INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY OF HO CHI MINH CITY FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES ------ GRADUATION THESIS THE IMPACT OF USING QUIZLET TO ENHANCE VOCABULARY SELF-STUDYING OF ENGLISH MAJORED S
Time students spend for self-studying vocabulary a day
According to the pie chart, over half of the surveyed students, specifically 51.5%, reported that they sometimes use Quizlet In contrast, the remaining students indicated their usage frequency as follows: 23.1% chose rarely, 19.2% chose often, and 6.2% stated they never use the platform.
The pie chart reveals that a significant majority of students, 54.6%, find the Quizlet application interesting, while 13.8% consider it extremely interesting Additionally, 24.6% of students feel neutral about the app, and 6.9% perceive it as partly interesting or not interesting at all The research indicates that all students who have used Quizlet express interest in its offerings Quizlet was designed to enhance the learning experience by providing customizable modes that foster excitement, moving away from traditional, monotonous learning methods.
How often students use Quizlet in learning vocabulary through Quizlet?
Student's feeling when learning vocabulary through Quizlet
The pie chart reveals that 40.8% of students prefer using Flashcards, while 13.1% enjoy space race games, 14.6% favor Scatter games, 13.8% like testing, 9.2% prefer learning, and 8.5% choose the speller function Flashcards are the most popular choice among students, as they offer a familiar and flexible method for English language learners to customize vocabulary and review questions at their convenience.
Factor 2: Easy to memorize vocabulary
Factor 3: Enjoy a fun experience through a modern and vivid interface
Factor 4: Its interface is easy to use
Factor 5: Get motivated to learn vocabulary
Factor 6: Have a variety of learning modes such as flashcards, speller, learn, test, scatter game, space race game
The benefit of Quizlet
Factor 7: It allows learners to share their works with teachers or friends
Factor 8: Besides learning spelling, it provides definitions and pronunciation
Factor 9: Can learn whenever you have free time
The bar chart reveals that students primarily appreciate Quizlet's app for its free access, effective vocabulary memorization, and diverse learning modes A significant 53.8% of the 70 surveyed students highlighted the app's cost-free nature, while 53.1% noted its effectiveness in enhancing vocabulary retention Additionally, the app offers various learning modes tailored to individual needs, including entertaining options like the scatter and space race games, which also facilitate knowledge review Flashcards and tests further aid vocabulary focus, with 48.5% of users valuing the speller mode for checking pronunciation Other benefits include a fun experience and user-friendly interface (39.2% and 21.5%, respectively), increased learning inspiration (32.3%), and the ability to share work with peers (17.7%) Furthermore, 35.4% appreciate the app's definitions and pronunciation features, while 32.3% enjoy the flexibility of learning at their own pace Overall, the data indicates high user satisfaction with Quizlet's free offerings and integrated features, making it a versatile vocabulary learning tool that combines games and customizable tasks to suit various learning styles The ability to find classes with user-generated tasks is another standout feature of the app.
It can help learners learn by themselves and improve their vocabulary without the need for instructors
The pie chart indicates that a significant majority of students surveyed, 87%, strongly agree that Quizlet offers positive benefits for self-study vocabulary, while only a small percentage disagrees All participants, who have used Quizlet at least a few times or through their teachers, acknowledge it as an effective tool for learners to take initiative in reviewing vocabulary learned in class.
4.1.2 Student’s challenges in self-studying vocabulary through Quizlet
Factor 1: Feel lazy to learn vocabulary by oneself
Factor 2: Do not know how to use it
Factor 3: Cannot use it if no Internet connection
Factor 4: Not popular among students
Factor 5: After a period of use, it gets bored
The benefit of using Quizlet have a positive effect on self-studying vocabulary
The difficulties when using Quizlet in self-studying vocabulary
Factor 6: Some flashcards made by other users might give wrong pieces of information
Factor 7: It might be a problem in the copyright when creating own works
Factor 8: Do not keep hard at using Quizlet
Factor 9: Do not understand learning modes
The bar chart highlights the challenges faced by students using Quizlet for language learning According to survey data, 48.5% of students reported the need for an Internet connection as a significant drawback, limiting their ability to study anytime and anywhere Additionally, many students expressed a lack of motivation to learn vocabulary independently While Quizlet is designed for personalized learning, it primarily facilitates interaction through pre-designed lessons, which some learners find less engaging compared to collaborative study Other notable issues include 13.8% of students feeling unsure about how to use Quizlet effectively, 31.5% stating the app is not popular in their learning process, and 22.3% feeling bored with its use Furthermore, 31.5% reported inaccuracies in user-generated flashcards, while 20% believed their lessons were not widely shared Overall, 19.2% felt that Quizlet did not significantly aid their vocabulary acquisition, and 8.5% struggled to understand the learning modes These insights indicate key areas for improvement in Quizlet's user experience.
Factor 1: Find out information about Quizlet before using
Factor 2: The learner should have a specific learning path (topic, time for each lesson…)
Factor 3: The learner should have more awareness of the importance of learning vocabulary
Factor 4: Encourage teachers to use Quizlet in classroom
Factor 5: Encourage teachers to instruct students how to use Quizlet
Factor 6: Encourage students to use Quizlet at home or whenever they have free time
Factor 7: Introduce Quizlet to teachers, students, friends…
Factor 8: Maintain the use of Quizlet for a long time
The bar chart indicates that the most favored suggestion among students is for learners to have a specific learning path, with 62 votes (47.7%) The second most popular recommendation is to encourage teachers to utilize Quizlet in the classroom, receiving 59 votes (45.4%) Following closely, 56 students (43.1%) advocate for using Quizlet at home or during free time These insights stem from students' experiences with Quizlet aimed at enhancing the application Additional suggestions include 33.8% of votes for researching Quizlet before use, 31.5% for increasing awareness of vocabulary learning's importance, and 32.3% for teachers to guide students on using Quizlet Other recommendations involve introducing Quizlet to peers (29.2%), maintaining long-term use (20.8%), and a small percentage (3.1%) for miscellaneous suggestions It is evident that students desire more lessons with Quizlet to better understand its functionality and to actively engage in vocabulary learning at home.
The suggestions for improving these difficulties above
Rationale
Learning a new foreign language requires the development of various skills, with vocabulary being a crucial element for enhancing listening, speaking, reading, writing, and communication abilities Many students struggle to meet vocabulary standards, often lacking the necessary words for specific topics or failing to apply their knowledge effectively To maximize vocabulary acquisition, self-study at home is essential, especially for university students who have limited class time Traditional learning methods, such as repetitive writing, have significant drawbacks, including poor long-term retention and a narrow understanding of word meanings To address these challenges, leveraging technology for vocabulary learning can yield positive results The Quizlet app, known for its engaging interface and interactive games, can enhance vocabulary retention, yet its usage remains limited among students This article aims to explore students' attitudes towards the Quizlet application to better understand its potential in vocabulary learning.
Research goal
This research explores the benefits of using the Quizlet application for vocabulary learning among English-majored students at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) The findings aim to provide insights into how Quizlet enhances vocabulary retention and contextual understanding through its interactive features, such as images, examples, definitions, and games By highlighting the effectiveness of Quizlet, the study seeks to identify strategies for its optimal use, ultimately encouraging students to integrate this tool into their English learning practices.
Research questions
For the purpose of addressing those issues, the researcher carried out this research following the two questions:
1 What is student’s attitude toward the effectiveness of using Quizlet to self-study vocabulary?
2 What are the student difficulties in self-learning vocabulary through Quizlet?
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definitions of terms
Vocabulary encompasses all the words known and used by an individual, as well as those existing within a specific language or subject (Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary) According to Kursin (2012), it consists of a set of words that form the foundation of a language The structure of vocabulary is complex, comprising various components Alizadeh (2016) notes that a word is characterized by its meaning, register, associations, collocations, grammatical behavior, written form (spelling), spoken form (pronunciation), and frequency Vocabulary can be categorized into two forms: oral and print, with print vocabulary referring to the words learners recognize and utilize in reading and writing.
Self-study is a very familiar phrase to most students, but few of them fully grasp the essence of self-study
Self-study is defined as the process of learning independently without the assistance of a teacher, as noted by Oxford (2010) Similarly, Cambridge Dictionaries Online describes it as a method of learning that takes place alone at home.
Self-study, as defined by 1998, is a participant-driven exploration of experience that raises questions about its research validity It is an essential process for learners to enhance their knowledge beyond classroom lessons Goldberg (2011) describes self-study as independent learning without a teacher's guidance, devoid of traditional classroom settings Hamilton & Pinnegar (1998) view it as an introspective examination of one's actions, ideas, and experiences Furthermore, Pinnegar (1998, cited in LaBoskey V.K 2004) characterizes self-study as a self-initiated, improvement-focused methodology that employs various qualitative methods and emphasizes trustworthiness in its validation process.
Quizlet is a widely used English learning app that has garnered significant interest from researchers According to Wikipedia, it is an American online study application that enables students to explore various subjects through learning tools and games Founded by Andrew Sutherland in October 2005 and made public in January 2007, Quizlet has become a valuable resource for learners Anjaniputra & Salsabila (2018) highlight its effectiveness in enhancing educational experiences.
Quizlet is an online platform that facilitates vocabulary learning through interactive flashcard sets and various game-like tools According to Wright (2016), it serves as a versatile flashcard creation and learning site accessible on both computers and smartphones, enabling users to design virtual flashcards featuring a target word on one side and its definition on the other.
Learning vocabulary
Pronunciation refers to how a word or letter is articulated, as well as the correct manner of speaking a language, according to the Oxford Dictionary.
Pronunciation is defined as the production of English sounds, and it is acquired through the repetition of these sounds while correcting inaccuracies As learners begin to master pronunciation, they develop new habits and address challenges stemming from their first language.
Pronunciation is the production of sounds used to convey meaning, as noted by Yates (2002, cited in Pourhosein Gilakjani, 2016) It can be challenging, similar to spelling, particularly with words that have similar spellings but different pronunciations For example, the words tough, though, and thought, which all feature the -ough- combination, are pronounced /tʌf/, /ðoʊ/, and /θɔt/, respectively, highlighting the significant differences in their vowel sounds.
Spelling, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is "the way a particular word is spelled," while Reed (2012) describes it as the act of producing the correct orthographic representation of a written word For this research, spelling is defined as the ability to produce words, either orally or in writing, by arranging letters in a specific order Hornby (2000) emphasizes the importance of correctness in spelling, which is particularly challenging in English due to its many irregularities This difficulty is evident in homonyms, such as "tort" and "taught," which are pronounced the same (/tɔt/) but have different meanings, and "tuff" and "tough," both pronounced /tʌf/ Notably, the spelling of the first word in each pair often aligns more closely with its pronunciation, despite being less common than their counterparts.
Spoken vocabulary encompasses the words learners recognize and utilize in listening and speaking Mastering a word involves understanding its meaning along with seven additional aspects, collectively known as word knowledge (Schmitt, 2000) This knowledge is divided into receptive vocabulary, which includes words we recognize, and productive vocabulary, which consists of words we actively use in speech and writing Typically, receptive vocabulary is much larger than productive vocabulary, often containing words we understand contextually without knowing their precise meanings (Kamil & Hiebert) Schmitt (2000) defines word meaning as the connection between a word and its referent, which can be a person, object, action, or situation While a word's dictionary definition represents its primary meaning, it may have multiple meanings across different contexts Additionally, words can have various associations, categorized into four types: coordination, super-ordination, synonymy, and collocation (Aitchison, 2003).
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a word is defined as "a letter or group of letters that has meaning when spoken or written." Carston (2012) emphasizes that word meanings correspond to the concepts they express, suggesting that speakers often use words to convey their encoded meanings In English, many words possess multiple meanings; while some meanings may be similar, others can differ significantly Notably, the most common meanings of certain words in academic English diverge from their general English counterparts For instance, "underline" typically means 'emphasize' in academic contexts, "discipline" refers to 'a subject of study,' and "population" denotes 'all individuals who could potentially be included in a survey,' rather than their general meanings.
Flashcards are cardboard tools featuring words, sentences, or simple images, making them an effective educational strategy (Komachali & Khodareza, 2012) Their benefits include aiding in vocabulary drilling and the introduction of new terms, which teachers can utilize to enhance learning (Cross, 1991).
Flashcards are widely recognized as effective visual aids in language teaching, particularly for vocabulary instruction They facilitate active engagement among students, enhancing their attention and concentration while learning new English words According to Haycraft (1978), flashcards serve multiple purposes, including vocabulary consolidation, structure practice, and interactive games Their appeal lies in their attractive shapes and colors, which resonate well with elementary school students, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
Various types of games, including activity games, crossword puzzles, word searches, picture match games, and word scrambles, cater to different skill levels and topics, allowing students to enjoy and achieve optimal results According to Byrne (1995), games are defined as a form of play governed by rules, meant to be enjoyable and engaging, serving as a means for learners to practice language skills Jill Hadfield (1990) also emphasized that games involve rules, goals, and fun, making them essential for learning Hadfield suggested that games should be an integral part of the language syllabus, as they can enhance students' skills when used in the classroom, particularly for reinforcing or introducing grammatical rules and facilitating real communication.
Vocabulary can never be mastered fully, the expansion and elaboration of it extends across a lifetime since words represent complex and often multiple meanings (Kamil & Hiebert 2005:2)
Vocabulary learning can be challenging due to various factors According to Carter and McCarthy (1988), the complexity of the learning process contributes to the difficulty of acquiring new words Nation (1990) identifies three key factors influencing this challenge: the learner's prior experience with English and their native language, the methods used in teaching or learning the words, and the intrinsic difficulty of certain words Specifically, a learner's first language can interfere with second language vocabulary acquisition, leading to borrowing and confusion Additionally, poorly organized learning environments can hinder word retention Furthermore, some words are inherently more difficult to learn; for instance, nouns and adjectives are generally easier to grasp than verbs and adverbs Lastly, recognizing a word and recalling its meaning is often simpler than producing it appropriately in conversation.
2.2.5 The importance of learning vocabulary
Vocabulary is essential in English language teaching, as it enables students to understand others and express their ideas effectively Nation (2001) highlights the complementary relationship between vocabulary knowledge and language use, where vocabulary knowledge facilitates language use, and language use enhances vocabulary acquisition Tanjung (2020) emphasizes that vocabulary is crucial for developing students' skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English or any foreign language Without a solid vocabulary foundation, students struggle to communicate effectively, making vocabulary the fundamental step in mastering a new language.
An English language skill will be easier to learn if students know a lot of vocabulary”.
Self-study
2.2.1 Factors affecting student’s self-study
Students' self-study is influenced by various external and internal factors, categorized into three main branches: personal, family, and institutional The personal factors include grade point average, attitudes towards the teaching profession, and achievement motive Family influences encompass democratic care, training, and parents' expectations, while institutional factors involve friendships and instructors' teaching behaviors These elements play a crucial role in shaping students' self-discipline and self-study processes, which are essential for assessing academic achievement, as university students primarily engage in self-study with lecturers serving as guides.
Self-study is essential for students to gain a thorough understanding of their subjects and clarify concepts that may be unclear from classroom instruction By dedicating time to self-study, learners can significantly enhance their academic performance This independent approach allows students to explore new perspectives and tackle complex ideas without external help, fostering self-confidence, responsibility, and self-discipline For high school, college, and adult learners, self-study proves to be a more convenient and effective alternative to traditional classroom teaching methods.
Quizlet
Quizlet is a widely used application that promotes learner autonomy in English language learning through various integrated support tools As noted by Dizon (2016), it is accessible on both PC and mobile platforms, making it a versatile resource for teachers and students alike While Quizlet enhances learners' performance, engagement, and motivation, it also faces limitations such as reliance on internet connectivity, device memory, and battery life Nation (2001) emphasizes that autonomous learners take responsibility for their education, allowing them to effectively manage their learning process despite challenges like spaced repetition failure and social distractions.
The application has garnered significant attention from researchers, with Sanosi (2018) noting that Quizlet effectively utilizes user-designed learning modules, known as study sets, which consist of terms and definitions These study sets are presented through various learning modes, including flashcards, games, collaborative activities, and quizzes, facilitating rote learning to help students master subjects, particularly languages and vocabulary The website's interface features eight learning modes, five of which are accessible on the mobile app The game-like tools are divided into two main categories: Study and Play The Study category includes five modes: Learn, Flashcards, Write, Spell, and Test The "Learn" mode empowers users to take charge of their learning, while "Flashcards" offers digital cards that can be flipped with a click The "Write" mode prompts users to input the correct term corresponding to the displayed description.
The "Spell" feature offers users a spelling practice experience that encourages listening and writing the correct spellings In contrast, the "Test" function is tailored for assessment, providing users with random questions from a specified set, with immediate results displayed upon completion Additionally, the "Play" section includes three engaging options: "Match," where users connect terms with their definitions; "Gravity," which challenges users to type words before falling meteors reach the ground; and "Live," an interactive group activity where teams compete to meet specific criteria, with incorrect answers resetting their progress.
To get started with this application, learners must download it to their mobile device or any internet-enabled device Alternatively, they can access the application directly via the website www.Quizlet.com Once access is granted, learners can utilize the various functions offered by the application.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research context
The researcher selected the Faculty of Foreign Languages (FFL) of the Industrial University of
Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) serves as the research site, where the Faculty of Foreign Languages (FFL) was established in 2005 to provide English language education to students across all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced.
The Faculty of Foreign Languages is dedicated to equipping students with essential technical knowledge in English linguistics while also enhancing their life skills to ensure their success and societal contributions This commitment supports the growth of the country, the city, and the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City Recently, the faculty's training program, alongside seven others, received the AUN-QA accreditation, ensuring a high-quality learning environment and opportunities for student exchanges with other universities Graduates typically pursue careers in English language education, translation, interpretation, and various English-related roles such as teachers, interpreters, translators, tour guides, secretaries, flight attendants, and office staff.
Participants
A survey was conducted among 130 English-majored students at IUH, comprising 12 first-year, 23 second-year, 54 third-year, and 41 final-year students, all of whom were familiar with Quizlet.
The study involved participants ranging from freshmen to fourth-year students to gather diverse data While vocabulary self-study is accessible to all students, significant differences in experience exist Freshmen, having recently transitioned from high school, typically lack self-study skills at the university level In contrast, sophomores, juniors, and seniors possess greater experience, with third- and fourth-year students benefiting from extensive practice and exposure to various learning methods, enabling them to provide more informed feedback and suggestions.
Researchers concentrated on gathering data from junior and senior students They sought general information from teachers and students to select appropriate research subjects prior to the survey The online survey was exclusively administered to students who were familiar with Quizlet.
Research methodology and research methods
This study aims to gather data on attitudes and challenges faced when using Quizlet for vocabulary learning, employing quantitative research methods for their convenience and suitability Quantitative research, as defined by Leedy (1993), involves systematic investigation of measurable phenomena, focusing on relationships among variables to explain, predict, and control outcomes Leedy and Ormrod (2001) emphasize its specificity in surveying and experimentation, while Creswell (2003) highlights the use of strategies like experiments and surveys to collect statistical data Dawson (2009) notes that quantitative research generates statistics through large-scale surveys, utilizing tools such as questionnaires and structured interviews Overall, quantitative research systematically collects quantifiable data for statistical analysis to support or challenge existing knowledge claims.
Quantitative research collects information using sampling methods and sending out online surveys, online polls, questionnaires, etc., the results can be portrayed in the form of numerical
According to Adi Bhat (2005), quantitative research is an effective method for gathering diverse opinions and information from a large audience, facilitating easier analysis This methodology outlines specific research goals that researchers aim to achieve, ensuring that sufficient details are provided for readers to assess the results related to the research issues The primary data collection method employed in this research is the questionnaire, defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as a list of questions posed to multiple individuals to gather information Questionnaires are a practical means of collecting data from a vast number of respondents, including those who may lack the time to participate in interviews or other forms of analysis.
This study utilized questionnaires featuring a mix of multiple-choice questions, attitude scales, closed questions, and open-ended questions A total of ten questions were included in the questionnaires, which were distributed among 130 English-major students ranging from freshmen to seniors at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.
Procedure
The researcher utilized Google Forms to conduct a survey and gather data for the research topic Google Forms, as stated on the official Google homepage, is a web-based application designed for creating forms for various purposes, including surveys and event sign-ups After selecting the topic, the team drafted the research paper, which was reviewed and revised based on feedback from the supervisor The finalized questionnaire was then distributed to first-year students from June 10 to June, enabling the collection of essential information and data to address the research questions.
On December 12, 2021, at the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, researchers provided first-year students with an overview of the key questions to facilitate their understanding and objective selection A total of 100 students received questionnaires for this purpose.
A survey was conducted across four classes, each taking approximately 15 minutes to complete, including distribution time Freshman students actively assisted researchers to ensure the collection of objective data for the study Additionally, 30 students participated in the survey through a link shared by the researcher in Industrial University student groups on Facebook.
After gathering students' responses, the writers synthesized and classified the data to address the research questions The collected data from specific questions was transformed into numerical formats and visualized through charts using Excel and Google Forms Descriptive statistics were converted into percentages to facilitate easier comparison and analysis of the data.
CHAPTER IV FINDING AND DISCUSSION
Finding
4.1.1 Attitude of English majored students toward using Quizlet to self-study vocabulary
The researcher gathered a total of 130 responses from students in their first to fourth years majoring in English at FFL of IUH This chapter will organize, analyze, and discuss the data collected from the questionnaire to extract key insights and shed light on the research topic.
The survey results indicate that 41.5% of responses were from 3rd-year students, while 31.5% came from seniors Freshmen and sophomores contributed 9.2% and 17.7%, respectively Given that Quizlet is relatively unfamiliar to first and second-year students, the team concentrated on surveying 3rd and 4th-year students to ensure the accuracy of the data collected.
The pie chart reveals that a significant 79.2% of students dedicate 1 hour or less to vocabulary learning, with 40% spending exactly 1 hour and 39.2% spending less than 1 hour In contrast, only 20.8% of students invest more than 2 hours in vocabulary study, which includes 10.8% for 2 hours, 2.3% for 3 hours, and 7.7% for over 3 hours These statistics indicate that most students lack interest in vocabulary learning, despite its importance for English language acquisition.
Chart 4.1: The participants in this study
Chart 4.2: Time students spend for self-studying vocabulary a day
According to the pie chart, over half of the surveyed students, specifically 51.5%, reported that they sometimes use Quizlet In contrast, the remaining students indicated their usage frequency as follows: 23.1% chose rarely, 19.2% chose often, and 6.2% stated they never use the platform.
The pie chart indicates that a significant majority of students, 54.6%, find the Quizlet application interesting, while 13.8% consider it extremely interesting Additionally, 24.6% of students feel neutral about the app, and 6.9% perceive it as partly interesting or not interesting at all The research data reveals that all students who have used Quizlet express interest in its offerings Quizlet was designed to enhance the learning experience by introducing excitement through customizable modes, making learning more engaging compared to traditional methods.
Chart 4.3: How often students use Quizlet in learning vocabulary through Quizlet?
Chart 4.4: Student's feeling when learning vocabulary through Quizlet
The pie chart reveals that 40.8% of students prefer using Flashcards, while 13.1% enjoy space race games, 14.6% favor Scatter games, 13.8% like testing, 9.2% prefer learning, and 8.5% choose the speller function Flashcards are the most popular choice among students, as they offer a familiar and flexible method for English language learners to customize vocabulary and review questions at their convenience.
Factor 2: Easy to memorize vocabulary
Factor 3: Enjoy a fun experience through a modern and vivid interface
Factor 4: Its interface is easy to use
Factor 5: Get motivated to learn vocabulary
Factor 6: Have a variety of learning modes such as flashcards, speller, learn, test, scatter game, space race game
Chart 4.5: Learning modes students prefer to use on Quizlet
Chart 4.6: The benefit of Quizlet
Factor 7: It allows learners to share their works with teachers or friends
Factor 8: Besides learning spelling, it provides definitions and pronunciation
Factor 9: Can learn whenever you have free time
The bar chart reveals that students primarily appreciate Quizlet's app for its free access, effective vocabulary memorization, and diverse learning modes A significant 53.8% of the 70 surveyed students highlighted the app's cost-free nature, while 53.1% noted its effectiveness in enhancing vocabulary retention Additionally, students benefit from various learning modes tailored to their needs, including entertaining options like the scatter and space race games, which also facilitate knowledge review Flashcards and tests further aid vocabulary focus, with 48.5% of respondents valuing the speller mode for checking pronunciation Other notable benefits include a fun user experience (39.2%), an easy-to-use interface (21.5%), and increased learning inspiration (32.3%) Furthermore, 17.7% appreciate the ability to share work with peers, while 35.4% value the app's definitions and pronunciation features The flexibility to learn at any time is favored by 32.3%, with 5.4% citing additional benefits Overall, the data indicates high user satisfaction with Quizlet's free offerings and integrated features, making it a versatile vocabulary learning tool that combines games and customizable tasks to suit individual learning styles The ability to find classes with teacher-created tasks further enhances its appeal.
It can help learners learn by themselves and improve their vocabulary without the need for instructors
The pie chart indicates that a significant majority of students surveyed, 87%, strongly agree that Quizlet offers positive benefits for self-study vocabulary, while only 11.5% feel neutral and a minimal percentage disagree All participants, who have used Quizlet at least a few times or through their teachers, acknowledge it as an effective tool for learners to take initiative in reviewing vocabulary learned in class.
4.1.2 Student’s challenges in self-studying vocabulary through Quizlet
Factor 1: Feel lazy to learn vocabulary by oneself
Factor 2: Do not know how to use it
Factor 3: Cannot use it if no Internet connection
Factor 4: Not popular among students
Factor 5: After a period of use, it gets bored
Chart 4.7: The benefit of using Quizlet have a positive effect on self-studying vocabulary
Chart 4.8: The difficulties when using Quizlet in self-studying vocabulary
Factor 6: Some flashcards made by other users might give wrong pieces of information
Factor 7: It might be a problem in the copyright when creating own works
Factor 8: Do not keep hard at using Quizlet
Factor 9: Do not understand learning modes
The bar chart highlights the challenges faced by students using Quizlet for foreign language learning According to survey data, 48.5% of students reported that the need for an Internet connection is a significant drawback, limiting their ability to study anytime and anywhere Additionally, many students expressed a lack of motivation to learn vocabulary independently While Quizlet is designed for personalized learning, it primarily facilitates interaction through pre-designed lessons, which some learners find less engaging compared to collaborative study Other notable issues include 13.8% of students feeling unsure about how to effectively use Quizlet, 31.5% stating the app is not popular in their learning routine, and 22.3% feeling bored with its features Furthermore, 31.5% reported inaccuracies in user-generated flashcards, while 20% believed their own lessons were not widely shared Overall, 19.2% felt that Quizlet did not significantly aid their vocabulary acquisition, and 8.5% struggled to understand the learning modes These insights indicate key areas for improvement in Quizlet's user experience.
Factor 1: Find out information about Quizlet before using
Factor 2: The learner should have a specific learning path (topic, time for each lesson…)
Factor 3: The learner should have more awareness of the importance of learning vocabulary
Factor 4: Encourage teachers to use Quizlet in classroom
Factor 5: Encourage teachers to instruct students how to use Quizlet
Factor 6: Encourage students to use Quizlet at home or whenever they have free time
Factor 7: Introduce Quizlet to teachers, students, friends…
Factor 8: Maintain the use of Quizlet for a long time
The bar chart indicates that the most favored suggestion among students is for learners to have a specific learning path, with 62 votes, representing 47.7% The second most popular recommendation, supported by 59 students (45.4%), is to encourage teachers to incorporate Quizlet into classroom activities Following closely, 56 students (43.1%) advocate for using Quizlet at home or during free time Other notable suggestions include 33.8% of students wanting to gather information about Quizlet before use, 31.5% emphasizing the importance of vocabulary learning, and 32.3% urging teachers to guide students on how to utilize Quizlet effectively Additionally, 29.2% recommend introducing Quizlet to peers, while 20.8% stress the need for sustained use of the application Lastly, 3.1% of students provided alternative suggestions Overall, it is evident that students seek more lessons on Quizlet to better understand its functionality and to enhance their learning experience, particularly in vocabulary acquisition.
Chart 4.9: The suggestions for improving these difficulties above subjects that require vocabulary learning, teachers should use this application to increase students' learning efficiency and more lively in the classroom.
Discussion
The researcher achieved highly satisfactory results that align with the research team's objectives after thorough data collection and analysis The survey questions, vetted and approved by the instructor, ensured reliability and accuracy Conducted under the supervision of both researchers and teaching staff, the survey maintained objectivity, with no signs of information exchange The selection of 3rd and 4th-year students as survey subjects was deliberate, as their familiarity with Quizlet was significantly greater than that of 1st and 2nd-year students, enhancing the study's accuracy.
The research addresses two key issues: the attitudes of English language majors towards Quizlet and the challenges they face while using it Survey results indicate that most students are enthusiastic about the diverse learning modes offered by the application, which enhances their interest in self-studying vocabulary at home, moving away from traditional learning methods Self-study is crucial for university students, as teachers cannot oversee their entire learning process Many students often find self-study tedious, leading to a lack of motivation However, Quizlet effectively tackles this issue by providing engaging and customizable learning modes, allowing students to take charge of their education and become more proactive in their learning journey, rather than waiting for teacher prompts.
This study highlights the challenges students encounter while using Quizlet, particularly the boredom associated with solitary study As a personal application designed for home learning and review, Quizlet lacks built-in communication features, requiring users to rely on other platforms for interaction Despite offering various learning modes to enhance engagement, the minimal interaction can lead to monotony over time To address this issue, the researcher suggests utilizing Quizlet's "search" function, which allows users to find diverse learning modes created by others based on specific keywords This feature promotes a broader range of topics and modes, enhancing the learning experience Additionally, Quizlet enables users to invite peers to join their classes, fostering competition and interaction, thereby alleviating the sense of isolation during study sessions.
The research conducted by Sanosi (2018) on "The effect of Quizlet on Vocabulary Acquisition" shares similarities with our study on vocabulary acquisition through Quizlet However, key differences exist, particularly in the study's focus group, as Sanosi targeted a specific group of students for surveys and experiments Additionally, Sanosi's research involved a longer experimental period to ensure more accurate results, allowing for a comparison between the effects of using Quizlet and not using it Notably, while Sanosi's work emphasizes vocabulary acquisition through Quizlet, our research specifically examines how students utilize Quizlet for self-study at home.
In the research article by Barr (2016) titled “Checking the effectiveness of Quizlet as a tool for vocabulary learning,” similarities with Sanosi's (2018) study are evident, as both utilize collection and experimentation methods to assess Quizlet's effectiveness in vocabulary instruction However, our research distinguishes itself by exploring overlooked potentials of Quizlet, focusing on students' self-study as a critical component of language learning While previous studies emphasized Quizlet's overall effectiveness, we highlight the importance of its features in supporting self-study, particularly in foreign language acquisition Recognizing that self-study is essential for language majors to meet vocabulary targets, our research introduces Quizlet as a valuable tool for enhancing vocabulary learning at home, addressing challenges students encounter during their self-study process.
CONCLUSION
Conclusion
This study examines the impact of Quizlet on enhancing vocabulary self-learning among English major students, as well as their attitudes towards the application and the challenges they encounter while using it for self-study Utilizing a quantitative research method, the researcher collected data through questionnaires The findings indicate that Quizlet is an effective tool for vocabulary self-study outside the classroom, with students expressing a positive attitude towards its use The application is particularly appealing due to its free access, addressing economic concerns among students Additionally, Quizlet offers various learning modes and engaging interfaces that facilitate vocabulary memorization However, the study also identifies common difficulties faced by students, such as unstable internet connections, lack of understanding of the application, and feelings of boredom during self-study To address these challenges, the researcher provides suggestions for improving students' proficiency in using Quizlet for vocabulary learning.
Furthermore, students are frequently uninterested in studying the language independently, so they devote less effort to it; they do not spend much time on self-studying vocabulary in a day
To achieve academic success in college, students should take a proactive approach to their studies by expanding their vocabulary daily Understanding the significance of vocabulary in learning English and the value of self-study is crucial for success If students find themselves losing interest while tackling an increasing number of words, they should explore new learning strategies or methods to reignite their passion for learning.
Limitations
The researchers have completed their graduate thesis, but it has notable limitations due to time constraints and inexperience The study's participant pool was insufficient, with only 130 out of over 2,000 English major students surveyed, leading to potentially subjective recommendations Additionally, the data collection process did not capture all difficulties and suggestions regarding Quizlet for self-study, as participants were restricted by multiple-choice questions, limiting their ability to express their true experiences Consequently, the reliability of the results is questionable While the study identifies the advantages and disadvantages of using Quizlet for vocabulary self-study, it fails to demonstrate the effectiveness of Quizlet by comparing students' results before and after its use, reducing the persuasiveness of its findings.
Recommendation
For language students, vocabulary is crucial and requires significant time to develop To make the most of their study time, learners should prioritize self-study However, they often encounter challenges such as boredom from excessive vocabulary or a lack of interest in learning To address these issues, students can utilize the Quizlet application for vocabulary self-study, which enhances memorization and boosts engagement through interactive learning modes Before diving into the app, it's beneficial for students to explore its features via search engines or by experimenting with its functions themselves.
Quizlet is a relatively new application for many university students, particularly freshmen and sophomores To facilitate quick access, teachers should integrate it into their lessons, enhancing class management and fostering a positive learning environment Additionally, educators should encourage students to utilize Quizlet for self-study and vocabulary review outside of class hours Early exposure to this app can help students discover more effective learning methods compared to traditional approaches.
Research teams often encounter mistakes during their studies, but these experiences can guide future researchers in avoiding similar pitfalls To address challenges faced during surveys, the team implemented a QR code that directs participants to a Google Document with survey questions This innovation streamlines data collection, ensuring quick processing and accurate graphical representations, ultimately reducing costs While the current research did not include experiments on Quizlet's effectiveness for vocabulary self-learning, it highlights the need for future studies to explore this application through mini-tests to validate previous findings.
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We are Hong Son, Hong Nhu, and Tan Nhat We are writing the graduation report about the topic
The study explores how Quizlet can enhance vocabulary self-study among English majors at IUH To achieve reliable results, we kindly request your participation in this survey Your input is invaluable and will significantly aid in the completion of our group graduation report.
Sincerely thank you for your cooperation
1 Which year are you in?
2 How much time do you spend for self-studying vocabulary a day?
3 How often do you use Quizlet in learning vocabulary?
4 Which interface of Quizlet have you used?
5 How do you feel when learning vocabulary through Quizlet?
6 Which learning mode do you prefer to learn on Quizlet?
7 In your view, what are the benefits of Quizlet? (You can choose MORE than one answer)
Enjoy a fun experience through a modern and vivid interface
Its interface is easy to use
Get motivated to learn vocabulary
Have a variety of learning modes such as flashcards, speller, learn, test, scatter game, space race game
It allows learners to share their works with teachers or friends
Besides learning spelling, it provides definitions and pronunciation
Can learn whenever you have free time
8 Do you think that the benefits of using Quizlet have a positive effect on self-studying vocabulary?
9 In your opinion, what are the difficulties when using Quizlet in self-studying vocabulary? (You can choose MORE than one answer)
Feel lazy to learn vocabulary by oneself
Do not know how to use it
Cannot use it if no Internet connection
After a period of use, it gets bored
Some flashcards made by other users might give wrong pieces of information
It might be a problem in the copyright when creating own works
Do not keep hard at using Quizlet
Do not understand learning modes
10 What are suggestions for improving the above difficulties? (You can choose MORE than one answer)
Find out information about Quizlet before using
The learner should have a specific learning path (topic, time for each lesson…)
The learner should have more awareness of the importance of learning vocabulary
Encourage teachers to use Quizlet in classroom
Encourage teachers to instruct students how to use Quizlet
Encourage students to use Quizlet at home or whenever they have free time
Introduce Quizlet to teachers, students, friends…
Maintain the use of Quizlet for a long time