MISISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY COURSE HUFLIT JUNIOR’S AWARENESS OF SELF STUDY (Ý THỨC TỰ HỌ[.]
1.1 Background
Literature Review
Self-study offers significant advantages for professionals in higher education, allowing them to critically assess the limited perspectives often promoted by educational policies According to Vanassche (2018), self-study can challenge the narrow views of teacher education practice Russell (2007) emphasizes that it requires considerable effort over time to grasp the benefits and personal impacts of research recommendations, highlighting that self-study is essential for achieving this understanding.
In his 2007 account, the author reflects on the ongoing journey of understanding teaching and learning, expressing confidence that self-study of teacher education practices will enhance his ability to articulate his teaching methods and foster continuous growth in both learning and teaching.
Objectives
This paper provides an overview of self-study definitions, explores the motivations behind self-study, and surveys students at HUFLIT regarding their learning signals Additionally, it proposes solutions to enhance the learning activities of university students at HUFLIT.
Scopes
Recent studies emphasize the significance of self-study methods, particularly in relation to their impact and benefits for students This research specifically targets junior students at HUFLIT, exploring how self-study influences their academic performance and learning outcomes.
Organization
This research explores the concept of self-study, highlighting its significance and importance It details the methodology employed in the research process, followed by a dedicated chapter that presents findings and discussions The concluding chapter summarizes the insights gained and provides recommendations aimed at assisting junior students in enhancing their self-study practices at HUFLIT.
REVIEW 4-9 2.1 Defining Self-study
The situation of student about self-study approach
2.2.1 The situation of students in the world
In the last 25 years, self-study research has gained prominence as a significant form of teacher educator research in North America and Australia, yet it remains underutilized in Europe In the UK, concerns about the recognition of self-study as a valid research method for the Research Excellence Framework may hinder its adoption Some assessors and research leaders question the theoretical foundation, rigor, and contribution of self-study and other practitioner research to the teaching evidence base, primarily due to challenges in generalizing findings from small-scale studies.
A report on self-study practices in Iceland, the Netherlands, England, and Ireland highlights the growing trend of self-study groups and their application in doctoral studies In England, specific areas of practice have emerged driven by local interests and needs, illustrating the diverse landscape of teacher education (Hayler, 2010).
2.2.2 The situation of Vietnamese students
A 2012 survey revealed that 60 percent of students recognize the significant role of self-study in their university education Despite this, only 16 percent of the 300 students surveyed demonstrated "high" self-awareness in planning their self-study, with a mere 2 percent achieving a top ranking in this area.
A significant 76 percent of students rated their preparation as "average," indicating a need for better readiness before attending classes To succeed, students must grasp theoretical concepts, review provided materials, and engage in discussions Additionally, they should complete theoretical assignments, home exercises, and conduct experiments and research Alarmingly, 60 percent of students fail to meet these academic requirements, with the possibility that this figure could rise to 70 percent.
In certain "special classes," 80 percent of the time is spent in a manner that hinders interaction between lecturers and students This lack of engagement prevents students from asking questions and limits their understanding, making it difficult to discuss topics effectively (Maugham, 2012).
Investing in self-study to prepare for lessons is often overlooked, with 86.2% of students lacking the habit of pre-class reading This indicates a heavy learning load and insufficient time for independent study Furthermore, 77.6% of students admit to rarely revisiting learned material, while 48.3% recognize the importance of acquiring knowledge beyond the curriculum Additionally, 63.8% of students rely on online sources for supplementary professional knowledge, highlighting the need for regular engagement with external resources.
Self-study fosters a strong learning spirit driven by motivation from lecturers, prompting students to seek external information in preparation for upcoming lectures It also enhances friendships through collaborative learning and knowledge exchange Additionally, self-study cultivates independent work skills, enabling students to manage unexpected challenges, overcome procrastination, and approach individual tasks with greater seriousness.
Positive of self-study
Encouraging your child to explore topics independently fosters active engagement with the material, leading to deeper understanding and meaningful connections When students are excited about their learning, their retention improves significantly Additionally, self-study cultivates essential study skills that empower your child to tackle new subjects and challenging assignments effectively.
2.3.2 Discovering more about the topics they’re studying
Self-study empowers children to explore topics of interest independently, allowing them to seek out new information beyond the classroom curriculum This approach enhances their understanding and fosters a deeper engagement with the subject matter.
2.3.3 It can boost students’ self-esteem
Self-study fosters confidence in students, enabling them to view themselves as independent learners capable of acquiring new knowledge without assistance This newfound autonomy serves as a significant motivational boost, encouraging further academic growth.
2.3.4 Students can learn at their own space.
Self-study empowers students to learn at their own pace, concentrating on topics that pique their interest or require further understanding This personalized approach alleviates feelings of frustration, anxiety, and boredom often experienced in traditional classroom environments.
Curiosity plays a crucial role in motivating students to learn, yet it is often overlooked When students lack engagement with their subjects, their information retention diminishes, leading them to memorize rather than truly understand Self-study empowers students to explore topics that genuinely interest them, resulting in a more effective and enjoyable learning experience.
Challenges of self-study approach
Low motivation is a significant challenge in education, making it difficult to manage the extensive workload required for qualifications To address this issue, it's essential to identify the underlying reasons for low motivation, which can affect specific subjects or be more widespread Common causes of low motivation include a lack of interest, overwhelming pressure, and insufficient support.
- Students are tired and stressed, with too much to do
- There are other, more interesting things to do
- Students find the subject boring, or don’t enjoy it for some other reason
- Students don’t like teacher for a certain subject
- Students have other things happening in your life, meaning studying doesn’t feel important right now
2.4.2 There are too many distractions
In today's world, students face numerous distractions that hinder their ability to concentrate on their studies, including social media, friends, and various forms of entertainment To enhance focus, it's essential to eliminate distractions from the study environment, such as smartphones and the internet Limiting socializing to weekends and using browser apps like LeechBlock can help students avoid time-wasting sites like Facebook and TikTok during study periods (Russell & Berry, 2016).
If students struggle to concentrate on their work at home due to distractions, they should consider studying in a different environment A library is an ideal choice, as it allows them to store their phones in a locker and ensures a peaceful and quiet atmosphere for focused studying.
Access to the right resources is crucial for academic success, including necessary books, equipment, and guidance from teachers Students should consult their teachers for book recommendations to ensure they are on the right learning path Additionally, discussions with parents about acquiring essential equipment, like a new laptop or stationery, can be beneficial Presenting a compelling case for such investments can help students secure the tools they need for effective learning.
Effective time management is essential for students at all levels If students often struggle to meet deadlines or find themselves staying up late to complete homework, it indicates a need to improve their time management skills This improvement involves being disciplined in their routines, such as waking up earlier, planning their day, and maximizing productivity for each subject For more time management and productivity tips, refer to Russell & Berry (2016).
Self-study is often underestimated by Vietnamese and international students, despite its numerous benefits It enhances learning effectiveness, allows for deeper exploration of subjects, boosts self-esteem, and enables students to learn at their own pace while fostering curiosity However, challenges such as low motivation, distractions, lack of resources and clear goals, and time management issues can hinder the self-study process By embracing self-study, students can transcend traditional classroom learning, encouraging them to delve into topics of interest and develop stronger study skills.
A survey was conducted with 100 juniors majoring in Business English at Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Language and Technology Information All participants were proficient in English and aged between 20 and 21, possessing significant experience with basic technology tools such as Facebook, Google Forms, and Email Having attended various courses that utilized a self-study approach, these students were well-equipped to provide reliable responses in the questionnaires.
The study was conducted on the base of the quantitative and qualitative approaches.
In the quantitative approach the researcher made of questionnaire The questionnaire had all
The study consists of eight questions, including three focused on personal information such as major, age, and gender, and five addressing self-study challenges, behaviors, and attitudes Key inquiries include the duration students dedicate to self-study and the common difficulties they encounter Additionally, the qualitative aspect features two questions aimed at gathering participants' opinions on their challenges, requiring students to provide their own solutions and recommendations for overcoming these issues.
Research was divided into four steps The first step the researcher created questionnaires according to Google Form, to ensure that everyone understands the question.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 10-11 3.1 Description of the subjects
Statistical Treatment
The researcher conducted a questionnaire to examine the situations, attitudes, and challenges associated with the Self-study approach The findings were presented in percentages and illustrated through various charts, highlighting the responses of participants regarding their agreement or disagreement with the researcher's ideas, including options such as yes, no, strongly agree, agree, disagree, or no opinion.
A survey conducted with 100 students, complemented by direct interviews with 20 participants, revealed that 35% of respondents were male and 65% were female The analysis showed that the majority of students were aged between 20 and 21, with only 3% being 22 years old Notably, nearly all participants were enrolled in the foreign language department at HUFLIT.
In which, more than 85% are students majoring in Business English and only 5% are majoring in Bilingual English-Chinese, the rest 10% are majoring in Pedagogy.
The questionnaire comprised five research questions formatted as yes/no, five-level scale, and multiple-choice items, focusing on issues related to self-study, including situations, behaviors, attitudes, and challenges The researcher analyzed all responses statistically using Excel, presenting the results in percentage form.
RESULTS AND FINDINGS 12-20 4.1 Result of the questionnaire
Do you often do self-study?
Figure 1: Students' self-study habit
Figure 1 shows the habit of self-study approach for students at Ho Chi Minh City
The University of Foreign Language – Information Technology conducted a survey revealing diverse student responses regarding self-study practices Out of 100 students surveyed, 75% affirmed that they often engage in self-study, while 25% disagreed Despite recognizing the significance of self-study in their academic training, many students lack awareness of their self-awareness role in learning, particularly in a relaxed environment without familial pressure While most students acknowledge the importance of self-study, their motivation primarily stems from a desire to gain knowledge for future employment rather than achieving high exam results Overall, many students demonstrate a correct understanding of the value of self-study.
What do you think about self-study?
Figure 2 illustrates students' perceptions of self-study methods, revealing a significant variation in their responses A notable 70% of students find self-study easy, while 13% consider it very easy Conversely, 5% view self-study as somewhat difficult, and 3% find it very difficult The disparity in opinions can be attributed to several factors, including students' unfamiliarity with the higher education environment, lingering high school learning methods, and a lack of competitive learning settings or peers during self-study Additionally, many students are not adequately equipped with self-study skills and lack sufficient resources to guide their learning process, leading to a substantial impact on their attitudes toward self-study.
Figure 2: Perspective on self-study
Very difficult Somewhat difficult Difficult
Where do you usually self-study?
Home Library Coffee shop Other place
Figure 3: Student self-study location
Figure 3 illustrates the preferred self-study locations among students, highlighting significant variations in their choices A majority, 67%, opt to study at home, while 34% prefer the library Additionally, 27% of students choose cafes for self-study, and 17% select other locations such as classrooms, dormitories, or parks The choice of study environment greatly impacts student outcomes, emphasizing the importance of selecting a location that aligns with individual preferences, as each option presents its own advantages and disadvantages.
How much time do you spend on self-study?
1 hour 2 hours 3 hours Other time
Figure 4: Time for Self-study of students
Figure 4 illustrates the varying time students dedicate to self-study, with options of 1, 2, 3 hours, or other durations Among 100 surveyed students, 45% reported spending 2 hours daily on self-study, while 27% allocated 3 hours, and 21% opted for 1 hour Only 7% chose alternative times, citing 3.5 to 4 hours The differences in study time can be attributed to individual schedules, personal motivation, and familiarity with study habits Overall, students typically engage in modest self-study ranging from 1 to 3 hours per day, and many lack a structured study plan, which negatively impacts the quality of their self-study efforts.
How often do you revise and prepare new lesson?
Very often Often Sometime Seldom Never
Figure 5: The sense of student learning
Figure 5 illustrates students' awareness regarding the revision and preparation of new lessons, highlighting the frequency with which they engage in these activities—very often, often, sometimes, seldom, and never The data reveals significant variability in student responses, with a notable majority indicating that they frequently review past lessons and prepare for new ones.
Of the 100 students surveyed, 46% reported that they frequently engage in self-study as suggested by the researcher, while 35% do so often Only 12% indicated that they sometimes follow this approach, and a mere 6% admitted to rarely preparing for lessons, with just 1% stating they never do These varying responses highlight a lack of awareness among students regarding the importance of self-study, compounded by ineffective teaching methods that fail to encourage independent learning Many students adopt a reactive approach to studying, particularly during exam periods, rather than focusing on consistent knowledge accumulation.
Result of the interview
is what most of the students are aware of
The survey results indicate a strong positive response from students regarding self-study practices Notably, 75% of students reported that they frequently engage in self-study, while 70% found it easy to implement Additionally, 67% of students prefer studying at home, and 45% dedicate an average of 2 hours per day to self-study Furthermore, 46% of students expressed that they often revise and prepare for new lessons, highlighting their awareness of the significance of self-study Overall, these findings suggest that self-study approaches can enhance students' learning outcomes and future work performance.
In a recent study, a researcher conducted interviews with 20 randomly selected students to gather insights on their challenges and recommendations The interviews aimed to capture accurate and positive feedback, with participants responding to two specific questions Following the interviews, which took place over a span of 1 to 3 days, the researcher collected and analyzed the responses.
4.2.1 What challenges do you face in self-study?
Students often face various challenges while studying independently, including issues related to their learning environment, distractions, an overwhelming amount of information presented in class, and difficulties in understanding complex documents.
Many students express frustration with self-study methods, feeling uncertain about how to approach it effectively One student mentioned struggling to allocate time for self-study and deciding which subjects to prioritize Another student admitted a lack of patience for independent study and difficulty in locating appropriate materials.
Almost 20 students have the same opinion that they cannot concentrate while studying by themselves Internet takes up too much human time and they are not determined to eliminate it Initially, they went to the internet just to look for documents, but openly they were Facebook, Youtube, and countless other interesting websites This leads to an inability to focus on the main goal Another cause of distraction is noise and unreasonable study space There's no denying that focus is the key to all success If students want to be successful, they must set goals and focus on the things that help them realize that dream.
4.2.2 How do you often overcome difficulties in self-study?
A researcher accurately compiled responses from 20 students interviewed about their learning challenges, synthesizing five key solutions First, students should cultivate self-motivation by focusing on positive outcomes like good grades and family praise Second, to enhance concentration, taking brisk walks, staying hydrated, or jotting down problems can be beneficial Third, seeking quality learning materials from teachers, libraries, or online resources can enrich students' knowledge and boost their confidence during tests Additionally, it's crucial to minimize distractions by keeping phones away while studying Lastly, group study sessions can facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving, provided students prepare by attempting exercises beforehand These strategies are effective for students aiming to improve their self-study skills.
The survey conducted reveals that a significant 75% of students frequently engage in self-study, indicating a positive attitude towards independent learning Additionally, 70% of students find self-study easy to perform, with 67% preferring to study at home On average, students dedicate about 2 hours per day to self-study, with 46% expressing that they often revise and prepare for new lessons This awareness of self-study's importance suggests that it can enhance students' learning outcomes and future work performance Furthermore, interview questions provided insights into the challenges students face and the solutions they propose regarding self-study.
DISCUSSION 21-24 5.1 Research questions
Important Findings
The survey conducted reveals that a significant 75% of students frequently engage in self-study, indicating a positive attitude towards independent learning Additionally, 70% of students find self-study easy to perform, with 67% preferring to study at home On average, students dedicate about 2 hours per day to self-study, with 46% expressing that they often revise and prepare for new lessons This awareness of self-study's importance suggests that it can enhance students' learning outcomes and future work performance Furthermore, interview questions provided insights into the challenges students face and the solutions they propose regarding self-study.
5.2.1 How is the current situation of students' self-study?
A recent survey conducted at the University of Foreign Languages and Informatics in Ho Chi Minh City reveals that while most students recognize the significance of self-study in their credit training, a minority express a lack of interest in learning Furthermore, many students are motivated by the desire to gain knowledge for future employment rather than solely aiming for high exam scores Overall, the findings indicate that students generally have a sound understanding of the importance of self-study.
5.2.2 What are difficulties that the students encounter in their self-study?
A recent survey revealed that students encounter significant challenges in self-study, citing issues such as an unsuitable learning environment, distractions, and overwhelming amounts of complex material Many students expressed uncertainty about effective self-study methods, with nearly 20 participants noting difficulties in maintaining concentration The internet, initially used for research, often leads to distractions from social media and entertainment sites like Facebook and YouTube Additionally, noise and inadequate study spaces further contribute to their inability to focus.
5.2.3 What solutions help students overcome difficulties in their self-study?
To address the challenges students face in their studies, several effective solutions have been identified First, students should cultivate self-motivation by focusing on the benefits of good grades, family praise, and the value of a diploma Second, to enhance concentration, taking brisk walks, staying hydrated, or jotting down problems can be beneficial Additionally, seeking quality learning materials from teachers, libraries, or online resources can enrich students' knowledge and boost their confidence during tests It's also crucial to minimize distractions by keeping phones away while studying, as notifications can easily divert attention Lastly, studying in groups with friends fosters knowledge exchange and collaborative learning, leading to mutual improvement.
Many students struggle with self-study due to various factors, including the influence of love, work, and family commitments A significant reason for this challenge is low motivation, compounded by numerous distractions Additionally, students often lack clear learning goals and the necessary resources Time management issues further exacerbate their difficulties, as many have not established effective study schedules or chosen appropriate study environments Survey results highlight these challenges, providing insight into the current self-study situation among students.
Limitation
Despite achieving its objectives, the research faced several limitations Firstly, the study was conducted over a brief timeframe Secondly, the participant pool was restricted, with only 100 students completing the questionnaire and 20 students participating in interviews, all of whom were from Foreign Languages.
The Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Language and Information Technology conducted a survey over one week to gather insights The research specifically focused on the awareness of HUFLIT students regarding self-study, highlighting a limitation in the scope of the study.
Need for Further Research
This study was confined to HUFLIT, highlighting the need for further research at universities nationwide Additionally, educators are encouraged to implement this self-study method across all educational levels, from elementary to advanced Furthermore, the study does not address the benefits of self-study for students, indicating a gap that should be explored in future research.
RECOMMENDATION
Some recommendations for the educators
In today's university education, self-study is crucial for enhancing learning quality and fostering self-discipline among students It is essential for universities to cultivate students' self-study abilities, as this significantly impacts their academic success Researchers are actively exploring various strategies to help educators boost students' motivation for self-directed learning.
Educators must enhance library facilities by increasing the availability of bilingual books, research materials, and faculty projects A well-equipped library will provide students with essential resources, addressing the common challenge they face in locating study materials Therefore, upgrading the library is a crucial step that schools should prioritize.
Educators should promote the formation of self-study groups among students, as peer support is crucial alongside teacher guidance Collaborative learning allows students to tackle challenging problems more effectively than studying alone Therefore, integrating group study into the curriculum is essential for enhancing the learning experience.
In conclusion, the researcher offers two key recommendations for educators: first, to provide students with access to quality resources, particularly libraries; and second, to establish student groups or clubs Implementing these strategies within university curricula can significantly enhance students' self-study skills.
Some recommendations for students
Self-study is a process where students engage in mental work to acquire knowledge Initially, students may experience confusion, but this challenge serves as motivation to overcome obstacles and achieve proficiency Researchers have developed various strategies to assist students in navigating these difficulties effectively.
Reading is a crucial first step in the self-study process for students, as it facilitates knowledge acquisition and the development of effective study methods Beyond just reading books, students must also be adept at selecting and applying prior knowledge to understand new concepts For instance, when encountering new information, it is essential to reconstruct relevant existing knowledge to enhance comprehension This approach not only broadens students' understanding but also promotes successful self-study practices.
Students must learn to effectively balance their time between studying and part-time jobs While part-time employment offers valuable experience, it can also pose challenges If not managed properly, it may negatively impact both their academic performance and job responsibilities.
Students should create daily and weekly plans to effectively manage their time It's important to balance academic responsibilities with social activities and family time If students struggle to develop a suitable timetable, seeking advice from teachers can help them find a solution.
Students can enhance their learning by seeking additional resources from teachers, libraries, or online platforms For instance, when a teacher introduces an intriguing topic, students should proactively request more materials to further develop their skills In summary, access to a variety of quality study materials equips students with a wealth of knowledge and boosts their confidence during exams.
The researcher provided three key recommendations for students: first, they should read books beyond their coursework; second, effective time management between studying and part-time work is essential; and third, students are encouraged to proactively seek additional resources from lecturers and peers By implementing these strategies, students can enhance their independent learning and academic success.
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This question aims to enhance our scientific research on self-study awareness at HUFLIT Your active participation is crucial for the success of this study We appreciate your collaboration.
2 You are male or female?
4 Do you often do self-study?
5 What do you think about self-study?
6 Where do you usually self-study?
7 How much time do you spend on self-study?
8 How often do you revise and prepare new lesson?
1 What challenges do you face in self-study?
2 How do you often overcome difficulties in self-study? In your opinion, what should HUFLIT do to improve student self-study?
Bảng câu hỏi dưới đây nhằm hỗ trợ nghiên cứu khoa học về ý thức tự học của sinh viên tại trường HUFLIT Sự tham gia tích cực của bạn là yếu tố quan trọng cho thành công của nghiên cứu Cảm ơn bạn đã hợp tác.
2 Bạn là nam hay nữ?
3 Chuyên ngành của bạn là gì?
4 Bạn có thường tự học không ?
5 Bạn nghĩ như thế nào về tự học ?
6 Bạn thường tự học ở những nơi nào?
Những địa điểm khác
7 Bạn dành bao nhiêu thời gian cho tự học?
8 Bạn có thường ôn lại bài cũ và chuẩn bị bài mới?
Câu hỏi phỏng vấn
1 Bạn phải đối mặt với những thách thức nào trong quá trình tự học?
2 Bạn thường vượt qua khó khăn trong quá trình tự học như thế nào? Theo bạn, HUFLIT nên làm gì để nâng cao khả năng tự học của sinh viên?