INTRODUCTION
Rationale
English has emerged as the global language for business, technology, and academia, necessitating effective communication across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds Today, most English speakers are found in countries where it is used as a second or foreign language Mastering English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is essential for successful oral communication, making it a complex yet vital skill for interpersonal interactions.
Learning English involves four fundamental skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing These skills are interconnected and support one another, each playing a vital role in language acquisition Among them, speaking is often considered the most crucial skill for effective communication in English.
Many students struggle with speaking skills, particularly English majors at Haiphong T&M University, who face challenges such as limited practice environments, fear of making mistakes, and outdated high school teaching methods that emphasize writing and reading over speaking and listening As effective English communication, which relies heavily on speaking and listening, becomes increasingly vital for future success, addressing these issues is essential for their development.
This study aims to explore the speaking skills of second-year English majors at Haiphong T&M University and propose effective solutions for improvement By identifying common errors and offering corrective strategies, the research seeks to enhance students' speaking abilities, ultimately increasing their prospects for a successful future It is hoped that the findings will benefit not only second-year English majors but also the broader English major community in enhancing their speaking proficiency.
Aims of the study
This study aims to identify the challenges and errors faced by second-year English majors in developing their speaking skills, while also offering suggestions for improvement The expectation is that the findings will effectively enhance their speaking abilities and boost their confidence in communicating with foreigners in English.
Scope of the study
This study analyzed data from 40 second-year English majors at Haiphong T&M University, revealing that after one year of university-level English instruction, many students still struggle with common speaking errors Despite identifying specific difficulties, these students continue to face persistent challenges in their English speaking skills.
Method of study
This study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, beginning with my personal journey of learning English speaking skills as a second-year student and expanding to include second-year English majors The survey data aims to identify the challenges and errors they encounter in their speaking development Drawing from both my experiences and those of the participants, the research is designed to provide detailed suggestions for enhancing their speaking skills Additionally, I gathered further insights and evidence from friends, books, and online resources to enrich the survey questionnaire A significant contribution to this study comes from Mrs Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, whose guidance has been invaluable in completing this research.
Design of the study
This study consists in three parts:
In this part, I introduce rationale, the aim of the study, the scope of the study, the method of the study and the design of the study
Firstly, this study introduces about English speaking skill and its definition Then, it points out some difficulties and errors that students will face when they learn English speaking
Next chapter mainly focuses on survey questionnaire by second year English majors at Haiphong T&M University It contains survey-questionnaire, data analysis as well as discussion
Last chapter includes solutions and recommendation for second year English-majors to improve their speaking skill in the future
In this part, some limitations and suggestions for further research are stated.
DEVELOPMENT
This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive literature review related to the study's issues, structured into five key sections The first section defines speaking, while the second highlights its significance The third section addresses the challenges students encounter in speaking, followed by a review of common speaking errors in the fourth section Finally, the chapter concludes with a summary of the discussed topics.
Researchers globally focus on the definitions of speaking, emphasizing its interactive nature According to Burns & Joyce (1997), speaking is a process of constructing meaning through the exchange of information, where both form and meaning are influenced by context, including the participants, their experiences, the physical environment, and the purpose of the communication.
According to Nunan and David (2001), speaking a second language requires the development of specific communication skills, marking its significance in the history of language teaching Over the past two decades, speaking has increasingly emerged as a distinct area of focus within teaching, learning, and assessment, although it has often been overlooked in terms of producing spoken discourse.
Speaking is the act of producing language through the mouth, utilizing various body parts such as the lungs, vocal tract, vocal cords, tongue, teeth, and lips It can be categorized into two main types: formal and informal Formal speaking occurs in professional or academic settings, or during initial meetings with new acquaintances, while informal speaking is commonly used among family, friends, and familiar individuals.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
This chapter aims to review the relevant literature concerning the study's issues, structured into five key sections The first section defines speaking, while the second highlights its significance The third section addresses the challenges students encounter in speaking, followed by a review of common speaking errors in the fourth section Finally, the fifth section concludes the chapter.
Researchers globally are focused on defining speaking, a key aspect of language methodology According to Bums & Joyce (1997), speaking is an interactive process of constructing meaning that encompasses both the production and reception of information The form and meaning of speech are influenced by various contextual factors, including the participants involved, their shared experiences, the physical setting, and the intended purpose of the communication.
According to Nunan and David (2001), speaking a second language requires the development of specific communication skills, marking a significant evolution in the history of language teaching Over the past two decades, speaking has emerged as a distinct area within teaching, learning, and assessment, although it often overlooks the production of spoken discourse.
Speaking is the act of delivering language through the mouth, utilizing various body parts such as the lungs, vocal tract, vocal cords, tongue, teeth, and lips to produce sounds There are two primary forms of speaking: formal and informal Formal speaking occurs in professional or academic contexts, or during initial meetings with new acquaintances, while informal speaking is commonly used among family, friends, or familiar individuals.
Effective communication is essential for building relationships, as it reflects the interaction between the speaker and listener According to Wilson (1983:5), speaking plays a crucial role in developing this relationship, guiding the application of linguistic, psychological, and physical rules in various communication contexts To achieve clear communication, speakers must articulate their intentions precisely to convey their message effectively.
In the realm of communication, speaking involves the transmission of information and the expression of emotions through verbal language It encompasses the art of delivering speeches and effectively conveying meaning through words in a specific language.
(http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/speaking)
Speaking is the act of using language to communicate, involving two or more individuals who engage as both listeners and speakers This dynamic interaction requires participants to respond quickly to what they hear while contributing their own thoughts and intentions.
Speaking skills are essential for effective communication, as they enable individuals to use language appropriately to express their ideas, opinions, and feelings This skill facilitates the exchange of information and knowledge between people engaged in conversation.
Language serves as a vital tool for communication, enabling us to express our ideas and understand those of others (Qureshi, 2006) Effective communication relies heavily on speaking skills, as language without speech becomes merely a written script The use of language occurs within our community and in various situations, highlighting its importance in daily interactions Any breakdown in communication can lead to misunderstandings and complications, underscoring the necessity of strong speaking abilities for language learners.
For a smooth running any system, the speaker of a language need to be especially and purposefully trained in the skill of speaking
To become a well-rounded communicator, proficiency in the four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—is essential Among these, speaking skillfully offers distinct advantages, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and feelings meaningfully The joy of sharing ideas enhances self-understanding, reflecting Robert Frost's insight that writing often comes from reflection.
I talk in order to understand, I teach in order to learn.’’ Undoubtedly, the clarity in speech reflects clear thinking
An effective speaker captivates and maintains the audience's attention throughout their message Strong speaking skills are crucial not only for career advancement but also for enriching personal life experiences.
According to Brown (2007), a perfect teaching speaking lesson has to follow three following stages
Pre-speaking activities are essential as they engage students in thoughtful reflection and preparation before they begin to speak These activities allow students to organize their thoughts and plan their contributions to the conversation effectively.
Purpose of pre-speaking is choosing the topic, determining purpose, audience and format
While speaking fosters interaction among students, it also builds their confidence to communicate effectively in public The primary purposes of speaking include expressing feelings and ideas, as well as sharing stories.
Post-speaking stage is a time for reflection and setting goals Following speaking experiences, both formal and informal, it is important to have students reflect up their performance
Students often face numerous challenges when it comes to speaking skills, with ineffective learning methods being a primary issue To succeed, it's crucial for students to learn the correct techniques from the very beginning If they adopt the wrong methods, it can significantly hinder their speaking abilities and lead to persistent errors later on Mastering speaking skills is a continuous process that requires proper guidance from start to finish to ensure long-term success.
Students often struggle to develop their speaking skills due to a lack of practice opportunities in a supportive environment While they learn the theoretical aspects of language in school, practical application, especially in speaking, is crucial for improvement However, when students attempt to practice in public, they may fear being perceived as show-offs for using English, which can undermine their confidence and hinder their progress in speaking effectively.
Solutions to improve speaking
This chapter presents effective methods and activities aimed at improving students' speaking skills, based on a survey analysis The majority of students reported facing challenges such as ineffective learning methods, insufficient practice environments, fear of making mistakes, and a lack of motivation To address these issues, the suggested methods and activities are grounded in the learners' experiences By consistently practicing these techniques, students are likely to enhance their speaking abilities in the future.
Despite years of studying English, many students cling to outdated learning methods from high school, even after a year at university It is crucial to adapt their approach, particularly in developing speaking skills This shift is necessary not only in the classroom but also in their home study routines, as teachers often struggle to assign homework that effectively enhances speaking through practice rather than theory To improve their speaking skills, students should embrace new strategies and recommendations tailored to foster fluency and confidence in their communication.
3.1 Change your attitude to speaking skill
To enhance their speaking skills, students must first shift their attitudes towards the importance of speaking Survey results indicate that only half of the students recognize speaking as a vital skill, while the other half undervalues its significance This misconception highlights the need for a mindset change, as a positive attitude towards speaking is essential for effective learning and improvement in this area.
Shyness and fear of making mistakes often hinder students from enhancing their speaking skills in English If you find yourself hesitant to speak or feeling tongue-tied, you're not alone These common feelings can prevent you from expressing yourself However, there are effective techniques available to help students conquer their shyness and gain confidence in their speaking abilities.
To enhance your English skills, consistent practice is essential Engaging in spoken English, whether privately or with friends, allows you to articulate words and hear sounds, which is crucial for improvement While some students may practice silently by thinking through conversations, it’s important to vocalize your thoughts to truly develop your language abilities.
Plan ahead and warm up
Before engaging in a conversation or delivering a speech in English, take time to consider your message and practice key phrases Familiarizing yourself with the sounds of these phrases will enhance your confidence and readiness to communicate effectively when the moment arises.
Motivation is crucial for success in learning a second language, particularly in speaking classes Highly motivated students tend to learn more effectively and quickly, while those with lower motivation may struggle with attention and discipline issues In contrast, motivated learners actively engage in tasks and maintain focus, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Many students struggle with negative perceptions of their speaking abilities, often thinking, “My speaking skills are full of errors” or “I’m afraid of speaking.” To overcome these feelings, it's essential to focus on your strengths rather than your limitations Start by practicing simple sentences or reading aloud from English books to build confidence As you continue this practice, you'll discover that speaking can be enjoyable and not as challenging as it seems Celebrating these small successes can motivate you toward greater achievements Conversely, maintaining negative thoughts like “speaking is hard” or “I feel shy speaking in front of others” can hinder your progress in developing your speaking skills.
To enhance your speaking skills, it's essential to incorporate variety into your study routine Instead of focusing solely on grammar exercises or revisiting familiar topics, try mixing things up by listening to podcasts, catching up on the news, or joining an English club with friends Engaging in activities like watching films can also contribute to your improvement This diverse approach not only boosts your speaking abilities but also keeps your learning experience enjoyable and prevents boredom.
Enhance your learning experience by playing engaging games with friends that focus on improving your speaking skills These games not only boost communication abilities but also motivate students, making lessons more enjoyable and interactive.
Engaging in various activities at school and home is crucial for enhancing students' speaking skills in English If students shy away from these opportunities, they risk missing out on valuable practice To facilitate improvement in English speaking abilities, I suggest several effective activities that can significantly benefit students.
If you want to participate in a club that familiar to you, you should join English club held up by Mrs Lien, the Dean of Foreign Language Department
This club fosters a relaxed learning environment, emphasizing hands-on interactions among students Unlike traditional classrooms, the atmosphere here is more informal, allowing for engaging and enjoyable lessons.
The English club serves as a vibrant and healthy environment for students, fostering interaction among those with shared hobbies and interests It facilitates relationship-building with peers both within and beyond the club Meeting on weekdays and weekends, the club provides a refreshing outlet for students to socialize and connect with one another.
The club warmly invites new members to join and emphasizes creating a welcoming atmosphere Engaging activities foster communication between existing and new members, enhancing social connections Regular meetings and sessions are held consistently, helping students develop valuable social skills that extend beyond the club environment.
In club, students won’t feel discouraged when committing errors since they know other members and lectures are there to help them improve through feedback sessions
These methods are highly beneficial as they foster an engaging environment where students can participate in discussions based on their interests, making learning more enjoyable Without this engagement, traditional lectures can become monotonous, leading to decreased enthusiasm for the material Additionally, presenting in front of peers helps students build confidence and confront their shyness, ultimately enhancing their communication skills.
CONCLUSION
This graduation paper investigates the learning situation in the Language Department at Hai Phong Technology & Management, focusing on students' difficulties and common errors in speaking skills Chapter 1 outlines the study's aim, scope, and rationale, while Chapter 2 provides theoretical definitions related to speaking and identifies challenges faced by students A survey was conducted to analyze these difficulties and develop effective strategies to motivate students in their speaking practice Chapter 3 offers practical suggestions for improving speaking skills both at home and in class Due to limitations in time and knowledge, the research primarily addresses speaking skills, with hopes for future studies to encompass other areas such as pronunciation and listening Ultimately, this paper aims to encourage interest in enhancing speaking abilities.
2 Limitations and suggestions of the further study
This study explores techniques to enhance speaking skills among second-year English majors at Haiphong T&M University However, it is limited by the small sample size of students and a narrow focus solely on speaking skills, excluding other areas such as writing and listening The suggested techniques represent just a fraction of what can be creatively applied in English language teaching Future research should aim to include a larger student population and address additional language skills to improve overall English learning outcomes.
1 Bums, A & Joyce, H (1997) Focus on speaking Sydney: National
Center for English Language Research
2 Nunan, Cavid (2001) Language Teaching Methodology Textbook for teachers Syney: National Center for English Language Teaching and Research
3 Flucher (2003) Testing Second Language Speaking Centre For Applied Language Studies, University of Dundee
4 Ishrat Aamer Qureshi (2006) The Important Of Speaking Skill for EFL
5 Brown, H Douglas (2007) Principles of Language Learning and Teaching Fifth Edition New York: Pearson Education Inc
6 Ashwill, Mark A and Thai Ngoc Diep (2005) Vietnam Today: A Guide to a Nation at a crossroads Intercultural Press
7 Gayle, L N., Mahmoud, A B., & Waguida, E B (2002) International Journal of Intercultural Relations 26 Elsevier Science Ltd
8 Wilkins D.A (1972) Linguistics in language teaching
9 Kavin Hetrakul (1985) The second language
Speaking is a crucial skill in communication, defined as the act of conveying thoughts and ideas verbally It involves not only the articulation of words but also the ability to engage effectively with others Mastering speaking can enhance personal and professional relationships, making it an essential component of language learning Resources like FluentU offer innovative ways to improve speaking skills through engaging content featuring well-known personalities Additionally, various online dictionaries provide definitions and examples to further aid in understanding and practicing spoken English.
%20to,the%20word%20you're%20learning https://ieltsonlinereview.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/advantages-of-practicing- english-with-native-speakers/
This survey questionnaire aims to gather data for my research on the common errors encountered in speaking lessons by second-year English major students at HP T&M University Your participation in completing the items is greatly valued, and please rest assured that all responses will be used solely for research purposes, ensuring your anonymity in any discussions regarding the data.
Please tick (V) and fill in where appropriate
1/ How long have you learned English?
2/ Which skills do you like most?
3/ In your opinion, how important speaking skill is?
4/ How often do you speak English in other lesson apart from speaking lesson?
5/ How often do you have problems in your speaking skill?
6/ What difficulties do you often face up with in speaking?