NGHE AN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING KY SON HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING INNOVATION Topic: APPLYING THE WEBSITE YOURHOMEWORK.NET/TOOLS TO ENHANCE 11 TH GRADERS' ENGAGEMENT AND STUDY I
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
The rapid advancement of information technology has exposed students to modern tools from a young age, highlighting the crucial role technology plays in societal progress To enhance English language education, it is essential to integrate these technologies, providing students with the necessary support to improve their proficiency in English as a second language Active engagement in listening, reading, speaking, and writing is vital for their development, and utilizing various software tools can significantly aid their learning process, particularly in facilitating self-study at home.
The General Education Curriculum, established by Circular No 32/2018/TT-BGDDT on December 26, 2018, aims to cultivate essential competencies in students, including autonomy, self-learning, communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and creativity Among these, self-learning and technological abilities are particularly crucial for mastering English However, many students, especially those at Ky Son High School, struggle with independent study and often find it tedious They require supportive tools to enhance their learning experience, making it more engaging, convenient, and effective.
Many high school English teachers struggle to create engaging and meaningful lessons using various tools and software Students often find it challenging to memorize extensive grammar rules and vocabulary from printed materials They show greater interest in interactive software and educational games, which not only help them review lessons but also provide a more relaxed learning environment Most students acknowledge that they complete homework more efficiently when it involves online quizzes or tests, as opposed to traditional workbook exercises that can be monotonous Ky Son High School is well-equipped with wireless networks that support a range of devices, and parents provide their children with necessary school supplies like smartphones and laptops However, some students still misuse their smartphones for gaming, chatting, and social media, detracting from their focus on learning.
2 quizzes and exercise vocabulary, grammar which is designed by some tool on the website yourhomework.net attract them to learning English
Leveraging extensive research and insights from colleagues in various locations, I have integrated software tools into my English teaching practice This approach enhances the functionality of my equipment, elevating the professionalism and efficiency of my lessons As a result, I have successfully engaged more students and fostered a greater interest in both learning and self-studying English.
In this topic I want to share the applying the website yourhomework.net/tools to enhance 11 th graders' engagement and self-study in learning English at Ky Son high school.
Aims of the study
The study aims at applying the website yourhomework.net/tools to 11 th graders' engagement and self-study in learning English at Ky Son high school.
Scope of study
- Scope of content:11th English textbook program (Global Success)
- Scope of research: 86 students in class 11A1 and 11C1.
Novelty in the study
Cultural background significantly impacts students' engagement and motivation in utilizing digital platforms for language learning This study explores how various cultural influences shape students' interactions with the website yourhomework.net/tools, highlighting the importance of understanding these factors to enhance digital learning experiences.
+ Engaging students learn English by playing game directly in class and do quiz, exercises via phone is a new form of teaching in the period of digital transformation
+ Assigning homework and checking it through apps is very different from the traditional way
+ Designing games and quiz on the website yourhomework.net/tools is a new and convenient way of designing lesson in the 4.0 era
MAIN CONTENT
Theoretical background
1.1 What is an engaging lesson?
An engaging lesson, as defined by Nioka Clark, Curriculum Services Director of Goodwill Education Initiatives, is one that is active, interactive, and challenging, while also connecting to student interests Such lessons provide students with opportunities to practice target grammar and vocabulary through specific activities, ensuring that they remain actively involved and engaged throughout the learning process.
1.2 The importance of an engaging lesson
An engaging lesson is essential for effective learning, as it enhances students' understanding of grammar and boosts their communication skills Furthermore, it increases students' interest in learning English, significantly impacting their academic and professional opportunities.
An engaging lesson captivates students' attention, enabling them to process information more effectively and utilize advanced learning strategies, including critical thinking and connecting prior knowledge with new concepts When students find a task interesting, they are more likely to exert greater effort and demonstrate persistence, leveraging their self-regulatory skills to enhance their learning experience.
Below are indicators of an engaging lesson:
- A clear and achievable goal: The purpose of each activity is clear enough
The teacher always tells the students what they have to do and why, in a very clear way
Incorporating real-world examples into educational activities is essential for enhancing student engagement and understanding Activities that reflect students' actual experiences, particularly during presentation, practice, and production stages, foster deeper learning Since many relevant examples may not be found in textbooks, educators should proactively seek out and integrate appropriate real-life scenarios that align with their lessons.
Effective preparation of relevant vocabulary and language skills is crucial for boosting students' confidence in speaking Many students often hesitate to participate in class discussions due to a lack of ideas or uncertainty about what to say By linking the unknown with the known, educators can empower learners to express themselves more freely and engage actively in conversations.
- Active involvement of students All the students in class are always involved in activities, nobody is ever bored because lessons are very dynamic
To enhance student engagement, it is essential to prioritize student-talking time over teacher-talking time By eliciting rules rather than explaining them, teachers can maintain interest and avoid boredom Continuous questioning encourages students to actively participate, allowing them to learn new concepts through their responses.
- A lot of interactions Students sometimes have to work individually, but most of the time they do tasks in pairs or small groups
A relaxed learning environment fosters confidence in students, particularly for those who are shy In each class, laughter is a common occurrence, creating a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable This approach alleviates the pressure of constant assessment by the teacher, allowing for a more enjoyable and stress-free learning experience.
Effective feedback is essential for student growth, and teachers should deliver it in a sensitive manner that avoids putting students on the spot By striking a balance between highlighting errors and acknowledging good language use, educators can foster a positive learning environment Appropriately praising students not only boosts their confidence but also encourages continued improvement in their language skills.
Self-study is an independent learning process that demands a high level of self-awareness, a positive attitude, clear objectives, and effective study skills It reflects an individual's ability to exercise self-control, adjust strategies, design and implement learning plans, and assess their own creative learning This approach not only enhances knowledge but also develops essential skills and techniques.
2.2 The important of self – study for students
Self-study is a crucial skill for students, offering numerous benefits It fosters lifelong learning capabilities, enabling students to continue their education independently Additionally, self-study serves as a vital link between academic knowledge and scientific research Ultimately, it significantly influences study outcomes, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the learning process.
Depending on the issues, researcher divided self- study into various component skills In my opinion, self – study can be divided into the following groups:
- Skills of building self – study plan;
- Skills of choosing suitable forms of self – study;
- Skills to apply knowledge into practice;
- Skills of exchanging and sharing information;
2.4 Features self-study activities at Ky Son high school
Self-study environment: At Ky Son high school has concentrated nature Here usually have clear and strict rules in organizing self-study activities of
5 students, this is considered as specific characteristics activities in the school system because thanks to favorable boarding environment, the organization of self –study activities can be actually effective
Self-study methods are diverse and can take various forms, including independent study, group discussions with friends, and interactions with teachers This approach can be enhanced through both individual and general guidance from educators.
Self-study constitutes the majority of boarding time for students, with an average daily commitment ranging from five to six hours.
The level of implementing task: Students in such schools usually have more workload to complete during the self-study hours than that of other high school students
The effort of the students in the study itself is not high
3 The website yourhomework.net/tools
3.1 What is yourhomework.net/tools?
YourHomework.net is a valuable resource for teachers, enabling them to create flashcards for English vocabulary and design grammar, reading, and listening tests This platform allows students to quickly and effectively review previous lessons, enhancing their engagement with new material in the classroom.
3.2 The importance of applying the website yourhomework.net/tools in to enhance students' engagement and self-study in learning English
In today's digital age, digital competencies are crucial for language learning, supported by various tools and apps One effective resource is yourhomework.net/tools, which employs gamification techniques and online quizzes to enhance engagement and interactivity for students This platform offers immediate feedback, enabling learners to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and adapt their learning strategies effectively.
Here are some ways the website yourhomework.net/tools can be effective in language learning:
Yourhomework.net is an effective resource for vocabulary acquisition, enabling students to learn and memorize words effortlessly Teachers can design engaging quizzes and games featuring audio or visual prompts, fostering a competitive environment where students strive to answer the most questions correctly.
Practical background
1 An overview of the textbook Tieng Anh 11- Global success
The "Tieng Anh 11 Global Success," released in 2023 by Vietnam Education Publisher and edited by Hoang Van Van, introduces innovative features as a new academic curriculum This textbook mirrors the format of "Tieng Anh 10 Global Success" and is tailored to meet the language proficiency levels of most high school students.
"Tieng Anh 11 Global Success" is designed to enhance students' English language proficiency across the four key skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing This textbook offers engaging and relevant materials, featuring texts, audio and video recordings, and exercises that explore various topics related to everyday life, culture, and social issues.
Some of the features of "Tieng Anh 11 Global Success" include:
- A focus on communicative language learning, with an emphasis on developing students' ability to use English in real-life situations
- A wide range of listening and speaking activities, including group discussions, role-plays, and presentations
- A variety of reading texts, such as articles, short stories, accompanied by comprehension questions and vocabulary exercises
- Writing tasks that encourage students to express their ideas and opinions, as well as to practice different types of writing, such as essays, letters, and short message, proposal, leaflet
"Tieng Anh 11 Global Success" is a thorough English language textbook designed to equip Vietnamese students with essential communication skills in English The curriculum encompasses various topics and grammar points across 10 units, ensuring a well-rounded approach to language learning.
1 A long and healthy life Past simple and present perfect
2 The generation gap Modal verbs: must, have to and should…
3 Cities of the future Stative verbs in the continuous form; linking verbs
4 ASEAN and Viet Nam Gerunds as subjects and objects
5 Global warming Present participle and past participle clauses
6 Preserving our heritage To – infinitive clauses
7 Education options for school – leavers
Perfect gerunds and perfect participle
9 Social issues Linking words and phrases
2 Practical situation before carrying out the study
Many teachers struggle with timely feedback, hindering their ability to monitor student progress effectively Additionally, large class sizes prevent teachers from giving individual attention to students during English lessons Furthermore, a lack of proficiency in information technology among teachers limits the efficiency of their instruction.
A survey conducted among 10 English teachers at Ky Son High School reveals insights into the use of applications in English language teaching The findings highlight the effectiveness and challenges of integrating technology into the classroom, providing valuable data for enhancing educational practices.
The chart illustrates the usage frequency of yourhomework.net/tools for teaching English grammar and vocabulary to 11th-grade students It is divided into five segments, with the largest segment, accounting for 50% of responses, indicating that users access the website monthly The second-largest segment, representing 20% of respondents, shows that the tool is used weekly In contrast, the smallest segment reflects that only 10% of respondents utilize the site less frequently.
Daily Weekly Monthly Rarely Never
How often do you use the website yourhomework.net to teach English grammar and vocabulary to your 11th graders?
A recent survey reveals that the majority of respondents utilize yourhomework.net/tools at least once a month for teaching English grammar and vocabulary to their 11th-grade students Specifically, 90% of participants reported regular usage, with 80% using it daily and 10% doing so rarely Conversely, only 10% of respondents indicated they never use the website for this purpose.
The chart illustrates the effectiveness of yourhomework.net/tools in enhancing students' English grammar and vocabulary skills It is divided into four segments, with the largest portion, accounting for 50% of responses, indicating that users find the website effective in improving these skills Additionally, 40% of respondents consider the website to be very effective, highlighting its significant impact on students' learning outcomes.
A small portion of the chart, accounting for 10% of responses, suggests that some respondents find the tools less effective for enhancing students' English grammar and vocabulary skills Notably, none of the participants considered the tools to be completely ineffective Overall, the data indicates that the majority of respondents view the website yourhomework.net/tools as effective resources for improving students' English language skills.
Ky Son High School is located in Ky Son District, the poorest and mountainous area of Nghe An province Thanks to Trung Nam Group’s sponsor,
Very effective effective less effective not at all effective
How effective do you think the website yourhomework.net/tools is in helping your students to engage in learning Englisd and improve their English grammar and vocabulary skills?
Our school underwent reconstruction two years ago, resulting in significantly improved facilities that enhance the learning and teaching experience The well-equipped environment includes a large library with computers and a variety of books, along with an accessible network that supports self-study for both students and teachers Currently, there are 15 grade 11 classes, all utilizing the "Tieng Anh 11 - Global Success" textbook for English language instruction.
Many ethnic students begin learning English in grade 6, often lacking adequate teaching and learning resources during their primary and secondary education In my experience teaching English to classes 11A1 and 11C1, I noticed that most students feel shy and lack confidence in their English abilities due to limited vocabulary and grammar knowledge To address this, it is crucial for teachers to utilize apps and online tools to create engaging lessons Additionally, students struggle with traditional teaching methods and find it challenging to remember grammar rules and vocabulary, often forgetting them without regular review Therefore, enhancing self-study skills through applications like yourhomework.net/tools can significantly benefit students in their English learning journey.
Students today encounter various challenges when utilizing learning applications, primarily due to technical issues like slow internet speeds and hardware limitations that hinder their engagement with interactive features Furthermore, many students struggle with navigating the interface, especially if they lack familiarity with technology Additionally, maintaining focus during tests or quizzes can be difficult, as distractions from social media and other notifications often divert their attention.
- To assess the students’ English ability, at the beginning of the study, I distributed a test for 86 11th graders Here are the results of the pre-test: (APPENDIX 2)
Excellent Good Average Bellow average
The table presents the results of a pre-test distributed to 86 11th-grade students to assess their English language proficiency The table has four columns:
The table presents the English language proficiency levels of students who took the test, detailing the total number of participants and their corresponding scores in percentage across four categories: "Excellent," "Good," "Average," and "Below average." Out of the total, 4 students (4.6%) achieved an "Excellent" score, 18 students (20.9%) scored "Good," 44 students (51.2%) were rated as "Average," and 20 students (23.3%) fell into the "Below average" category This data serves as a valuable resource for informing instructional strategies and targeted interventions to enhance students' language skills.
Under the exceptional leadership of the headmaster and vice-headmasters, Ky Son High School teachers are dedicated to enhancing the quality of education, particularly in English language instruction They actively implement diverse teaching methods and embrace digital technology to create engaging lessons that foster student participation and confidence The school's commitment to meaningful and effective learning experiences ensures that students are fully developed and equipped for success in their studies.
To enhance engagement and self-study among 11th graders learning English, utilizing the website yourhomework.net/tools is an effective strategy, despite the dedicated efforts of writers and publishers to meet customer needs in their course books.
Applying the website yourhomework.net/tools to enhance 11 th graders'
1 Applying the website yourhomework.net/tools to improve engagement in learning English
1.1 Game: Who want to be a millionaire?
1.1.1 The aims of the game?
The game is designed to engage students by testing and reviewing their knowledge in a fun and dynamic manner, enhancing excitement in the classroom The "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" game is particularly effective in various educational scenarios.
To review general knowledge for the whole class and to check knowledge and previous lessons for each student
1.1.2 Procedure for creating the game:
To create the game Who wants to be a millionaire? do the following steps
Step 1: Prepare a list questions according to the syntax
Step 2: Access the link: https://yourhomework.net/game/millionaire/
Step 3: Enter title and paste list of questions
There are no restrictions on the number of questions The system will automatically randomly select 15 sentences to display the order of the game
To successfully complete the game, players must answer a minimum of 16 questions If question 15 is answered correctly, the game concludes, and the player is announced as a "Millionaire" with the final results However, if players answer fewer than 16 questions or provide an incorrect answer, the system will display "Game Over."
To create an engaging quiz format, ensure that each question is followed by four answer options, with the correct answer listed first Maintain a blank line between each question for clarity Additionally, implement an automatic shuffling feature for the answer options during gameplay to enhance the user experience.
The system does not retain the question list, so teachers should prepare and maintain a set of questions in a Word document for convenient updating and editing When creating a game, simply copy the list of questions from the document and paste it into the designated box.
Step 3: Click “View and check questions” to check again
Step 4: Click "Save and get link to share"
Upon finishing Step 4, teachers will find a link that can be copied and shared through Zalo or Facebook, or they can simply click "Start playing game" to enter the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire game It is advisable for teachers to save this link for easy access in the future.
Unit 1: A long and healthy life
Line 1: Content of question 1 Line 2: Correct answer Line 3: Other option Line 4: Other option Line 5: Other option Line 6: Leave blank Line 7: Content of question 2 Line 8: Correct answer
Line 4: Other solutions Line 5: Other solution
Grammar point: Past simple tense and present perfect tense
Suggested activity: Game Who want to be a Millionaires?
- Aim: Help students to practice using Past simple tense and present perfect tense
This activity also helps students to develop critical thinking, and collaborative skill
- Type of activity: group works
- Teacher divides class into 2 groups, ask each group to vote one student to play
- Teacher set the rule for each
- Teacher open the game Who want to be millionaires? which is prepared before
- If necessary, teacher can play a modal
- During game, teacher observe and provide support https://yourhomework.net/game/millionaire/3-275
Unit 1- Language – Past simple tense and present perfect: https://yourhomework.net/game/millionaire/3-307
Unit 2 – Language – Modal verbs: https://yourhomework.net/quiz/ai-la-trieu-phu/000000493007
Unit 3 – Vocabulary – Cities of the future https://yourhomework.net/quiz/ai-la-trieu-phu/000000304010
Unit 10: To infinitives clauses: https://yourhomework.net/quiz/ai-la-trieu-phu/000000028126
1.2.1 The aims of the game?
Hangman is a popular game in language classrooms, often used to review vocabulary in an engaging and exciting way
This game is very suitable for reviewing vocabulary in class Teachers can provide a vocabulary list, then organize extremely exciting and effective vocabulary review activities in class
1.2.2 Procedure for creating the game
To create the game Hangman, do the following steps:
Step 2: Access the link: https://yourhomework.net/tools/hangman
Step 3: Copy list of words in the below textbox, each word on one line
Step 4: Click “Create Hangman game”
How to play the game?
Hangman is an engaging word guessing game that challenges players to identify a hidden word based on its character count In this game, teachers either think of a specific word or provide a list, revealing only the number of letters through a series of dashes Players take turns guessing letters they believe are in the word; correct guesses fill in the dashes, while incorrect guesses result in the gradual drawing of a gallows This interactive game not only enhances vocabulary but also promotes critical thinking and teamwork among students.
The game of Hangman concludes when a player successfully guesses a word or when the hanging man figure is fully drawn, typically after six incorrect guesses Players should be organized into groups to alternate turns and compete for the best results Educators can create a customized Hangman game using their own vocabulary by simply entering a list of words to initiate gameplay.
The game offers numerous benefits, including the elimination of the need to manually create each slide and effect in PowerPoint Users can quickly generate a game by simply copying and pasting a set of questions into the website Additionally, the game is accessible on both computers and tablets, and users can easily save and share the game link for repeated use.
15 times without having to log in or register for an account Finally, we can send the link to students to review on their own
Vocabulary: emissions, balance, carbon, methane
Suggested activity: Game Hangman - Checking Vocabulary
- Aim: Help students to review and memory new words in spelling and pronunciation This activity also helps students to develop observation, judgment and critical thinking skills
- Type of activity: individual or group work
+ Teacher present new words make sure all students have been learnt the words, next, move to checking vocabulary part by applying hangman
To create a Hangman game, teachers can visit [this link](https://yourhomework.net/tools/hangman) After accessing the site, they should enter a list of words in the designated textbox on the homepage and then click on “Create Hangman Game.” This process will generate a Hangman game that resembles the example shown below.
- During playing the game, students seem very highly enthusiastic to take part in Most of them said that this game helps them to remember these words easier and longer
1.3.1 The aims of the game?
Lucky wheel game aims to create a spin to randomly select from an available list It can be applied in the below situations:
- Call students' names to check old lessons
- Select a topic/ question to reply/report
- Choose vocabulary from an available list to read/make sentences
- Choose random gifts and rewards
1.3.2 Procedure for creating the game
To create Lucky Spin, do the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare a list words (student names, topics, vocabulary ) or questions Step 2: Go to the link: https://yourhomework.net/tools/wheel
Step 3: Paste the list into the edit box and
Step 4: Click “Create Lucky Wheel”
Step 5: For each call, press "Spin" to spin and choose randomly
Unit 3: Cities of the future
Vocabulary key: city dweller, traffic jam, urban centre, roof garden, skyscraper Suggested activity: Game Lucky wheel?
- Aim: Help students to practice vocabulary related to cities and smart living This activity also helps students to develop critical thinking, and collaborative skill
- Type of activity: group works or individuals
- Teacher divides class into 4 groups
-Teacher open the game Lucky wheel on the website https://yourhomework.net/tools/wheel by computer connected with TV, which is prepared before
In this engaging classroom activity, the teacher establishes a game where each group spins a wheel that randomly selects a word Participants must then create a meaningful sentence using the chosen word within a tight timeframe of 30 seconds This exercise not only enhances vocabulary skills but also encourages quick thinking and teamwork among students.
If they don’t make a sentence they lost turn If they make a sentence in time, they get 10 mark Which group get the highest mark They will be a winner
Utilizing games in the classroom offers numerous benefits, including the ease of creation by simply copying and pasting lists The incorporation of vibrant images and sounds enhances engagement during lessons Additionally, these games can be played on both computers and phones, making them accessible for all students Every participant must come prepared, as rounds are called randomly, ensuring that everyone has a chance to be selected This approach also alleviates the burden on teachers, reducing the stress of deciding whom to call on next.
1.4.1 The aims of the game?
The primary objective of the game is to identify keywords while exploring and discussing various topics, facilitating vocabulary acquisition and retention Additionally, incorporating crossword puzzles into lessons enhances engagement, making the learning experience more enjoyable and helping students to better remember new words and key terms.
1.4.2 Procedure for creating the game
To create crosswords automatically and quickly, do the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare a set of keywords related to the learning/discussion content
(or a list of English vocabulary)
Step 2: Go to the automatic crossword generator tool: https://yourhomework.net/tools/wordsearch
Step 3: Copy and paste the keyword list into the "List of Words" box, each word on one line
Step 4: Click “Show the Puzzle” to see the results Click “Show” to see the answer if you want
Step 5: Click “Create PDF” to download the PDF file (the file will be saved to your computer)
So there is 1 crossword by keyword set If teachers want more cool functions, please see the instructions below First of all, click “Play with this
To enjoy the game, visit the website and select "Puzzle" to engage with the newly created crossword For a fresh challenge, click on "Play with random Puzzle," which generates a unique puzzle each time using the provided keywords.
Click "Get shorten link & Copy" to get a short link and send it via Zalo, Share on Facebook so everyone can play and search the crossword
If you want the crossword to have a more unique and beautiful design, you can make customizations:
- Change the Title by entering in the “Title” box
To adjust the grid size of your crossword puzzle, simply enter the desired number of columns and rows in the designated box Keep in mind that if your keyword contains many characters, a smaller grid may not accommodate longer words, as they will exceed the column limit To resolve this, you can increase the puzzle size and regenerate it by clicking "Show the Puzzle."
To adjust the difficulty level, simply choose more or fewer sorting directions for keywords in the "Finding Directions" section Keywords can be searched in multiple orientations: left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, and diagonally in both forward and backward directions.
- Choose more background images to make the PDF file more beautiful by selecting background patterns in "Background"
Survey on the urgency and feasibility of suggested techniques
1 The aim of the survey
This survey aims to collect data on the urgency and feasibility of solutions designed to improve 11th graders' engagement and self-study in English at Ky Son High School, utilizing the website yourhomework.net/tools It will evaluate the challenges students encounter in this area and the effectiveness of proposed solutions in overcoming these challenges Additionally, the survey will gather insights on current vocabulary and grammar teaching methods, as well as other factors influencing students' exam performance The findings will inform the development of targeted strategies to enhance English learning engagement and self-study among 11th graders at Ky Son High School.
2 The content and method of the survey
2.1 The content of the survey
The survey focuses on 2 main areas:
- The urgency of the suggested techniques of applying the website yourhomework.net/tools to enhance 11 th graders' engagement and self-study in learning English at Ky Son high school
- The feasibility of the suggested techniques of applying the website yourhomework.net/tools to enhance 11 th graders' engagement and self-study in learning English at Ky Son high school
2.2 The method of the survey
The survey employed an online questionnaire targeting English teachers and students at Ky Son High School, assessing urgency and feasibility across four levels: Not Urgent, Less Urgent, Urgent, and Very Urgent; Not Feasible, Less Feasible, Feasible, and Very Feasible, each rated on a scale from 1 to 4 Microsoft Excel was utilized to calculate the average score (X̅) for each technique, facilitating the evaluation of necessity and feasibility levels.
- Level 2: Less necessary/ Less feasible: 1,75< X̅