Rationale of the study
The significance of the English language as a global means of communication is undeniable in today's world Its dominance is evident, with some nations using it as a mother tongue while others incorporate it as a second language in their educational systems English serves as a bridge for communication among diverse cultures and is also the primary language in the fields of science and technology.
English serves as the universal language of computers, facilitating global connectivity through Internet technology and email Consequently, proficiency in English is essential for effectively navigating the online world, making the mastery of this foreign language increasingly important.
Studying a language is intrinsically linked to learning vocabulary, as it serves as the foundation for effective communication Words are essential for conveying meaning and forming sentences, conversations, and various forms of discourse Moreover, vocabulary is crucial across all language skills, highlighting its significance in the language learning process Therefore, a strong vocabulary is vital for mastering any language.
Learning English vocabulary can be challenging, particularly for primary students who often struggle with memorizing new words, their meanings, spellings, and pronunciations Many of these students find it difficult to apply grammar correctly in sentences and may have trouble understanding spoken or visual content Additionally, traditional teaching methods used in primary schools can lead to student disengagement and boredom To enhance vocabulary acquisition and maintain student interest, it is essential to implement engaging and innovative teaching techniques in English language education.
This article aims to present effective techniques for teaching English vocabulary in primary schools, with the goal of engaging students in the learning process Given the constraints of my English knowledge and the scope of my graduation paper, I have chosen to focus on the research topic: "A Study on Techniques to Teach English Vocabulary in Primary Schools in Quang Ninh."
Aims of the study
The primary objective of my research is to propose effective techniques for teaching English vocabulary in primary schools, aiming to enhance student engagement and ensure mastery of the material To achieve this goal, the study focuses on specific methodologies that can improve the learning experience.
To study the theory related to vocabulary, psychology features of primary students and some techniques for teacher to apply
To get known about the reality of teaching and learning in primary schools in Quang Ninh
To provide some suggested techniques to teach English vocabulary in primary schools in Quang Ninh to attract students‟ interest and involvements in lessons.
Scope of the study
Teaching English vocabulary to primary students involves various techniques that require significant time and effort Vocabulary encompasses meaning, grammar, pronunciation, and spelling However, due to limited time, resources, and knowledge, this study will specifically focus on effective vocabulary teaching techniques for 3rd and 4th-grade students.
5 th grades in Quang Ninh, because all most of primary schools start teaching English for these grades, some start from 1 st grade but it is not popular.
Methods of the study
This graduation paper utilized various methods, including the collection and detailed analysis of references, books, and websites related to English language teaching, to establish a solid theoretical foundation.
A survey was conducted among primary students in various schools in Quang Ninh to assess their understanding, attitudes, and evaluations regarding specific subjects The study aimed to identify the challenges they face and the activities they enjoy during lessons.
The study is divided into three main parts: Introduction, Development, and conclusion
Part I: Introduction shows the reasons to choose the study, the aims, scope, methods and design of the study
Part II: Development consists of three chapters:
Chapter 1: “Theoretical background” focuses on the aims to answer the questions related to vocabulary, techniques to teaching English vocabulary, and some primary students „psychology features
Chapter 2: “The study on techniques to teach English vocabulary in primary schools in Quang Ninh” refers to the survey questionnaire and analyzed findings of questionnaire results
Chapter 3 presents effective techniques for teaching vocabulary in primary schools in Quang Ninh, offering a variety of engaging activities designed to capture the interest and participation of young learners These methods aim to enhance vocabulary acquisition while making the learning process enjoyable and interactive for students.
Part III: Conclusion in which all the issued mentioned above are summarized
In summary, Part I outlines the rationale, objectives, scope, methods, and design of the graduation paper Part II presents a literature review focused on techniques for teaching English vocabulary in primary schools in Quang Ninh, along with recommended strategies for vocabulary instruction in these educational settings.
“If language structures make up the skeleton of language, then it is vocabulary that provides the vital organs and the flesh”, (Harmer 1993-153)
Since the emergence of language teaching as a profession in the twentieth century, vocabulary has remained a crucial focus in various teaching approaches, even when some methods overlook its significance Recently, however, both methodologists and linguists have begun to emphasize the importance of vocabulary in language education, prompting a reassessment of teaching and learning strategies related to vocabulary acquisition.
Humans are distinct from animals primarily due to their ability to use verbal language for communication and thought Unlike animals, humans can exchange information effectively through spoken words Observing a child's journey in acquiring speech highlights the process of learning new vocabulary, leading us to believe that adults with extensive vocabularies possess superior command of the language.
There are many definitions about vocabulary
A vocabulary encompasses all the words known and utilized by an individual, as well as the entirety of words present in a specific language or subject (Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary) However, Dr Sebastian Wren emphasizes that an individual's vocabulary does not represent all the words they encounter Thus, a comprehensive vocabulary includes the last two categories of a broader word exposure list.
Heard the word, but cannot define it
Recognize the word due to context or tone of voice
Able to use the word but cannot clearly explain it
Fluent with the word – its use and definition
Vocabulary encompasses more than just knowledge of words and their meanings; it is divided into two forms: oral and print Oral vocabulary consists of words we recognize and use in listening and speaking, while print vocabulary pertains to words we identify and utilize in reading and writing Additionally, vocabulary knowledge is categorized into receptive and productive forms Receptive vocabulary includes words we understand when we hear or see them, and is generally larger than our productive vocabulary, which consists of words we actively use in speech and writing This distinction highlights that we may recognize many words and assign meanings to them without fully knowing their definitions or using them in our communication.
Besides, according to Webster‟s Dictionary (1993-327) “ Vocabulary is a list or group of words and phrase, usually in alphabetical order”
Vocabulary is a crucial element of language that encompasses the meanings and usage of words (Harimurti Kridalaksana, 1993) It plays a significant role in learning English, alongside sound systems, grammar, and cultural understanding As individuals age, their vocabulary expands and evolves, becoming an essential tool for effective communication and knowledge acquisition Ultimately, a person's vocabulary consists of the words they are familiar with in a given language.
In general, vocabulary is divided into four types: reading vocabulary, listening vocabulary, writing vocabulary and speaking vocabulary
Reading vocabulary is made up of the words in print that we recognize or can figure out
A person's reading vocabulary is all the words he or she can recognize when reading This is the largest type of vocabulary simply because it includes the other three
Students' vocabulary knowledge is closely linked to their reading comprehension and academic achievement This connection is intuitive, as a robust vocabulary allows students to grasp the meaning of texts more effectively Additionally, possessing various strategies to decode unfamiliar words enhances their understanding and overall learning experience.
Listening vocabulary refers to the words we need to know to understand what we hear
A person's listening vocabulary is all the words he or she can recognize when listening to speech This vocabulary is aided in size by context and tone of voice
Writing vocabulary consists of the words we use in writing
A person's writing vocabulary is all the words he or she can employ in writing Contrary to the previous two vocabulary types, the writing vocabulary is stimulated by its user
Speaking vocabulary consists of the words we use in everyday speech
A person's speaking vocabulary encompasses all the words they can effectively use in conversation Due to its spontaneous nature, this vocabulary may sometimes lead to unintentional misuse of words However, such miscommunication can often be mitigated through the use of facial expressions, tone of voice, and hand gestures.
However, according to Nation (1990-29), vocabulary is divided in the specific reference, such a word
Understanding a word encompasses recognizing its sound when heard and its appearance when seen, as well as anticipating its grammatical patterns This skill involves differentiating the word from similar forms and assessing whether its form sounds or looks correct.
Understanding a word encompasses several key aspects: the ability to pronounce it correctly, spell it accurately, and utilize it within appropriate grammatical structures It also involves recognizing common collocations and avoiding overuse of low-frequency words Additionally, effective word usage requires selecting the right context and being capable of identifying suitable synonyms to convey the intended meaning.
Jo Ann Aeborsold and Mary Lee Field classified vocabulary into two terms: active vocabulary and passive vocabulary
Active vocabulary, also known as productive vocabulary, refers to the words that learners can effectively use in speaking and writing Mastering this type of vocabulary is challenging, as it requires not only correct pronunciation but also a solid understanding of the target language's grammar Additionally, students should be familiar with word collocations and grasp the connotative meanings of words Active vocabulary plays a crucial role in enhancing both speaking and writing skills.
Passive vocabulary, also known as receptive vocabulary, encompasses the language items that individuals can recognize and understand while reading or listening This type of vocabulary consists of the words that people comprehend during these activities, highlighting the importance of comprehension in language acquisition.