MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING QUY NHON UNIVERSITY TRINH MINH NHUT QUY NHON UNIVERSITY 3RD-YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ONLINE LEARNING OF SPEAKING SKILLS Field: Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching Code: 8140111 Supervisor: Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Quang Ngoan Binh Dinh - 2022 Tai ngay!!! Ban co the xoa dong chu nay!!! BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC QUY NHƠN TRỊNH MINH NHỰT NHẬN THỨC CỦA SINH VIÊN NĂM THỨ BA CHUYÊN NGÀNH TIẾNG ANH TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC QUY NHƠN VỀ VIỆC HỌC KỸ NĂNG NĨI THƠNG QUA HÌNH THỨC TRỰC TUYẾN Ngành: Lý luận phương pháp dạy học môn Tiếng Anh Mã số: 8140111 Người hướng dẫn: PGS TS Nguyễn Quang Ngoạn Bình Định - 2022 i STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP I confirm that the work presented in this research report has been performed and interpreted solely by myself except where explicitly identified to the contrary I confirm that this work is submitted in partial fulfilment for my M.A degree in Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching and has not been submitted elsewhere in any other form for the fulfilment of any other degree or qualification This paper does not contain any material or content previously published or written by another paper or anyone else Binh Dinh, August 2022 Trinh Minh Nhut ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Without the great assistance of my supervisor, Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Quang Ngoan, this work would not have been achievable I am deeply indebted to my supervisor since from the research proposal to the final version of this report, his vast knowledge, practical experience in the field, great enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail have been an inspiration and kept me on track I would like to offer my special thanks to those who participated in my research for their valuable time fulfilling the questionnaire and insightful information from the interview If it had not been for their willingness and enthusiasm, I could not have collected important data for my study My deepest gratitude also extends to all of my wonderful classmates for the time we shared as well as the information and experience we gained from one another Their continuous support and encouragement mean a lot to me in the accomplishment of this study Last but not least, my family members have been tremendously significant to me in the pursuit of this project I would like to express my gratitude to my parents, who have always supported and guided me in my endeavors They are the definition of positive role models iii ABSTRACT During the social distancing period in Vietnam due to the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning was implemented as an emergency replacement for traditional, face-to-face teaching and learning Research in the field of online learning has been done extensively, yet not much focuses on investigating university students’ perceptions of learning English speaking skills online This study hence employed Collins and Berge (1996)’s criteria for the success of online learning to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 100 Quy Nhon University 3rd-year English majors Descriptive design was mainly used since the primary aim of the study is to find out students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of online learning of speaking skills The questionnaire’s results demonstrate that students show more positive responses toward the benefits than the challenges The interview data is not only consistent with the questionnaire data but also uncovers new and interesting results These findings provide a better understanding of the context of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic which serves as a guide for the optimization of this type of teaching and learning in the new age of technology Keywords: online learning, speaking skills, benefits, challenges, descriptive, English majors iv TABLE OF CONTENTS STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii ABSTRACT iii TABLE OF CONTENTS iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vii LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Research rationale 1.1.1 Theoretical reasons 1.1.2 Contextual reasons 1.2 Aim and objectives of the study 1.3 Research questions 1.4 Scope of the study 1.5 Significance of the study 1.6 Definitions of important terms 1.6.1 Online learning 1.6.2 Speaking skills 1.6.3 Context of online learning at Quy Nhon University 1.7 Structure of the thesis CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Online learning 2.1.1 The overview of online learning 2.1.2 Online learning in Vietnam during the Covid-19 pandemic 11 v 2.1.3 Computer-mediated communication (CMC) 11 2.1.4 The role of the instructor/ teacher in an online classroom 15 2.1.5 Teachers and students’ perceptions of online learning 16 2.2 Online learning of speaking skills 18 2.2.1 Speaking skills 18 2.2.2 Challenges facing learners in the online learning of speaking skills during the Covid-19 pandemic 22 2.3 Previous related studies 24 Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY 31 3.1 Research approach 31 3.2 Participants 32 3.2.1 Research setting 32 3.2.2 Sampling technique 33 3.3 Instruments 34 3.3.1 The questionnaire 35 3.3.2 The interview 36 3.4 Procedure 37 3.4.1 Pilot study 37 3.4.2 Data collection 38 3.4.3 Data analysis 40 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 42 4.1 Findings from the questionnaire 42 4.1.1 Comparison of the two majors 42 4.1.2 Students’ devices used for online learning of speaking skills 43 4.1.3 Students’ perceptions regarding the benefits of online learning of speaking skills 44 4.1.4 Students’ perceptions regarding the challenges of online learning of vi speaking skills 55 4.2 Findings from the interview 69 4.2.1 Students’ perceptions in terms of the benefits of online learning of speaking skills – Interview results 69 4.2.2 Students’ perceptions in terms of the challenges of online learning of speaking skills – Interview results 74 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION 80 5.1 Summary of key findings of the study 80 5.1.1 Students’ perceptions of the benefits of online learning of speaking skills 80 5.1.2 Students’ perceptions of the challenges of online learning of speaking skills 81 5.2 Pedagogical implications 82 5.3 Limitations and suggestions for further research 83 REFERENCES 85 APPENDICES 101 APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE 101 APPENDIX 2: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 105 APPENDIX 3: INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPTION 106 APPENDIX 4: SPSS STATISTICS 123 vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS CMC: Computer-mediated Communication EFL: English as a Foreign Language EL: English Language ERT: Emergency Remote Teaching ESL: English as a Second Language ETE: English Teacher Education ICT: Information and Communications Technology MOET: Ministry of Education and Training QNU: Quy Nhon University SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software TAM: Technology Acceptance Model UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization VCTs: Video Conferencing Tools viii LIST OF TABLES Table Participants’ specifications 34 Table Grid of instrument guidelines 37 Table Evaluation Criteria for Likert Scale questions (Tekin, 2000) 40 Table Reliability Statistics of the Questionnaire 41 Table Means of the questionnaire done by students majoring in EL and ETE 42 Table Difference in perceptions of students majoring in EL and ETE 42 Table Students’ perceptions of the benefits of learning speaking skills online 44 Table Benefits of online learning of speaking skills (Open-ended question) 54 Table Students’ perceptions of the challenges of learning speaking skills online 55 Table 10 Other challenges of online learning of speaking skills (Openended question) 68 Table 11 Results from Interview Question 69 Table 12 Results from Interview Question 69 Table 13 Results from Interview Question 72 Table 14 Results from Interview Question 72 Table 15 Results from Interview Question 73 Table 16 Results from Interview Question 74 Table 17 Results from Interview Question 74 Table 18 Results from Interview Question 76 Table 19 Results from Interview Question 77 Table 20 Results from Interview Question 10 78 109 Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? EL2: All second with the full full, all needs are met little by little EL2: The teacher also easily sympathizes with technical and technological obstacles, thereby making it easier to deal with the exercises for the most convenience EL2: It's also easier to exchange cards with friends thanks to the platform Q6 What is the biggest obstacle of learning to speak online? EL2: Continuous online learning affects my eyes a lot because I have to look at the screen for a long time If a day must be learning more, I sit for a long time and my back gets tired Q7 What other concerns you experience from learning to speak online? EL2: Interruption due to network connection is the most common problem, sometimes from students, sometimes from teachers If the interruption from our side will affect a lot at the time of the test to get points Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? EL2: I don't have any difficulty because teachers are always ready to receive and answer messages Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? EL2: My team doesn't have any problems, the members always complete their tasks well Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties 110 and obstacles that you face? EL2: The problems from online learning I think can only be solved by faceto-face learning because those problems are very difficult to solve EL3 Q1 What is the most obvious benefit of learning to speak online? EL3: Teachers care more about students because they are afraid that students will not understand the lesson and encounter obstacles, teachers also interact and ask more questions to students Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? EL3: More convenient in terms of time, flexible learning, can study anywhere, anytime, no time to go to school early Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? EL3: Teachers often divide the class into small groups of or more friends, which enhances mutual learning among friends In addition, being able to interact, ask and answer directly with teachers is what I like the most, I have the opportunity to correct and remind mistakes Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? EL3: Online learning sometimes makes me lazy, lying in bed makes me sleepy and maybe some friends fall asleep when the teacher calls my name and doesn't answer Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? EL3: Teachers also assign more exercises and materials for self-study and 111 self-study EL3: Friends also form small groups to help each other EL3: Family support by installing Wi-Fi instead of having to register for a mobile network to learn Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? EL3: Internet connection is the biggest obstacle for me, it becomes difficult to follow the lecture so I can't understand the lesson Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? EL3: Exposure to a lot of screens makes my eyes tired and increases myopia EL3: Ambient noises or other distractions like cell phones also interfere with learning Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? EL3: I don't have any problems, teachers always care about students Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? EL3: I don't have any problems Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? EL3: Teachers should ask students to turn on the “camera” during class to help students focus on learning and avoid distractions However, the problem of equipment quality and network connection is still a big problem EL4 Q1 What is the most obvious benefit of learning to speak online? 112 EL4: The psychology of studying is more comfortable, helping me to be less nervous and more confident Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? EL4: Reduced movement time, more time to prepare cards Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? EL4: Teachers often create groups in pairs and take turns, I get to interact with many different friends She spends time in the class to practice and go to each room to check and give suggestions Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? EL4: Online learning and communication also cause many inconveniences and affect the motivation to study Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? ¬EL4: Teachers give suggestions and guidance in giving ideas and implementing ideas in a specific way EL4: Sometimes when you can't ask your teacher, your friends are willing to help enthusiastically EL4: The family creates favorable learning conditions, giving a separate space for learning Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? EL4: The amount and depth of knowledge is the biggest problem, the pressure is not big enough to affect my efforts, I just try to complete the task just enough Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? 113 EL4: Sometimes when there is a power outage, the number of mobile network subscriptions is not enough to study, causing teachers to misunderstand that they are lying, giving excuses However, there are times when you enter the room and then leave, without practicing, in cases where you may lie, so it is difficult to identify Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? EL4: Sometimes teachers don't answer what they want to ask, but they are still very enthusiastic, always willing to answer Q9 Do you have any problems? in planning and executing tasks? EL4: I don't have any problems, the teacher always clearly states the goal of the first lesson You guys also don't practice properly, sometimes she comes into the room to speak Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? EL4: When teachers ask questions, they should give students some time to think and prepare, not force students to answer immediately EL5 Q1 What is the most obvious benefit of learning to speak online? EL5: Reduce pressure, online communication makes communication with teachers easier Online learning helps me develop skills better than face-toface learning, I also raise my hand to speak more than in previous semesters Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? EL5: Last online semester, I felt myself improving I can prepare lessons, search for information, look up vocabulary more quickly and conveniently 114 Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? EL5: The pairing of groups makes it convenient to practice speaking, and the online environment is less affected and noisy by the surroundings like in class Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? EL5: I like to study online with speaking, I'm less afraid, so I'm more active and enthusiastic in learning Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? EL5: She listens and corrects and gives your suggestions carefully EL5: Friends don't support each other much because they only work in pairs EL5: The family tries to create the best conditions for learning Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? EL5: Network connection is the biggest problem The learning spirit of the whole class also decreased, many students did not concentrate and used the reason for the transmission problem, which affected the learning results Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? EL5: I didn't have any major problems, just a little tired at the end of the class Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? EL5: I don't have any problems Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? EL5: I don't have any problems 115 Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? EL5: It is possible to mix “on” and “off” learning to be able to take advantage of both modes and help students like me grow more because learning “on” makes me less afraid and bold than ETE6 Q1 What is the most obvious benefit of learning to speak online? ETE6: I am a shy person, online learning helps reduce stress, home study space is also more comfortable, thereby helping me to be more confident Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? ETE6: I can hear what you say better, which helps me learn, absorb better and improve my speaking ETE6: Save travel time Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? ETE6: The practice is quite convenient because it is operated in pairs and small groups ETE6: I quite like the discussion between friends, which helps me to develop language and thinking, to see the issue more comprehensively Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? ETE6: Most of you study well, when I see you present the lesson, I feel that I need to work harder ETE6: I also lack confidence when presenting my part ETE6: Studying “online” for a long time can cause boredom and distraction 116 Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? ETE6: The teacher gives specific, clear instructions and gives enthusiastic suggestions ETE6: Family always creates conditions, keeps quiet space ETE6: Friends also exchange ideas about difficult topics Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? ETE6: The lack of interaction and direct contact affects the development of communication skills, reflexes, and public presentations Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? ETE6: Sometimes the noise comes from a neighbor's house construction ETE6: Studying "online" for a long time makes my eyes tired and tired, after presenting my part, I don't pay attention to yours ETE6: Having to take a Covid test and get vaccinated in the middle of school is a disadvantage Sometimes you have to test up to to times a week Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? ETE6: The fact that many of you speak and speak at the same time makes it difficult for listeners to follow Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? ETE6: I have no problem Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? ETE6: Teachers should record lessons so that students who are unable to 117 follow through for various reasons can review the lecture ETE7 Q1 The most obvious benefit What is online learning to speak? ETE7: Help me save time, no need to get up early Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? ETE7: I have time to read books and practice skills like watching “videos” Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? ETE7: Being able to communicate directly and listen to feedback from teachers helps me a lot in developing critical thinking Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? ETE7: I feel a bit bored because of being alone and lack of interaction with friends Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? ETE7: Sometimes teachers are a bit strict and demanding, so I don't dare to ask for help from teachers ETE7: Families create all conditions, remind children to study ETE7: Friends also only remind each other when they are about to take the exam Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? ETE7: Long-term online learning affects the ability to communicate, if you are used to communicating online, meeting face-to-face will not be natural 118 Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? ETE7: No big deal, the network sometimes glitches ETE7: Sitting for a long time to study, being tired reduces my ability to absorb Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? ETE7: When you practice together, you are also not serious, not interacting and exchanging lessons Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? ETE7: Sometimes I don't understand what I need to Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? ETE7: Students need to be well prepared in terms of information technology skills to avoid difficulties such as submitting assignments and taking advantage of resources, especially for those who are weak in technology ETE8 Q1 What is the most obvious benefit of learning to speak online? ETE8: Save travel time Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? ETE8: Clear sound, no background noise, so listening becomes easier Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? ETE8: Activities are not too diverse, mainly speaking individually and in pairs 119 Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? ETE8: I'm pretty focused, sometimes I get distracted Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? ETE8: I have a close friendship with a group of friends, so I always support each other as much as I can ETE8: Family doesn't bother either Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? ETE8: I'm nearsighted, so looking at the screen for a long time gives me a headache Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? ETE8: The lack of social interaction makes me feel bored of studying ETE8: Sometimes the power goes out, the network connection is unstable, affecting the monitoring and listening Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? ETE8: I have no problem Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? ETE8: I have no problem Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? ETE8: Whether learning "on" or "off", the core problem still lies in the teaching method of the teacher because there are subjects that students are interested in and others are not Teachers need to be trained well to bring the 120 best teaching effectiveness ETE9 Q1 What is the most obvious benefit of learning to speak online? ETE9: I feel less shaky when I speak through the screen than when I stand in front of the class Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? ETE9: Learning materials are delivered conveniently and quickly Finding documents is also easier, but also affects creativity and thinking Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? ETE9: Activities are not diversified Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? ETE9: The teacher is also happy, I don't feel depressed, because of the score, I also have to work hard Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? ETE9: Teachers and friends help enthusiastically Family doesn't bother Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? ETE9: Network connection is the biggest obstacle Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? ETE9: Sitting for a long time will cause eye strain, back pain, and easily boredom Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and 121 friends? ETE9: I don't have any problems Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? ETE9: I don't have any problems Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? ETE9: I have no idea ETE10 Q1 What is the most obvious benefit of learning to speak online? ETE10: No fear, no need to stand in front of the class, no fear of being commented or ridiculed Q2 What other benefits you gain from learning to speak online? ETE10: Convenient in looking up information right on the device Q3 What type of speaking activity you enjoy the most? ETE10: Activities are not diverse, nothing interesting Q4 How are your emotions and spirits when learning to speak online? ETE10: Less stress, relaxed Q5 Do you get support in learning to speak online from teachers, friends and family? And how they help you? ETE10: Teachers and friends are always supportive ETE10: Family does not disturb Q6 What is the biggest obstacle and challenge of learning to speak online? ETE10: Internet connection is the biggest obstacle, teachers or students may 122 not hear well and that affects grades Q7 What other obstacles you face from learning to speak online? ETE10: The random division prevented me from practicing with the friends I wanted Q8 Do you have problems interacting and communicating with teachers and friends? ETE10: I have no problem Q9 Do you have problems planning and executing tasks? ETE10: I have no problem Q10 Do you have any suggestions for improving, changing the difficulties and obstacles that you face? ETE10: Create a group on social media, upload speaking “videos” to learn from each other 123 APPENDIX 4: SPSS STATISTICS Cronbach’s Alpha - Benefits Reliability Statistics Cronbach’s Alpha N of Items 809 12 Cronbach’s Alpha - Challenges Reliability Statistics Cronbach’s Alpha N of Items 837 14 Independent-Samples T Test Group Statistics Major AVERAGE N Mean Std Deviation Std Error Mean 50 3.3858 30592 04326 50 3.3492 34904 04936 Means Report B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 Mean 3.16 3.35 3.67 3.32 3.84 4.00 3.77 3.62 3.89 3.75 3.46 3.35 N 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Std .861 957 829 931 748 620 723 838 737 857 797 989 C25 2.76 100 1.065 C26 2.39 100 1.014 Deviation Report Mean N Std Deviation C14 3.03 100 858 C15 3.03 100 915 C16 3.68 100 973 C17 2.50 100 1.030 C18 2.73 100 897 C19 3.59 100 986 C20 C21 3.55 3.19 100 100 1.067 1.042 C22 3.81 100 861 C23 3.56 100 967 C24 3.06 100 1.013 C27 3.49 100 937