improved English language education.
I would like to study about the techniques to improve English speaking skills for young learners at H123 English center
When teaching young learners, it's essential to recognize the diversity within the classroom, including varying abilities, motivations, expectations, knowledge, and learning styles To accommodate this mix, educators should employ diverse teaching methods and provide ample opportunities for all students to engage and thrive Fostering speaking skills requires collaborative discussions among teachers to establish effective guidelines that encourage student involvement and interest in learning foreign languages.
Learning a foreign language, such as English, involves complex activities similar to acquiring a mother tongue, especially for young learners It is essential for them to have ample time to listen to the language in the classroom and opportunities to repeat what they hear According to Slattery and Willis in "English for Primary Teachers," while repetition of set phrases does not equate to language acquisition, it plays a crucial role in preparing children for meaningful communication Repetition helps learners become comfortable with speaking English, practice intonation patterns, and build confidence, particularly when encouraged by positive reinforcement from teachers Therefore, it is recommended for teachers to provide more opportunities and time for students to listen and engage with the language.
8 words, utterances, set of phrases as a process of developing learners’ speaking skill
Teaching young learners is more manageable than it seems, as they eagerly absorb everything they hear Teachers' pronunciation of words, phrases, and sentences is crucial since young learners tend to mimic exactly what they listen to Early learning habits are often hard to change, making it essential for teachers to implement gradual and consistent revision techniques Creating a relaxed and positive classroom atmosphere is vital for maximizing learning outcomes Engaging activities such as dialogues, songs, poems, rhymes, and chants can enhance students' speaking skills and pronunciation Additionally, teachers should prioritize learner interaction, providing ample opportunities for students to practice speaking and pronouncing English both inside and outside the classroom.
To effectively communicate in English, children must learn essential vocabulary and structures During the initial phases of language acquisition, it's crucial to introduce new words orally, accompanied by visual aids such as pictures, drawings, puppets, real objects, videos, and expressive gestures For instance, miming the action of driving a car while showing a picture of a car can significantly enhance children's understanding of the word.
Teachers of young learners should prepare engaging materials during their pre-service teaching practice, such as town plan posters, animal face masks, puppets, puzzles, paper birthday cakes, and balloons Incorporating videos can also enhance learning by helping children recognize the names of dangerous sports, including activities like skydiving and rock climbing.
’rodeo riding’, ’scuba diving’ with big enjoyment
Information gap activities and role plays are effective tools for enhancing guided communication in children, transitioning them from structured language use to more spontaneous speaking Engaging scenarios like 'talking on the phone' or 'having tea' naturally motivate children to participate due to their fun and game-like elements An informal and non-competitive classroom atmosphere fosters readiness for real-life interactions Additionally, these activities encourage children to utilize various aspects of language, including tone, stress, intonation, and facial expressions, which are essential for achieving fluency.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Effective communication is essential for human interaction, making speaking a crucial skill for receiving, understanding, and evaluating information In the business world, especially in international settings, strong speaking abilities enable individuals to perform tasks efficiently Additionally, enhancing our speaking skills is vital for improving our listening capabilities.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study aims to explore effective methods for enhancing English speaking skills among young learners To gather data efficiently, a survey questionnaire and interviews will be utilized Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue for the future generation, the research will evaluate response rates to specific questions and include insights from a brief interview with a language teacher.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
a) Why do young learners need to improve speaking skills? b) Some methods that teacher can use to teach speaking skills for young learners in class.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION
Over a two-month period, I gathered data on speaking skill teaching methods from 20 English teachers at H123 Afterschool English Center The report is organized into five chapters, each focusing on specific aspects of the findings.
LITERATURE REVIEW
DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS
Speaking is a vital communication tool that enhances thinking and learning, serving as a foundation for language development It enables individuals to organize and express their thoughts, desires, and ideas effectively According to Hybel, speaking encompasses the sharing of information, emotions, and ideas, incorporating body language and style to enrich the message The Oxford Advanced Dictionary defines speaking as the act of expressing opinions and feelings through verbal communication, involving psychological, physiological, and physical processes.
Speaking is a process of building and sharing meaning through verbal and non-verbal symbols in various contexts According to Clark and Clark (1977), speaking is an instrumental act where speakers aim to influence their listeners They make assertions to alter knowledge, ask questions to gather information, and make requests to prompt actions The nature of the speech act is crucial in speech production, as speakers begin with the intention to affect their audience and select sentences that will achieve that goal Thus, speaking involves two main activities: planning what to say based on desired effects and executing the utterance.
12 put their plan into execution, uttering the segments, words, phrases, and sentences that make up the plan
When preparing their message, speakers face the challenge of choosing the right linguistic devices to effectively influence their audience Finding the optimal solution to this challenge can be quite complex.
A speaking technique is a structured learning activity designed by the teacher to align with the lesson's objectives and the principles of communicative-oriented teaching This approach ensures that both the teacher and students can effectively tackle specific language instruction tasks In contrast, organizational and pedagogical technology refers to the detailed, step-by-step process that facilitates the implementation of the technique, helping learners overcome cognitive challenges and achieve learning goals Essentially, while a technique is akin to the name of a recipe, organizational and pedagogical technology provides the comprehensive instructions necessary for successful execution.
The "secrets of Yorkshire pudding" serve as a metaphor for the importance of organizational and pedagogical technologies in education Just as the right combination of ingredients is essential for a perfect Yorkshire pudding, the effective organization of teaching methods is crucial for unlocking the full potential of educational techniques Without proper technological support, even the most renowned and reliable teaching strategies may ultimately fail to achieve their desired outcomes.
In other words, a “technique” is the name of a procedure while a
“technology” is the means to run it smoothly.
DATABASE
The study utilized a questionnaire as its primary method A questionnaire is defined as a research tool that comprises a series of questions or prompts designed to collect information from participants.
Questionnaires offer several advantages over other survey methods, including cost-effectiveness, reduced effort for the questioner compared to verbal or telephone surveys, and standardized answers that simplify data compilation To gather more comprehensive information for my research, I have chosen to utilize both a survey questionnaire and interviews as data collection instruments, as these methods are among the most efficient for obtaining results quickly and easily.
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter aims to review the relevant literature on the studied issues, organized into five sections The first section introduces the topic, while the second provides a comprehensive literature review The third section discusses various approaches to teaching speaking skills The fourth section presents the results and engages in discussion, and the final section offers conclusions and recommendations based on the findings.
The problems in teaching and learning English speaking
Achieving fluency in a foreign language within a classroom setting is widely acknowledged as a challenging endeavor Even advanced learners frequently complete their language courses feeling unprepared for real-world speaking situations outside the classroom.
This difficulty results basically from the character and inadequate frequency of speaking opportunities in the classroom in comparison to the abundance of natural varieties and genres of oral communication
Choosing the right types of spoken discourse for classroom practice in a language course is a challenging task that often fails to mirror the natural occurrence and distribution of real-life communicative situations.
Common issues in language classrooms often stem from individual learner personalities and their attitudes towards the learning process, particularly in speaking These challenges include inhibition, which manifests as a fear of making mistakes, losing face, facing criticism, or experiencing shyness Additionally, learners frequently encounter difficulties that hinder their speaking abilities.
Finding ideas to express opinions and relevant comments can be challenging for learners Additionally, low or uneven participation often arises when certain individuals dominate group discussions Furthermore, the use of the mother tongue is prevalent in less motivated or disciplined classes, as students tend to feel more comfortable communicating in their native language.
Language classrooms experience diverse situations regardless of students' proficiency levels or group sizes, as observed by many teachers Each learner brings their unique personality and prior experiences—both positive and negative—into the learning environment This individual aspect is especially prominent among older, more advanced learners, who typically possess a clear understanding of their specific challenges, a realistic evaluation of their developed skills, and well-defined learning needs.
English serves as a global means of communication, making it essential to learn However, mastering English as a foreign language can be challenging, which is why instruction should begin at the elementary level The four fundamental English skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—are interconnected and must be taught in an integrated manner Throughout the learning process, various challenges may arise in each skill, necessitating focused attention to address and resolve these issues effectively.
Non-linguistic challenges in learning English include limited access to resources, insufficient time for practice, infrequent study sessions, lack of a conversation partner, minimal opportunities to engage with native speakers, feelings of embarrassment, and the absence of a consistent practice routine.
In coping with the problems there are no significant different ways, these are asking to friend or teacher, opening the dictionary, practicing
15 with partners, reviewing the lesson at home, and trying to always be active in speaking activities
METHODOLOGY
METHODOLOGY
This qualitative research study aims to explore effective methods for teaching English speaking skills to young learners To gather insights, a survey questionnaire will be distributed to twenty teachers at H123 Afterschool English Center, along with ten students from the Teaching English major at Thu Dau Mot University Additionally, four targeted questions will be posed to randomly selected teachers from the center to gather diverse opinions.
• Is English important for us nowadays? Why?
• What do you usually use YouTube for?
• What kinds of games do you organize for students to improve their speaking skills?
• For you, what are the benefits of using activities in enhancing English speaking skills?
DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
The results of the study are presented in tables, and explanations are provided appropriately Together with the data from the questionnaires, the students’ opinions through the interview are presented
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH
Table 1: Why do we use YouTube to enhance English listening skills?
Question 1: I would like to know the reason why do you choose
YouTube to enhance English listening skills for young learners
Read the sentences and tick () a sentence when you:
[Notes: SD: Strongly Disagree; D: Disagree; N: Neutral; A: Agree; SA: Strongly Agree]
Generally, the majority of teachers at H123 center express positive attitudes towards using YouTube to enhance English listening skills with higher percentages of agreement (A) and strong agreement (SA)
According to the data presented in Table 1, a significant majority of teachers believe that YouTube effectively enhances English listening skills Notably, all participants (100%) strongly agree that YouTube offers a wealth of foreign channels, which assist young students in improving their pronunciation of vocabulary, while also allowing teachers to pause and facilitate learning.
Eighteen participants reported that they frequently rewind YouTube English videos to enhance their learning experience Notably, 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the diverse range of materials available on YouTube effectively promotes learning Additionally, 60% identified YouTube as the best tool for students to practice at various levels, while 50% appreciated the platform for providing information in an easily understandable format The remaining reasons for utilizing YouTube to improve English listening skills were supported by percentages ranging from 40% to 20%.
Noticeably, 10% of the teachers answer that they did not know exactly YouTube can provide a lot of information in easy-to-understand ways
Table 2: Some channels that the teacher show on YouTube to enhance young learners English listening skills
Question 2: I would like to know the measure of using some popular channels that you can search on YouTube to enhance English listening skills Read the sentences and tick ( ) a sentence when you:
Generally, the table shows that there is a big difference in the measure of using YouTube for several channels, namely Pink Fong, Super
Simple Song, Cocomelon, Dream English Kids Songs, The Singing
According to Table 2, 88% is the highest proportion of participants watching “Super Simple Song” channels on YouTube A massive 80% of the participants express that they usually watch “The Singing
The viewing habits of participants reveal that 72% sometimes watch "Dream English Kids Songs," while 70% often tune into "Pink Fong." Additionally, 40% sometimes watch "Cocomelon," with 36% doing so regularly In contrast, 26% usually watch "Pink Fong," and 24% often engage with "Cocomelon." The "Singing Walrus" channel attracts 20% of participants, while "Dream English Kids Songs" has a viewership of approximately 16% A smaller segment, 12%, frequently watches "Super Simple Songs," and only 8% rarely view "Dream English Kids Songs." Lastly, a modest 4% of participants occasionally watch "Pink Fong" and regularly follow "Dream English Kids Songs."
Is English important for us nowadays? Why?
English proficiency is crucial in today's job market, as it significantly enhances employment opportunities Companies, especially in English-speaking countries like the United States, seek employees who can communicate fluently with English-speaking partners and clients Those who lack English skills face considerable economic disadvantages in these environments.
In today's world, English plays a crucial role as the primary language of science and technology, making it essential for success Proficiency in English opens up numerous opportunities for collaboration and innovation, allowing speakers to effectively share ideas and work with others in these dynamic fields.
Speaking English significantly enhances travel experiences, as it is widely used as a first or second language in numerous countries globally This linguistic ability simplifies communication and navigation while exploring new destinations.
21 communicate with English speakers as well as solve some difficult problems when traveling
What do you usually use YouTube for?
• Actually, I use YouTube for entertainment and educational purposes If I feel stress, I will watch some interesting videos on YouTube such as game shows, short films, etc
• I usually use YouTube for entertainment and educational purposes because it has a lot of different channels that can provide me more interesting information or meaningful lesson
• I often search for some useful videos on YouTube to learn English because it is very important for me to have a good job with a high salary in the future
What kinds of games do you organize for students to improve their speaking skills?
Technique is a procedure used to accomplish a specific activity or task There are some techniques to teach speaking according to Nunan
An information gap activity involves one person possessing knowledge that the other does not, necessitating the use of the target language to communicate that information For example, a student may have directions to a party and must convey these details to a classmate, fostering language practice and interaction.
Jigsaw activities involve a bidirectional or multidirectional exchange of information, where each participant holds unique details that the other requires For instance, one student may possess a train travel timetable for Canada, while another has a map of the country To successfully plan a week-long trip without revealing their visual materials, they must communicate in English, fostering both language skills and teamwork.
Role plays are effective activities for enhancing speaking skills in a safe classroom environment During these exercises, students assume specific roles in the target language, allowing them to practice conversational skills in a realistic context For instance, one student might portray a character while another engages with them, fostering interaction and language development.
22 the role of a police officer trying to help the tourist file a report Role plays give learners practice speaking the target language before they must do so in a real environment
Simulations offer a more complex learning experience than role plays by creating a realistic environment for language practice through the use of props and documents For example, in a grocery store-themed lesson, a teacher can provide actual products like crackers, coffee, and jam, along with play money, allowing students to engage in authentic purchasing scenarios This setup enables students to practice transactional speaking skills at a simulated checkout counter, enhancing their language acquisition in a practical context.
Contact assignments require students to engage with the target language outside the classroom by interacting with people in real-world settings For instance, while at a grocery store, students might inquire about the delivery schedule for fresh fruit, enhancing their language skills through practical application.
Teachers can implement contact assignments in foreign language classes by allowing students to engage with tourists, exchange students, or international business individuals For instance, students can conduct interviews at train stations or ferry terminals Following these interactions, students should compile and present their findings from the class survey When creating a contact assignment, ensure that the necessary information cannot be obtained through existing written sources, as the goal is to encourage students to converse in the target language.
There are some principles proposed by Brown (2000) for designing speaking techniques Those are as follow:
To effectively address the diverse needs of learners, it is essential to incorporate a variety of techniques that balance language accuracy with interactive communication, meaning, and fluency Designing engaging tasks that enable students to recognize and utilize the fundamental elements of language is crucial Avoid monotonous and repetitive drills that can disengage students; instead, focus on dynamic methods that stimulate interest and enhance learning.
To foster intrinsic motivation in students, it is essential to clearly communicate the benefits of activities When students understand the purpose behind tasks, they are more likely to engage and find value in their learning experiences.
- Encourage the use of authentic language in meaningful contexts:
It takes energy and creativity to devise authentic contexts and meaningful interaction, but with the help of a storehouse of teacher resource material, it can be done
- Provide appropriate feedback and correction: It is important to take advantage of teachers‟ knowledge of English to inject the kinds of corrective feedback that are appropriate for the moment
DISCUSSIONS
Many teachers choose YouTube as a valuable training tool for teaching English speaking skills to children, recognizing its numerous benefits The high percentage of educators who agree on its effectiveness highlights YouTube's role in education It offers a wealth of resources, including talk shows, English music, conversations, news, and films, which enhance learning By exposing children to native pronunciation and diverse content, YouTube significantly aids in improving their pronunciation and listening skills.
Children benefit from visual learning as they can see words and images on screen, which enhances their memory retention Engaging videos with high-quality visuals and captivating topics capture viewers' attention, facilitating learning in manageable segments that make information easier to recall This approach not only helps kids acquire new vocabulary across various subjects but also improves their listening skills in English, ultimately aiding them in achieving higher test scores.
There is a significant disparity in how teachers utilize various YouTube channels, with popular foreign channels like "Super Simple Songs" and "The Singing Walrus" being frequently accessed by students This trend highlights several reasons why these well-known channels are preferred for enhancing English listening skills.
Dream English Kids Songs offers engaging short lessons covering various aspects of English grammar and vocabulary, catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners Similarly, Cocomelon presents a creative approach to learning English through short cartoon-like lessons delivered by trained teachers, featuring subtitles and simplified language for better understanding This channel provides an enjoyable way to enhance English language skills.
Exploring 26 engaging topics can enhance your English skills while you watch news in English The Pink Fong channel offers a wealth of influential children's videos, though it, along with Dream English Kids Songs, is not highly favored by English teachers This preference is reflected in survey results, indicating that educators tend to trust well-known organizational channels over individual videos from foreign creators, likely due to concerns about information accuracy and native pronunciation Nonetheless, a small number of teachers do seek out content from these channels, primarily because they feature simple songs suitable for kindergarteners and provide lessons in speaking, reading, and writing that cater to learners of all ages.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
CONCLUSION
This study aimed to explore the use of YouTube as a tool for enhancing English listening skills among non-English major students at Thu Dau Mot University The results indicated that most students prefer YouTube for independent English learning at home, recognizing its diverse benefits, such as exposure to native speakers and the ability to practice speaking accurately Students also understand the importance of English in today's job market However, preferences for popular learning channels on YouTube vary based on individual levels, interests, and methods of improving listening skills through various formats like short videos and talk shows The study has limitations, as it primarily focused on students' reasons for choosing YouTube and their perceptions of its benefits, without addressing the challenges they face in learning English listening skills or measuring their improvement Future research is recommended to delve deeper into these aspects of educational technology.
In my recent research, I encountered some challenges, but I strived to complete it to the best of my ability I would like to offer a few constructive recommendations for our university Firstly, I believe that the Faculty of Foreign Languages should introduce major specializations earlier, allowing students to gain career orientation and deeper insights into fields such as Professional English in Marketing and English pedagogy Secondly, it would be beneficial for our faculty to organize summer internships for final-year students, as this period is ideal for gaining practical experience without added stress Lastly, I recommend that our faculty improve communication by promptly relaying important information to students, ensuring they stay informed and engaged in their learning journey.
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My name is Pham Nhat Ha, a student at Thu Dau Mot University, and I am currently conducting a research survey focused on utilizing YouTube to improve English speaking skills among young learners I appreciate your cooperation in helping me complete this survey, and I thank you for your support!
I would like to know the reason why do you choose YouTube to enhance student’s speaking skills Read the sentences and tick () a sentence when you:
[ Notes : SD: Strongly Disagree; D: Disagree; N: Neutral; A: Agree; SA:
1 Providing a lot of information in easy-to- understand ways
2 Having a variety of materials can promote learning
YouTube English videos whenever we need to
4 There are many different levels to practice
5 There are a lot of foreign channels that can help the students pronounce vocabulary correctly.