INTRODUCTION
Rationale
English has emerged as the global language for business, technology, and academia, necessitating effective communication across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds Today, most English speakers are found in regions where it is used as a second or foreign language Mastering English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is essential for successful oral communication, making it a complex yet vital skill for interpersonal interactions.
Learning English involves four fundamental skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing These skills are interconnected and support one another in the language acquisition process While each skill holds its significance, speaking is often considered the most crucial for effective communication in English.
Many students, particularly English majors at Haiphong T&M University, struggle with speaking skills due to challenges such as a lack of practice environments, fear of making mistakes, and outdated high school teaching methods that prioritize writing and reading over speaking and listening As effective English communication, which heavily relies on speaking and listening, becomes increasingly vital for future success, it is essential for these students to address and overcome these obstacles.
This study investigates the speaking skills of second-year English majors at Haiphong T&M University and offers solutions for improvement By identifying common errors and providing corrective strategies, the research aims to enhance students' speaking abilities, ultimately increasing their prospects for a successful future It is hoped that the findings will benefit not only second-year English majors but all English students at the university.
Aims of the study
This study aims to explore the challenges and errors faced by second-year English majors in developing their speaking skills, while also offering suggestions for improvement The expectation is that the findings will effectively enhance their speaking abilities and boost their confidence in communicating with foreigners in English.
Scope of the study
This study, conducted with 40 second-year English majors at Haiphong T&M University, highlights persistent challenges in speaking English even after a year of study Despite identifying specific difficulties and errors, many students continue to struggle with common issues in their spoken English.
Method of study
This study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on my experiences learning English speaking skills as a second-year student and expanding to include second-year English majors The survey data aims to identify the challenges and errors encountered during the speaking learning process By incorporating both my experiences and those of others, the survey is designed to provide detailed suggestions for improving speaking skills Additionally, I gathered further insights from friends, books, and online resources to enhance the survey questionnaire A significant contribution to this study comes from Mrs Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, whose guidance has been invaluable in completing this research.
Design of the study
This study consists in three parts:
In this part, I introduce rationale, the aim of the study, the scope of the study, the method of the study and the design of the study
Firstly, this study introduces about English speaking skill and its definition Then, it points out some difficulties and errors that students will face when they learn English speaking
Next chapter mainly focuses on survey questionnaire by second year English majors at Haiphong T&M University It contains survey-questionnaire, data analysis as well as discussion
Last chapter includes solutions and recommendation for second year English-majors to improve their speaking skill in the future
In this part, some limitations and suggestions for further research are stated.
DEVELOPMENT
This chapter aims to review the relevant literature concerning the study's issues, structured into five sections The first section defines speaking, while the second highlights its significance The third section addresses the challenges students encounter, followed by an examination of common speaking errors in the fourth section The chapter concludes with a summary of these findings.
Researchers globally are focused on defining speaking, which is crucial in language methodology According to Bums & Joyce (1997), speaking is an interactive process of meaning construction that entails both producing and receiving information The form and meaning of spoken language are influenced by various contextual factors, including the participants, their shared experiences, the physical setting, and the purpose of the communication.
According to Nunan and David (2001), speaking a second language requires the development of specific communication skills This aspect has played a significant role in the history of language teaching Over the past two decades, speaking has increasingly emerged as a distinct field within teaching, learning, and assessment, often neglecting the production of spoken discourse.
Speaking is the act of delivering language through the mouth, utilizing various body parts such as the lungs, vocal tract, vocal cords, tongue, teeth, and lips to produce sound There are two primary forms of speaking: formal and informal Formal speaking is appropriate in business or academic contexts and during initial meetings, while informal speaking is used with family, friends, or acquaintances.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
This chapter aims to review the relevant literature concerning the issues under investigation, structured into five key sections The first section defines speaking, while the second highlights its significance The third section addresses the challenges students encounter in speaking, followed by a review of common speaking errors in the fourth section Finally, the chapter concludes with a summary of the discussed topics.
Researchers globally focus on defining speaking, which is crucial in language methodology According to Bums & Joyce (1997), speaking is an interactive process that constructs meaning through the production and reception of information The form and meaning of spoken language are influenced by the context, including the participants, their shared experiences, the physical environment, and the purpose of the communication.
According to Nunan and David (2001), speaking in a second language requires the development of specific communication skills and plays a significant role in the history of language teaching Over the past two decades, it has evolved into a distinct area of teaching, learning, and assessment, though it often neglects the production of spoken discourse.
Speaking is the act of delivering language verbally through the mouth, utilizing various body parts such as the lungs, vocal tract, vocal cords, tongue, teeth, and lips to produce sounds There are two primary forms of speaking: formal and informal Formal speaking is appropriate in business or academic settings and when meeting new people, while informal speaking is used among family and friends or with familiar individuals.
Relationships are established through communication, as highlighted by Wilson (1983:5), who emphasized that speaking fosters the connection between the speaker and listener Effective communication not only reflects this relationship but also dictates the appropriate linguistic, psychological, and physical rules to follow in various situations Therefore, it is essential for speakers to clearly articulate their intentions to convey the purpose of their communication effectively.
In the realm of action, speaking involves conveying information and expressing emotions through verbal communication, delivering speeches, and articulating meaning effectively in a chosen language.
(http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/speaking)
Speaking is the act of using language to communicate, involving two or more participants who alternate between listening and speaking This dynamic interaction requires participants to quickly respond and contribute, driven by their individual intentions or goals.
Speaking skills are essential for effective communication, as they enable individuals to express their ideas, opinions, and feelings clearly Mastering the art of speaking allows one to share and receive information and knowledge during interactions with others.
Language serves as a vital tool for communication, allowing individuals to express and exchange ideas, as emphasized by Ishrat Aamer Qureshi (2006) Effective speaking skills are crucial for language learners, as communication relies heavily on verbal expression; without speech, language remains just a written script Furthermore, language use occurs within various community contexts, and any breakdown in communication can lead to misunderstandings and issues.
For a smooth running any system, the speaker of a language need to be especially and purposefully trained in the skill of speaking
To become a well-rounded communicator, proficiency in the four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—is essential Among these, the ability to speak skillfully offers distinct advantages, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and feelings effectively This capacity not only enhances communication but also fosters a deeper understanding of oneself As Robert Frost noted, sharing ideas with others can lead to significant personal insights, highlighting the joy and importance of effective speaking.
I talk in order to understand, I teach in order to learn.’’ Undoubtedly, the clarity in speech reflects clear thinking
An effective speaker captivates the audience and maintains their attention throughout the message Strong speaking skills are crucial for career success and also significantly enrich personal life.
According to Brown (2007), a perfect teaching speaking lesson has to follow three following stages
Pre-speaking activities are essential as they engage students in thoughtful reflection before they begin to speak These activities allow students to plan and organize their ideas, ultimately enhancing their conversational skills and confidence.
Purpose of pre-speaking is choosing the topic, determining purpose, audience and format
While speaking fosters interaction among students, it also builds their confidence to communicate publicly The primary purposes of speaking include expressing feelings and ideas, as well as storytelling.
Post-speaking stage is a time for reflection and setting goals Following speaking experiences, both formal and informal, it is important to have students reflect up their performance
Students often face various challenges when developing their speaking skills, with ineffective learning methods being a primary concern It's crucial for learners to adopt the correct approach from the outset; otherwise, they risk hindering their progress When students rely on incorrect techniques, it negatively impacts their speaking abilities, leading to errors that can persist in the future Therefore, mastering speaking skills requires a consistent and accurate learning process from beginning to end.
Students often struggle to develop their speaking skills due to a lack of practice opportunities While theoretical knowledge is imparted in schools, practical speaking experience is crucial for improvement When students attempt to practice in public settings, they may be perceived as show-offs for using English, which can undermine their confidence and hinder their progress in speaking.
Solutions to improve speaking
This chapter presents effective methods and activities derived from a survey analysis aimed at enhancing students' speaking skills The survey indicates that many students struggle with challenges such as ineffective learning methods, limited practice environments, fear of making mistakes, and lack of motivation By adopting strategies that focus on learners' experiences, students can engage in regular practice of these methods and activities, which may lead to significant improvements in their speaking abilities over time.
Despite years of studying English, many students continue to rely on outdated methods similar to those used in high school, even after a year at university It is crucial for them to adapt their learning approach, particularly in developing speaking skills This change is necessary not only in the classroom but also in their home study routines, as teachers find it challenging to assign homework that effectively enhances speaking proficiency, which requires more practice than theoretical knowledge To improve their speaking skills, students should adopt new strategies and techniques.
3.1 Change your attitude to speaking skill
To improve their speaking skills, students must first shift their attitudes toward the importance of speaking Survey results indicate that only about half of the students recognize speaking as a vital skill, while others undervalue its significance This misconception highlights the need for a change in mindset, as embracing the importance of speaking is essential for effective learning and communication.
Shyness and fear of making mistakes can hinder students from enhancing their English speaking skills If you find yourself hesitant or struggling to express yourself, you're not alone Common phrases like "cat got your tongue" capture the feeling of wanting to speak but being unable to articulate your thoughts Fortunately, there are effective techniques available to help students conquer their shyness and boost their confidence in speaking English.
To improve your English skills, consistent practice is essential Engage in speaking English aloud rather than just thinking about conversations in your head It's important to articulate words and listen to the sounds you produce You can practice anytime, whether in private or with friends, to enhance your fluency and confidence.
Plan ahead and warm up
Before engaging in a conversation or delivering a speech in English, it is essential to consider your key points Practice a few phrases to familiarize yourself with their pronunciation This preparation will ensure you feel confident and ready when it's time to speak.
Motivation significantly influences success in learning a second language, particularly in speaking classes Highly motivated students tend to learn more effectively and rapidly compared to their less motivated peers Conversely, students with low motivation may lose focus, exhibit misbehavior, and create discipline issues In contrast, motivated learners actively engage and concentrate on their tasks, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Many students often struggle with negative perceptions of their speaking skills, thinking thoughts like, “My speaking skill is full of errors” or “I’m afraid of speaking.” To overcome this mindset, it's essential to focus on what you can achieve rather than what you can't Start by practicing simple phrases or reading aloud from English books to build your confidence As you experience small successes, you'll find that speaking becomes easier and more enjoyable Conversely, holding onto negative beliefs, such as “speaking is hard” or “I feel shy in front of others,” can hinder your progress in developing effective speaking skills.
To enhance your speaking skills and maintain interest in your studies, incorporate a variety of learning methods Instead of focusing solely on grammar exercises or revisiting familiar topics, diversify your approach by listening to podcasts, staying updated with the news, joining an English club with friends, or watching films This variation not only boosts your speaking abilities but also helps prevent boredom, making your learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
Enhance your learning experience by engaging in games with friends that specifically boost your speaking skills These interactive activities not only improve verbal communication but also motivate students, making lessons more enjoyable and effective.
To enhance students' English speaking skills, it's crucial that they actively participate in various activities both at school and at home Engaging in these activities is essential, as neglecting them can hinder their language development Therefore, I suggest implementing specific activities that can effectively boost students' speaking abilities in English.
If you want to participate in a club that familiar to you, you should join English club held up by Mrs Lien, the Dean of Foreign Language Department
This club fosters a relaxed environment that enhances learning through direct interactions among students, making it less formal than traditional school classrooms.
The English club serves as a vibrant and healthy environment for students, fostering interaction among peers with shared hobbies and interests It provides an excellent opportunity for students to build meaningful relationships both within and outside the club Meeting on weekdays and weekends, the club acts as a refreshing outlet for socializing and connecting with fellow students.
The club warmly invites new members to enhance the vibrant atmosphere through engaging activities that promote interaction between seasoned and new participants Regular meetings and sessions are consistently organized, fostering social relationship skills that students can apply beyond the club setting.
In club, students won’t feel discouraged when committing errors since they know other members and lectures are there to help them improve through feedback sessions
These methods are highly effective because they foster an engaging environment where students can participate in discussions based on their interests, preventing boredom during lectures Additionally, presenting in front of peers boosts students' confidence and helps them confront and overcome their shyness.
CONCLUSION
This graduation paper investigates the learning situation in the Language Department at Hai Phong Technology & Management, focusing on students' difficulties and common errors in speaking skills Chapter 1 outlines the study's aim, scope, and rationale, while Chapter 2 provides theoretical definitions, including the nature of speaking and common challenges faced by students A survey was conducted to identify these difficulties and analyze effective strategies to motivate students in their speaking practice Chapter 3 offers practical suggestions for improving speaking skills both in class and at home Due to limitations in time and knowledge, the research primarily addresses speaking skills, with hopes for future studies to explore additional areas such as pronunciation and listening Ultimately, this paper aims to encourage those interested in enhancing their speaking abilities.
2 Limitations and suggestions of the further study
This study explores techniques to enhance speaking skills among second-year English majors at Haiphong T&M University, acknowledging limitations such as a small sample size and a focus solely on speaking techniques, excluding related skills like writing and listening The findings suggest that the proposed techniques represent just a fraction of effective methods that should be creatively adapted for diverse classroom settings Future research should aim to include a larger student population and encompass additional English language skills to further improve student learning outcomes.
1 Bums, A & Joyce, H (1997) Focus on speaking Sydney: National
Center for English Language Research
2 Nunan, Cavid (2001) Language Teaching Methodology Textbook for teachers Syney: National Center for English Language Teaching and Research
3 Flucher (2003) Testing Second Language Speaking Centre For Applied Language Studies, University of Dundee
4 Ishrat Aamer Qureshi (2006) The Important Of Speaking Skill for EFL
5 Brown, H Douglas (2007) Principles of Language Learning and Teaching Fifth Edition New York: Pearson Education Inc
6 Ashwill, Mark A and Thai Ngoc Diep (2005) Vietnam Today: A Guide to a Nation at a crossroads Intercultural Press
7 Gayle, L N., Mahmoud, A B., & Waguida, E B (2002) International Journal of Intercultural Relations 26 Elsevier Science Ltd
8 Wilkins D.A (1972) Linguistics in language teaching
9 Kavin Hetrakul (1985) The second language
Speaking is a crucial skill in communication, enabling individuals to express thoughts and ideas effectively It involves not just the act of verbalizing words, but also the ability to engage listeners through tone, clarity, and body language Resources like Oxford Dictionaries and Cambridge Dictionary provide definitions and insights into the nuances of speaking For practical improvement, platforms like EnglishClub and FluentU offer engaging content that enhances speaking proficiency through real-world applications Additionally, video resources can further aid in mastering this essential skill.
%20to,the%20word%20you're%20learning https://ieltsonlinereview.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/advantages-of-practicing- english-with-native-speakers/
This survey questionnaire aims to gather insights for my research on the common errors in speaking lessons among second-year English major students at HP T&M University Your participation in completing the items is greatly valued, and rest assured that the information collected will be used solely for research purposes, ensuring your anonymity in any data discussions.
Please tick (V) and fill in where appropriate
1/ How long have you learned English?
2/ Which skills do you like most?
3/ In your opinion, how important speaking skill is?
4/ How often do you speak English in other lesson apart from speaking lesson?
5/ How often do you have problems in your speaking skill?
6/ What difficulties do you often face up with in speaking?