Master thesis English teaching methodology: An action research project on using pictures to encourage 4 th graders to participate in speaking activities at a primary school in Bac Ninh province

An action research project on using pictures to encourage 4th graders to participate in speaking activities at a primary school in Bac Ninh province

Author: Đào Thị Mến

Field: English Teaching Methodology

Content Summary:

This action research project investigates the effectiveness of using pictures to motivate 4th-grade students to participate more actively in English speaking activities at a primary school in Bắc Ninh province. The study acknowledges that many students face difficulties and lack confidence in speaking English. To address this, an action plan was developed, focusing on the strategic use of pictures to enhance engagement and participation. The research involved 32 fourth-grade students and employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including questionnaires and interviews, to assess the impact of pictures on student participation and their attitudes towards this teaching approach. The findings indicated that the integration of pictures significantly increased fourth graders’ involvement in speaking activities, making the lessons more engaging and appealing.

Detailed Table of Contents:

• Certificate of Originality of Project Report
• Acknowledgements
• Abstract
• Table of Contents
• Lists of Tables
• Lists of Figures
• Chapter 1: Introduction
  • 1. Rationale for the study
  • 2. Aims and objectives of the study
  • 3. Research questions
  • 4. Scope of the study
  • 5. Significance of the study
  • 6. Organization of the thesis
• Chapter 2: Literature Review
  • 2.1. Overview of speaking skills
    • 2.1.1. Definitions of speaking skills
    • 2.1.2. Types of speaking skills
    • 2.1.3. Difficulties in teaching and learning English speaking skills
    • 2.1.4. The practice of teaching and learning speaking skills to primary students
  • 2.2. Overview of pictures and their use in speaking lessons
    • 2.2.1. Definitions of pictures
    • 2.2.2. Types of pictures
    • 2.2.3. Benefits of using pictures in teaching language
    • 2.2.4. Activities used with pictures to teach speaking skills for children
  • 2.3. Previous studies
  • Chapter summary
• Chapter 3: Research Methodology
  • 3.1. An overview of action research
  • 3.2. Research setting
    • 3.2.1. The school
    • 3.2.2. Participants
    • 3.2.3. Data collection instruments
    • 3.2.4. Data analysis
    • 3.2.5. Research procedure
  • Chapter summary
• Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion
  • 4.1. Analysis of the talks with colleagues
  • 4.2. Analysis of personal class observation
  • 4.3. Analysis of students’ pre-questionnaire
  • 4.4. Analysis of students’ post-questionnaire evaluation
  • 4.5. Analysis of the interviews
  • 4.6. Discussion
  • Chapter summary
• Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
  • 5.1. Conclusion
    • 5.1.1. Effectiveness of using pictures to motivate students to speak
    • 5.1.2. Students’ attitudes towards the use of pictures in speaking activities
  • 5.2. Limitations of the research
  • 5.3. Educational recommendations
    • 5.3.1. For the teachers
    • 5.3.2. For the students
  • 5.4. Recommendations for further research
• References
• Appendices
  • Appendix 1: Talks to the Colleague
  • Appendix 2: Talks to the Colleague
  • Appendix 3: Talks to the Colleague
  • Appendix 4: Pre-questionnaire for Students
  • Appendix 5: Post-questionnaire for Students
  • Appendix 6: Interview Questions for Students
  • Appendix 7: Lesson Plan