- Thus, organizing an English speaking contest on the learning topics ofEnglish 11 is a suitable solution to innovate teaching methods and improve thelearning effectiveness of students..
Trang 1HOANG HOA HIGH SCHOOL
EXPERIENCE IDEA
IMPROVING ENGLISH LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR 11TH GRADERS THROUGH AN ENGLISH SPEAKING CONTEST ON THE TOPIC OF “GLOBAL WARMING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL
Trang 2TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Reason for choosing the topic 3
1.2 Research objectives 4
1.3 Research subjects 4
1.4 Research methods 4
1.4.1 Theoretical research methods 4
1.4.2 Practical research methods 5
1.4.3 Pedagogical experiment method 5
1.5 Novel aspects of the experience initiative 5
2 CONTENT 5
2.1 Theoretical Basis of the Experience Initiative 5
2.1.1 Organizing Teaching and Learning Through Classroom-Level English Speaking Contests 5
2.1.2 The role of teaching through classroom-level English speaking contests 7
2.1.2.1 Promoting proactiveness and activeness in English learning 7
2.1.2.2 Comprehensive development of English language skills 7
2.1.2.3 Enhancing critical thinking and problem-olving skills 8
2.1.2.4 Increasing confidence and English communication skills- 8
2.1.2.5 Expanding knowledge of culture and society 8
2.1.3 Measures to improve the effectiveness of English 11 learning through organizing classroom-level English speaking contests 8
2.1.3.1 Measure 1: Developing debate topics closely linked to lesson content and prominent social issues 8
2.1.3.2 Measure 2: Designing diverse and Engaging pre-debate and post-debate activities 9
2.1.3.3 Measure 3: Providing constructive assessment and feedback to encourage student progress 10
2.2 Current situation of the problem before applying the experience initiative 11
2.1.1 Advantages 11
2.2.2 Difficulties 12
2.2.3 Overall assessment of the current situation before applying the topic 12
Trang 32.3 Lesson plan for the theme "Global warming with environmental
protection" through organizing an English speaking contest 13
2.4 Experience initiatives or solutions used to solve the problem 18
2.5 Effectiveness of the experience initiative………18
2.5.1 Qualitative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Experience Initiative 19
2.5.2 Quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the experience initiative 20
3 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 22
3.1 Conclusion 22
3.2 Recommendations 22
APPENDIX 25
Trang 41 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Reason for choosing the topic
- Currently, the body of knowledge of humanity is rapidly increasing alongwith the development of science and technology, and teaching students usingtraditional teaching methods has revealed many limitations Therefore, it isnecessary to explore and implement new methods, techniques, and forms ofteaching that are suitable for student learning, especially in the context of the 2018General Education Program being implemented synchronously, which requirescomprehensive innovation in education, including high school English Applyingactive, creative, and age-appropriate teaching methods is essential for students toacquire knowledge and develop qualities and competencies
- The 2024-2025 academic year is the year that the 2018 General EducationProgram is implemented synchronously across all grade levels of all levels ofeducation, including high school English The 2018 General Education Program isoriented towards the development of learners' qualities and competencies.English, with its role as a communication tool, plays an important role in helpingstudents integrate and develop in the context of globalization
- Hoang Hoa High School in Hoang Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province is aschool that was established more than 10 years ago Hoang Hoa High Schoolalways sets a common goal of both improving cultural quality and educatingstudents on ethical ideals, lifestyles, aesthetics, and physical fitness The schoolregularly launches industry emulation movements such as: "Emulation to teachwell, study well", "Building a friendly school, active students" to improve thequality of teaching and learning in the school The school's teachers are constantlystriving to innovate teaching methods and improve the quality of education
- In addition, during the process of teaching English, I have noticed somespecific difficulties as follows: Opportunities for students to practice Englishcommunication are still difficult, teaching methods have not been innovated andapplied in a synchronized manner, traditional teaching methods have notpromoted the activeness and proactiveness of students, learning content issometimes dry and not linked to social issues that students care about, and manystudents have good creative and critical thinking skills but have not been given theconditions to develop them Faced with this issue, I realized that there needs to be
a solution to overcome the above difficulties and maximize the potential ofstudents' English learning
Trang 5- Thus, organizing an English speaking contest on the learning topics ofEnglish 11 is a suitable solution to innovate teaching methods and improve thelearning effectiveness of students Therefore, it is necessary to create an Englishspeaking contest that creates an intellectual playground, where students are free toexpress their views, debate, and learn from each other, thereby helping studentsgrasp the learning goals of knowledge, skills, and qualities according to therequired standards of the learning topics as prescribed by the Ministry ofEducation and Training.
- With the above reasons, I have researched, learned, and chosen the topic: Improving English Learning Outcomes for 11th Graders through an EnglishSpeaking Contest on the Topic of “Global Warming with EnvironmentalProtection” as a topic for the Experience Initiative The Experience Initiative aims
to contribute to innovating English teaching methods, improve the activeness,proactiveness, and creativity of students, and equip them with the necessaryEnglish knowledge, qualities, and skills to meet the requirements of the 2018General Education Program
1.2 Research objectives
- To identify the current situation of organizing English 11 teaching andlearning through the organization of an English speaking contest, therebyproviding a theoretical basis for implementing the experience initiative
- To develop measures to improve the effectiveness of English 11 learningthrough organizing an English speaking contest at the classroom level
- To develop a lesson plan on "Global Warming and EnvironmentalProtection" through the organization of an English speaking contest
- To assess the feasibility of the initiative based on the results of theexperience initiative by comparing the results between the experimental classlearning the topic "Global Warming and Environmental Protection" in the form of
an English speaking contest and the control class learning using traditionalmethods according to the education plan approved by the school at the beginning
of the 2023-2024 academic year
1.4.1 Theoretical research methods
To research and study the theoretical basis for teaching English throughorganizing classroom-level speaking contests in the lessons and topics of thesubject
Trang 61.4.2 Practical research methods
- To conduct practical research on English 11 teaching through theorganization of English speaking contests at some high schools in Thanh Hoaprovince
- To conduct surveys using investigation methods, interview methods, andconversations with teachers and students
1.4.3 Pedagogical experiment method
- To apply measures to improve the effectiveness of English 11 learningthrough organizing an English speaking contest at the classroom level on the topic
of "Global Warming and Environmental Protection" at Hoang Hoa High School,Hoang Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province
- To analyze the results obtained during the pedagogical experiment, usingmathematical statistical methods to process the data collected, comparing it withthe research objectives, and drawing conclusions for the Experience Initiative
1.5 Novel aspects of the experience initiative
- To explore and establish the theoretical and practical basis for organizingEnglish speaking contests in teaching English 11 at the high school level
- To develop measures to improve the effectiveness of English 11 learningthrough organizing English speaking contests at the classroom level
- To develop an illustrative lesson plan on "Global Warming andEnvironmental Protection" through the organization of an English speakingcontest
- To conduct a pedagogical experiment using the lesson plan and evaluatethe results, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of the developed ExperienceInitiative
2 CONTENT
2.1 Theoretical Basis of the Experience Initiative
In order to clarify the effectiveness and methodology of implementing theExperience Initiative, it is necessary to build a solid theoretical foundation Thistheoretical basis will be based on scientific research, modern educationalviewpoints, and the provisions of the 2018 General Education Program for highschool English
2.1.1 Organizing Teaching and Learning Through Classroom-Level English Speaking Contests
- In the context of the synchronous implementation of the 2018 GeneralEducation Program, innovating teaching methods is an essential requirement tomeet the needs of development and improve the quality of education One of thecreative and effective forms of teaching is organizing English speaking contests.Currently, this form is often organized on a large scale, such as at the school level,cluster school level, or in extracurricular activities of English clubs, etc However,
Trang 7organizing English speaking contests on a classroom scale, as a regular activityand integrated into the curriculum, has a great impact on the quality of learningbecause its direct application to the high school English curriculum has notreceived much attention and implementation.
- Organizing classroom-level English speaking contests brings many greatbenefits to students This is an attractive intellectual playground, creatingopportunities for students to express their language skills, critical thinking,presentation skills, and teamwork skills Through preparing content, practicingpronunciation, and presenting viewpoints, students not only consolidateknowledge and practice skills but also develop confidence, communication skills,and flexible handling in different situations Moreover, the contest is also anopportunity for students to learn from each other, expand their understanding ofsocial issues, improve their skills in searching for and processing information, andwork effectively in teams
- Within the scope of this experience initiative, I present the contents related
to classroom-level English speaking contests as follows:
- English speaking contest: Is a form of organizing teaching activities oreducational activities about the English subject, in which students are divided intoteams or individuals, participating in debates on a specific topic in English
- Classroom level: The contest is organized within the scope of a class, withthe participation of all or most of the students in the class The duration of thelesson is based on the duration of the English curriculum associated with theselected speaking topic
- Integration into the curriculum: The contest is designed as part of thelesson plan, closely linked to the content of the curriculum and the learningobjectives of the English subject
- Regularity and continuity: The contest can be organized periodically (forexample, once a month) or according to each learning topic, in order to create adynamic learning environment and encourage students to participate actively
- Speaking topic: The speaking topic needs to be selected to suit thestudents' level, be closely linked to hot social issues, and relate to the lessoncontent as prescribed by the English curriculum This helps students not onlyimprove their language skills but also expand their knowledge and awareness ofthe world around them
- Based on the analysis of the content of the relevant issues, within the scope
of the Experience Initiative, I build the concept of Organizing teaching throughclassroom-level English speaking contests as follows: "is a form of integratingEnglish education activities into the curriculum, where students in the classparticipate in debating in English on topics that are appropriate for their level andclosely linked to the lesson content, organized regularly or according to the topic
to encourage dynamism and improve students' language skills, knowledge, andawareness."
Trang 8- Organizing classroom-level English speaking contests, if implementedmethodically and scientifically, will bring great benefits to students, helping themdevelop comprehensively in terms of knowledge, skills, and qualities, whileimproving the effectiveness of English learning In particular, when speakingtopics are built and selected that relate to hot social issues and are linked to thelesson content as prescribed by the English curriculum, it will make an importantcontribution to improving the effectiveness of students' English learning.
2.1.2 The role of teaching through classroom-level English speaking contests
Organizing English speaking contests at the classroom level is not only asimple educational activity but also an effective form of teaching, bringing manypractical benefits to students Based on the concept of Organizing TeachingThrough Classroom-Level English Speaking Contests, the Initiative identifies 5important roles of this form of teaching as follows:
2.1.2.1 Promoting proactiveness and activeness in English learning
- English speaking contests encourage students to actively search for andprocess information in English Instead of just absorbing knowledge fromtextbooks, students have to explore diverse sources of materials on their own,thereby practicing reading comprehension and information analysis skills
- This activity creates opportunities for students to freely choose topics thatsuit their interests and concerns, thereby increasing learning motivation andsparking a passion for the English subject This proactiveness helps them feelmore responsible for their own learning process
- Students are encouraged to ask questions, debate, and defend theirviewpoints in English This not only helps them consolidate knowledge but alsodevelops critical thinking and communication skills
2.1.2.2 Comprehensive development of English language skills
- English speaking contests create a comprehensive language practiceenvironment, where students have the opportunity to use all four skills: listening,speaking, reading, and writing They have to read reference materials, listen tosample speeches, write essays to prepare for the presentation, and express ideasclearly and coherently
- To participate effectively, students need to expand their vocabulary,master grammar, and practice pronunciation This process helps them improvetheir ability to use the language accurately, fluently, and confidently
- The contest also provides opportunities for students to be exposed to manydifferent language styles, thereby enhancing their ability to adapt and use English
in many communication situations
Trang 92.1.2.3 Enhancing critical thinking and problem-olving skills
- To build a persuasive speech, students need to be able to analyzeinformation in English, evaluate evidence, and build arguments logically andcoherently
- The contest encourages students to ask questions, challenge existingviewpoints, and come up with new arguments This helps them practice criticalthinking, logical reasoning skills, and creative problem-solving skills
- These skills are not only useful in learning but also necessary for life and
work later on, especially in an international working environment
2.1.2.4 Increasing confidence and English communication
skills English speaking contests create a safe and supportive environment,
where students can overcome the fear of speaking English in front of an audience
- The process of preparing and participating in the contest helps students
become familiar with presenting ideas, expressing thoughts, and interacting withthe audience in English
- Encouragement from friends and teachers, as well as constructive
comments and suggestions, helps students feel more confident in their abilitiesand enjoy the subject more
2.1.2.5 Expanding knowledge of culture and society
- English speaking contests often focus on topical themes related to globalissues, helping students expand their knowledge of culture, society, and the worldaround them through English
- Students have the opportunity to access many different perspectives andviewpoints, thereby developing global thinking and the ability to integrate withdifferent cultures
- Researching and discussing these topics helps students raise awareness ofsocial issues and develop civic responsibility
2.1.3 Measures to improve the effectiveness of English 11 learning through organizing classroom-level English speaking contests
In order to realize the role of English speaking contests in improving theeffectiveness of English 11 learning, specific measures are needed, designedscientifically and in accordance with the actual conditions of the classroom.Below are three important measures, focusing on developing students' languageskills, thinking skills, and social awareness
2.1.3.1 Measure 1: Developing debate topics closely linked to lesson content and prominent social issues
* Objectives of the measure:
Trang 10- Increase students' interest and motivation to learn by connecting lessoncontent to real-world issues that they care about.
- Develop reading comprehension and speaking fluency skills throughresearching and discussing debate topics
- Raise students' awareness of social issues such as environmentalprotection, energy conservation, ecosystem conservation, and sustainabledevelopment, etc
* Content of the measure:
- Select or develop debate topics that are appropriate for the English 11curriculum, while linking to prominent social issues mentioned in the media Forexample, when learning about the "Environment" topic, a debate can be organized
on "Effective measures to reduce air pollution in major cities."
- Provide students with diverse reference materials in English, includingscientific reports, newspaper articles, video clips, and reputable websites
- Guide students on how to search for, evaluate, and select informationsuitable for the debate
* Steps to implement the measure:
- The teacher introduces the debate topic and provides reference materials
- Students divide into groups, research materials, and develop arguments for
or against
- Groups present their viewpoints and debate with each other
- The teacher plays the role of facilitator, guide, and provide comments andevaluations
- Summarize and draw lessons about language knowledge and social issues
2.1.3.2 Measure 2: Designing diverse and Engaging pre-debate and debate activities
post-* Objectives of the measure:
- Thoroughly prepare students with knowledge, language skills, anddebating skills before entering the official debate round
- Consolidate and expand knowledge and skills after the debate ends
- Develop listening comprehension, writing skills, and teamwork skills
* Content of the measure:
- Pre-debate activities:
+ Brainstorming: Students brainstorm ideas related to the debate topic + Vocabulary building: Students learn new vocabulary and phrases related
Trang 11to the debate topic.
+ Outline preparation: Students develop an outline for their debate speech.
- Post-debate activities:
+ Debriefing: Students discuss what they have learned from the debate + Essay writing: Students write an essay on the debate topic, presenting
personal viewpoints and supporting evidence
+ Presentation: Students present the results of their group's research and
discussion
* Steps to implement the measure:
- The teacher introduces pre-debate and post-debate activities.
- Students perform activities according to the teacher's instructions.
- The teacher monitors, supports, and provides comments and Summarize and draw lessons about language knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
evaluations.-2.1.3.3 Measure 3: Providing constructive assessment and feedback to encourage student progress
* Objectives of the measure:
- Provide students with detailed and specific feedback on the strengths and
areas for improvement in the process of participating in the contest
- Encourage students to self-assess and recognize areas that need more
effort
- Motivate students to continue learning and developing language skills.
* Content of the measure:
- Use clear and specific assessment criteria, focusing on the content, form,
and presentation skills of the debate
- Provide students with detailed comments on the strengths and areas for
improvement in their debates
- Encourage students to self-assess their debates and develop a plan for
improvement
- Create opportunities for students to provide feedback on the organization
and implementation of the contest, thereby helping teachers improve teachingmethods
* Steps to implement the measure:
- The teacher introduces the assessment criteria to the students.
- The teacher and students evaluate the debates together.
- The teacher provides students with constructive comments and
Trang 12- Students self-assess their debates and develop a plan for improvement.
- The teacher records and evaluates students' progress over time.
2.2 Current situation of the problem before applying the experience ini tiative
- In the current context of educational innovation, improving the quality ofEnglish teaching and learning at the high school level is an urgent requirement.The new general education program focuses on developing qualities andcompetencies for students, helping them to communicate, think critically, andsolve problems in the context of globalization In particular, the application ofactive and creative teaching methods, including the organization of speakingactivities, is seen as an effective solution to increase students' interest and learningoutcomes
- However, in reality, the teaching and learning of English at Hoang HoaHigh School, Hoang Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province still faces manydifficulties The traditional method, which focuses on imparting grammatical andvocabulary knowledge, has not created many opportunities for students to practicecommunication, express personal viewpoints, and develop critical thinking.Extracurricular activities, English clubs, or speaking contests are still limited inscale and frequency, and have not really attracted and promoted students'creativity and proactiveness Many teachers still face difficulties in designing andorganizing teaching and extracurricular activities that are appropriate for students'level and the school's facilities Therefore, finding solutions to improve theeffectiveness of English teaching through strengthening practice, communication,and soft skills development is extremely necessary One of the potential directions
is to organize themed English speaking contests, closely linked to social issuesthat students care about, while taking advantage of available resources andenhancing cooperation between teachers and students
- Based on the above general assessment and the actual implementation ofthe new English curriculum at Hoang Hoa High School and some high schools inThanh Hoa province, the advantages and difficulties before implementing theinitiative can be assessed as follows:
2.1.1 Advantages
- The Department of Education and Training has a clear policy and closeguidance on innovating teaching methods, strengthening the application of activeteaching methods, including the organization of English speaking activities
- The school boards are always concerned about providing facilities, time,
Trang 13and funding for teachers to implement innovative activities in teaching.
- The English teachers at the school are mostly young, enthusiastic, have aspirit of learning, and are ready to absorb and apply new teaching methods
- Currently, there are more and more materials, newspapers, and websitessharing experiences on innovating teaching methods, helping teachers have morereferences to build lesson plans and design extracurricular activities
- Most parents at the school are aware of the importance of learning Englishand are willing to support and create conditions for their children to participate inlearning and extracurricular activities
2.2.2 Difficulties
- The English proficiency of students in schools is not uniform, especially atHoang Hoa High School, where I work and teach, many students are still weak ingrammar and pronunciation, making it difficult to participate in speakingactivities
- Facilities and equipment for extracurricular activities, especially soundand lighting systems, and organizational space, are limited
- Many teachers lack experience in designing speaking activities that areappropriate for the level of students and the actual conditions of the school
- Students lack confidence when speaking English in front of an audienceand are not familiar with debating and arguing
2.2.3 Overall assessment of the current situation before applying the topic
Although there are certain advantages such as the innovation policy of theindustry, the attention of school leaders, the enthusiastic teaching staff, and thesupport from parents, the organization of English speaking activities at HoangHoa High School still faces many difficulties
- The application of speaking activities in English teaching in schools is not
as widespread and effective as expected, and has not maximized the potential ofstudents
- In addition, the lack of organizational experience, financial resources, andstudent confidence are also major barriers to implementing these activities
- Therefore, the implementation of the initiative "Improving EnglishLearning Outcomes for 11th Graders through Organizing an English SpeakingContest on the Topic of 'Urbanization and Environmental Protection'" isextremely necessary This initiative not only helps teachers have more tools andmethods to improve the quality of English teaching, creating an intellectual and