INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
A recent PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) survey conducted by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) revealed noteworthy findings Among 510,000 students aged 15 to 16 from 65 PISA member countries, representing a total of 28 million children, Indonesia has achieved the highest ranking among its peers in the assessment.
Students experience happiness and form friendships easily at school, which is essential for their development The PISA assessment evaluates the knowledge and abilities of 15 to 16-year-olds in mathematics, reading, and science, providing insights into the educational quality of different countries According to Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary-General, nations increasingly seek successful educational policies beyond their borders, as global success is now measured against the best-performing education systems rather than solely national standards This highlights the critical role of education in national development.
Indonesia's performance in the PISA rankings highlights a significant gap between student achievement and competency in mathematics, language, and science, with the country ranking second lowest among 65 nations, just above Peru While Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taipei lead in scores, Indonesia's education system, as of PISA 2012, falls short of its goals Interestingly, the school-based curriculum (KTSP) utilizing the CTL/PAKEM approach has resulted in Indonesian students reporting higher levels of happiness at school compared to their peers in higher-scoring countries, which often rank lower in student happiness Despite this, Indonesia's low rankings indicate that students are not effectively learning core subjects The CTL/PAKEM approach seems to prioritize student enjoyment and social connections over academic rigor, suggesting that those who excel in mathematics, language, and science tend to work harder and sacrifice a relaxed school environment.
The 2013 curriculum designates English as local content in elementary schools, meaning it is not treated as a secondary language but rather as an optional subject Schools have the flexibility to prioritize English or opt for other subjects like ICT, cultural studies, or life skills If English is selected as part of the curriculum, it is essential to ensure that teachers, learning materials, and necessary resources are adequately provided.
Before young learners can speak a foreign language, they first absorb it through listening to words, phrases, and sentences This initial exposure serves as their foundational experience with foreign vocabulary, occurring after their native language Therefore, teachers should prioritize the development of pronunciation skills, as speaking is a crucial activity for young learners.
H123 (English Afterschool Center) at school is beneficial for children as an early start in language learning enhances their listening comprehension and pronunciation over time While younger learners may progress more slowly in grammar compared to older students, they still find it easier to acquire new languages However, young learners face unique challenges, such as ongoing physical and intellectual development, higher emotional needs, and a limited ability to take responsibility for their own learning Overall, I believe that teaching English to young learners is more effective than to older learners.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In today's world, effective communication in English is crucial, especially for students in developing countries who represent the future workforce Mastering English not only enhances their educational prospects but also opens doors to stable job opportunities Despite its importance, many students struggle with speaking skills when interacting with foreigners This highlights the need for effective techniques to improve English speaking abilities among young learners, prompting my interest in studying these methods at H123 English Center.
When teaching young learners, it's essential to recognize the diversity in abilities, motivation levels, expectations, knowledge, and learning styles within the class To ensure all students can engage and thrive, educators should employ varied teaching methods and provide ample opportunities for growth Additionally, enhancing speaking skills requires focused discussions among teachers to establish effective guidelines that support students' development.
Younger learners tend to grasp and imitate language more effectively than older students, which suggests that starting to learn English at an earlier age can significantly enhance the overall duration of language acquisition.
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Figure 1 Frame grab of “Super Simple Song” website's main page.
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Figure 2 Frame grab of “The Singing Walrus” website's main page.
( http://thesingingwalrus.com/) involved and interested in learning foreign language.
Learning to communicate in a foreign language, such as English, involves complex language acquisition activities similar to mastering one's mother tongue Young learners require ample time to listen to the language in the classroom and opportunities to repeat the phrases they hear According to Slattery and Willis in "English for Primary Teachers," while repetition of set phrases alone does not equate to language acquisition, it is crucial for preparing children for meaningful communication This process helps them become accustomed to speaking English, practice intonation patterns, and build confidence, especially with positive reinforcement from teachers Therefore, it is recommended that teachers provide more opportunities and time for learners to listen to and repeat words, phrases, and utterances to enhance their speaking skills.
Teaching young learners is easier than it seems, as they readily absorb information and mimic pronunciation The clarity of a teacher's speech is crucial, as children tend to repeat exactly what they hear Early learning experiences are hard to alter later, making consistent practice essential Creating a relaxed and positive classroom atmosphere is key to achieving optimal results Engaging activities such as dialogues, songs, poems, and chants can enhance students' speaking skills and pronunciation Teachers should prioritize interaction, providing ample opportunities for learners to practice speaking English both in and out of the classroom.
For effective communication in English, children must develop essential vocabulary and grammatical structures During the initial stages of language learning, it is crucial to present new vocabulary orally, accompanied by ample support to enhance understanding.
Incorporating visual aids such as pictures, drawings, puppets, and videos, along with techniques like mime and facial expressions, significantly enhances young learners' understanding of concepts For example, miming the action of driving a car while showing an image of a car helps children quickly grasp the terms 'drive' and 'car.' Therefore, it is essential for teachers in pre-service training to prepare engaging materials, including town plan posters, animal masks, puppets, puzzles, and videos, to teach children the names of exciting yet dangerous sports like 'skydiving,' 'rock climbing,' 'rodeo riding,' and 'scuba diving' in a fun and enjoyable manner.
Information gap activities foster guided communication, while role plays transition children from structured to more spontaneous language use, ultimately preparing them for free speaking Engaging scenarios like 'talking on the phone' or 'having tea' motivate children through the fun and game-like elements involved An informal, non-competitive classroom atmosphere enhances these activities, equipping children for real-life interactions Additionally, these activities encourage the use of various aspects of language, including tone, stress, intonation, and facial expressions, all of which contribute to developing fluency.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Effective communication is essential for human interaction, making speaking a vital skill for receiving, understanding, and evaluating information In a business context, particularly in international settings, strong speaking abilities facilitate task performance Additionally, enhancing our speaking skills is crucial for developing our listening capabilities.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study aims to explore effective methods for enhancing young learners' English speaking skills To gather data efficiently, a survey questionnaire and interviews will be employed Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue for the future generation, the research will assess the percentage of improvement through specific questions and document responses from language teachers in brief interviews.
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 teaching speaking skill methods from 20 English teachers at H123 Afterschool English Center The report is structured into five chapters, with each chapter focusing on specific responsibilities related to the findings.
LITERATURE REVIEW
DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS
Speaking is a vital communication tool that enhances thinking and learning, serving as the foundation for language development It shapes and organizes thoughts, enabling individuals to express ideas, desires, and emotions effectively According to Hybel, speaking encompasses the sharing of information and feelings, incorporating body language and style to add meaning to messages The Oxford Advanced Dictionary defines speaking as the act of expressing opinions and ideas through verbal communication, involving psychological, physiological, and physical processes.
According to expert Chaney, speaking involves constructing and conveying meaning through verbal and non-verbal symbols in various contexts Clark and Clark (1977) describe speaking as an instrumental act where speakers aim to influence their listeners by altering their knowledge, seeking information, or requesting actions The nature of the speech act is crucial in speech production, as speakers begin with the intention to affect their audience and choose sentences that will achieve this goal Consequently, speaking consists of two main activities: planning and execution Initially, speakers plan their message based on the desired impact on their listeners' mental states, followed by the execution phase where they articulate the words, phrases, and sentences that align with their plan.
When preparing their message, speakers face the challenge of choosing the right linguistic devices to effectively influence their audience Finding the appropriate tools to achieve their intended impact is a complex task.
A speaking technique is a structured learning activity designed by the teacher to achieve specific lesson goals within a communicative-oriented teaching framework This approach aligns teaching techniques with lesson objectives, enabling both teachers and students to effectively tackle language instruction tasks In contrast, organizational and pedagogical technology refers to the detailed, step-by-step processes that facilitate the implementation of these techniques, helping learners overcome cognitive challenges and meet learning objectives more effectively To illustrate, a teaching technique is akin to a Yorkshire pudding recipe, while the organizational technology represents the essential tips for perfecting it This metaphor emphasizes the importance of organizational and pedagogical technologies in maximizing the effectiveness of teaching techniques; without proper technological organization, even the most renowned teaching methods may fail to deliver impactful results.
“ingredients” may be doomed to failure.
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 research 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 researcher compared to verbal or telephone surveys, and the ability to easily compile standardized responses To gather more comprehensive information for my research, I have decided to utilize both survey questionnaires and interviews, as these are among the most efficient tools for quickly and effectively collecting data.
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter aims to review relevant literature concerning the study's issues, organized into five sections: the first section introduces the topic, the second presents the literature review, the third discusses approaches to teaching speaking, the fourth covers results and discussion, and the final section offers conclusions and recommendations.
The problems in teaching and learning English speaking
Mastering foreign language speaking skills in a classroom setting is widely acknowledged as a challenging endeavor Even those at advanced levels frequently complete language courses feeling unprepared for real-world conversations outside the classroom.
The challenge in developing speaking skills in the classroom stems from the limited opportunities for oral communication compared to the diverse range of natural spoken discourse Choosing the right types of spoken interaction for language courses is a complex task that often fails to align with the real-world distribution of communicative contexts.
Common challenges in language classrooms include individual learner personalities and attitudes, particularly regarding speaking Inhibition, characterized by the fear of making mistakes or facing criticism, often hinders participation Additionally, students frequently struggle to generate ideas, articulate opinions, or contribute relevant comments Uneven participation can arise when certain learners dominate discussions, while the use of the mother tongue is prevalent in less disciplined or motivated classes, as students may find it easier to express themselves in their native language.
Teachers observe that language classroom dynamics are influenced by various factors, regardless of students' proficiency levels or group sizes 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, advanced learners who possess a clear understanding of their challenges, an accurate assessment of their developed skills, and well-defined learning needs.
English serves as a vital international language for global communication, making its study essential However, learning English as a foreign language presents challenges, which is why it is important to introduce English education at the elementary level The four essential skills of English—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—are interconnected and should be taught in an integrated manner Throughout the learning process, various challenges may arise within each skill, necessitating focused attention to address and resolve these issues effectively.
Non-linguistic challenges in learning English include limited reference materials, insufficient practice time, infrequent study sessions, lack of conversation partners, no opportunities to speak with native speakers, feelings of shame, and the absence of a consistent practice routine To address these issues, learners can seek help from friends or teachers, utilize dictionaries, practice with partners, review lessons at home, and actively engage in speaking activities to enhance their language skills.
METHODOLOGY
METHODOLOGY
This qualitative study aims to explore effective methods for teaching English speaking skills to young learners To gather insights, a survey will be conducted with twenty teachers from the H123 Afterschool English Center, along with ten students majoring in Teaching English at Thu Dau Mot University The research will include four key questions designed to capture the perspectives of randomly selected teachers from the center.
• 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 enhancingEnglish 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]
1 Providing a lot of information in easy-to- 0 0 5
2 Having a variety of 0 0 0 10 40 materials can promote learning 0% 0% 0% 20% 80%
YouTube English videos 0 0 0 0 50 whenever we need to 0% 0% 0% 0% 100%
4 There are many different 0 0 0 20 30 levels to practice 0% 0% 0% 40% 60%
5 There are a Jot of foreign channels that can help the 0 0 0 0 50 students pronounce vocabulary correctly.
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 survey results, teachers overwhelmingly agree that YouTube is an effective resource for enhancing English listening skills, with 100% of participants recognizing its vast array of foreign channels that aid in correct vocabulary pronunciation and allow for pausing and rewinding videos Additionally, 80% of respondents appreciate the diverse materials available on YouTube that foster learning, while 60% view it as the best tool for offering varying levels of practice for students Furthermore, 50% highlight the platform's ability to present information in an easily understandable manner, with the remaining reasons for using YouTube to improve English listening skills falling between 40% and 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:
The table highlights significant disparities in YouTube usage across various channels, including Pink Fong, Super Simple Songs, Cocomelon, Dream English Kids Songs, and The Singing Walrus.
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 YouTube channel "Walrus" has garnered significant attention, with a notable engagement rate among viewers Meanwhile, 72% of participants reported occasionally watching "Dream English Kids Songs," and 70% frequently tune into "Pink Fong." Additionally, 40% of participants watch "Cocomelon" sometimes, while 36% do so regularly Furthermore, 26% of participants indicated that they typically watch "Cocomelon."
“Pink Fong” channels and 24% is the rate of the participants that they often use “Cocomelon” Also, the measure of the participants who often watch
The "Singing Walrus" channel is viewed by 20% of participants, while "Dream English Kids Songs" attracts just under 20%, approximately 16% In contrast, only 12% of participants frequently watch "Super Simple Songs," and 8% rarely engage with "Dream English Kids Songs." Additionally, a modest 4% of participants sometimes watch "Pink Fong" and typically watch "Dream English Kids Songs."
Is English important for us nowadays? Why?
English proficiency is essential in today's job market, as it significantly enhances employment opportunities Many foreign companies seek employees who can effectively communicate with English-speaking partners and clients In particular, individuals in the United States and other English-speaking nations face economic disadvantages if they lack English language skills.
English is crucial in today's world as it serves as the primary language of science and technology Proficiency in English opens up numerous opportunities for collaboration and the effective exchange of ideas and innovations in these fields.
Speaking English significantly enhances travel experiences, as it is widely used as a first or second language in numerous countries This proficiency facilitates communication with English speakers and aids in resolving challenges that may arise while traveling.
• 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 another does not, requiring them to communicate using the target language to bridge the gap For example, a student with directions to a party must convey that information to a classmate, facilitating language practice and enhancing communication skills.
Jigsaw activities involve a bidirectional or multidirectional information gap, where each participant possesses unique information that the other requires For instance, one student may have a train travel timetable for Canada, while another holds a map of the country To successfully plan a week-long trip, they must communicate in English without revealing their visual materials.
Role plays are effective classroom activities that enhance speaking skills in a safe environment In these exercises, students assume specific roles in the target language, such as a police officer assisting a tourist with a report This practice allows learners to gain confidence in speaking the target language before applying their skills in real-life situations.
Simulations offer a more detailed and immersive experience than role plays by creating a realistic environment for language practice through the use of props and documents For example, during a grocery store lesson, a teacher can introduce actual products like crackers, coffee, and jam, along with play money, allowing students to engage in realistic purchasing scenarios Setting up a checkout counter enables students to practice their transactional speaking skills 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 enhance foreign language learning by incorporating contact assignments that involve interaction with tourists, exchange students, or international business professionals For instance, at a train station or ferry terminal, students can conduct interviews with tourists, allowing them to practice speaking in the target language After the interviews, students should compile their findings and share what they learned with the class It's essential that the information gathered cannot be found in written sources, as the goal is to encourage students to engage in real conversations using 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, incorporate techniques that range from a language-based emphasis on accuracy to a message-based focus on interaction, meaning, and fluency It's essential to design tasks that enable students to recognize and utilize the fundamental elements of language Avoid monotonous and repetitive drills that may disengage your students; instead, strive for engaging and dynamic activities that stimulate their interest and enhance their learning experience.
DISCUSSIONS
Many teachers choose YouTube as a training tool for teaching English speaking skills to children due to its numerous benefits A significant percentage of educators recognize the value of YouTube in their teaching practices This platform serves as an essential resource, offering a wide variety of channels that include talk shows, music, conversations, news, and films in English By exposing children to these diverse media, they can enhance their pronunciation and listening skills effectively.
Children benefit from visual learning through engaging videos that combine words and images, enhancing memory retention High-quality visuals and captivating topics captivate viewers, while breaking down information into smaller segments facilitates easier understanding This approach not only expands children's vocabulary across diverse subjects but also teaches them effective listening skills in English, ultimately aiding their performance in tests for higher marks.
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 can be attributed to several reasons, as these channels effectively enhance English listening skills through engaging content.
Dream English Kids Songs offers short lessons on English grammar and vocabulary for learners at all levels, presented by trained teachers with subtitles Cocomelon provides engaging cartoon-like lessons that make learning enjoyable The Pink Fong channel features a variety of influential children's videos, although it and Dream English Kids Songs are less favored by English teachers, who tend to prefer well-known educational channels for their reliability in pronunciation and information accuracy Nonetheless, some teachers appreciate the simple songs and comprehensive lessons on speaking, reading, and writing that these channels offer, making them valuable resources for kindergarten learners and beyond.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
CONCLUSION
The 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 Findings indicated that most students prefer YouTube for self-directed English learning at home, recognizing its benefits in improving their listening skills through exposure to native speakers Students also understand the significance of English in today's job market However, the research had limitations, focusing primarily on students' reasons for choosing YouTube, the popularity of certain channels, and perceived benefits, while not addressing the challenges faced in developing listening skills or measuring improvements in their listening abilities Future research is encouraged to delve deeper into these aspects of educational technology.
RECOMMENDATION
In my recent research, I encountered some challenges, but I aimed to complete it to the best of my ability I have several constructive recommendations for our university Firstly, I believe that the Faculty of Foreign Languages should clearly define majors early on, allowing students to gain career orientation and deepen their understanding of specialized fields such as Professional English in Marketing and English pedagogy Secondly, for final-year students, arranging summer internships would provide valuable experience without the stress of academic pressure Lastly, it is crucial for our faculty to communicate important information to students promptly to ensure they stay informed and engaged in their learning process.
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My name is Pham Nhat Ha, a student at Thu Dau Mot University I am currently conducting a research survey focused on utilizing YouTube to improve English speaking skills among young learners I would greatly appreciate your cooperation in completing this survey Thank you for your support!
YouTube is chosen as a tool to enhance students' speaking skills due to its vast range of resources and engaging content The platform offers diverse videos that cater to different learning styles, making it easier for students to practice speaking Additionally, YouTube allows for interactive learning experiences, enabling students to mimic native speakers and improve their pronunciation The accessibility of YouTube means that students can practice speaking at their own pace, which fosters confidence and fluency Overall, using YouTube as an educational tool can significantly contribute to the development of effective speaking skills in students.
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.