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THE EFFECTS OF TASK-BASED LANGUAGE
TEACHING APPROACH AND TRADITIONAL
APPROACH ON THAI EFL LEARNERS’ VOCABULARY
LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT
NEERABOL ANUKUL
A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS
MAJOR IN TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
FACULTY OF LIBERAL ARTS
UBON RATCHATHANI UNIVERSITY
ACADEMIC YEAR 2017
COPYRIGHT OF UBON RATCHATHANI UNIVERSITY
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study would not have been successful without the great support of many
people. I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to my advisor, Assistant
Professor Dr. Supath Kookiattikoon, who supports, puts in great effort in clarifying
my ideas and guiding me to the right way in this thesis. I would also like to thank for
his patience and encouragement throughout the development of the thesis.
I would also like to wish my deepest thanks to my committees; Dr. Chalermchai
Wongrak, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ketkanda Jaturongkachoke and Asst. Prof. Dr. Lugsamee
Kimura for their immeasurable guidance and insight comments to help me finish and
finalize the thesis. I also wish to extend my special thanks to Dr.Wachiraporn
Kijpoonphol for her generous provision of valuable suggestions. I am also grateful to
Mr.Teerapon Sosawang for his suggestion guiding me to the right way of using
Statistics in the thesis. My special thanks to all participations for their time and
cooperation. Without them the thesis would not be completely done.
From my deepest soul, I am grateful to my family; my mother, my father and my
brother who have always supported and given me courage and guidance to go against
all challenges. Without their love and encouragement, the thesis would not have been
possible.
Neerabol Anukul
Researcher
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บทคดยอ
เรอง : การเรยนค าศพทในภาษาทสองผานวธการเรยนรทเนนภาระงานและแบบ ดงเดมทมผลตอการเรยนรค าศพทของนกเรยนไทย ผวจย : นรบล อนกล ชอปรญญา : ศลปศาสตรมหาบณฑต สาขาวชา : การสอนภาษาองกฤษเปนภาษาตางประเทศ อาจารยทปรกษา : ผชวยศาสตราจารย ดร.สพฒน กเกยรตกล ค าส าคญ : การเรยนรค าศพท, วธการเรยนรทเนนภาระงาน, วธการเรยนแบบดงเดม การศกษาครงนมวตถประสงคเพอศกษาผลของการเรยนค าศพทผานการเรยนรทเนนภาระงานทมผลตอการเพมพนความรของค าศพทของนกเรยนในโรงเรยนเบดพทยาสรรค จงหวดสรนทร เปนการศกษาเชงทดลอง ใชเพอศกษาผลของการสอนภาษาทเนนภาระงาน และวธการสอนแบบดงเดมในการเรยนรค าศพท เพอหาวธทดกวาในการเรยนการสอนค าศพทภาษาทสอง การวจยครงนใชการออกแบบโดยใชประชากรกลมตวอยาง 1 กลม ซงกลมตวอยางเปนนกเรยนชนมธยมศกษาปท 3 จ านวน 30 คน จากโรงเรยนเบดพทยาสรรค จงหวดสรนทร โดยนกเรยนกลมนไดรบการฝกผานการเรยนรทเนนภาระงาน และการเรยนรแบบดงเดมในเวลาทตางกน ค าศพททถกน ามาใชในการวจยมจ านวนทงหมด 60 ค า ซงค าศพทจ านวน 30 ค า จะถกใชในการเรยนรผานวธการเรยนรทเนนภาระงาน และอก 30 ค า จะถกใชในการเรยนรแบบดงเดม ผเรยนจะท าการทดสอบกอนเปนอนดบแรก หลงจากนนผเรยนจะไดเรยนรค าศพทผานวธการเรยนรทเนนภาระงาน และตามดวยวธการเรยนรแบบดงเดม หลงจากเสรจแตละบทนกเรยนจะไดรบแบบทดสอบหลงเรยน ซงแบบทดสอบหลงเรยนจะมอยสองแบบดวยกนคอ แบบทดสอบดวยการแปล และแบบเตมค าลงในชองวาง หลงจากเสรจสนวธการเรยนรทงสองแบบแลว นกเรยนจะไดรบแบบสอบถามความคดเหนทมตอวธการเรยนทงสองแบบ การวจยในครงนใชแบบสอบถามและการทดสอบค าศพทเปนเครองมอเกบรวบรวมขอมล ผลการวจยพบวา วธการเรยนรทเนนภาระงาน มการสงเสรมใหผเรยนมความรความเขาใจค าศพทมากกวาแบบดงเดม อยางมนยส าคญทางสถต นอยกวา .05 อาจกลาวไดวาผเรยนสามารถใชวธการเรยนรทเนนภาระงานในการพฒนาความรทางค าศพทภาษาองกฤษได และผลการวจยจากแบบสอบถามพบวานกเรยนมความพงพอใจในเรยนค าศพทโดยใชวธการเรยนรทเนนภาระงานมากกวาวธการเรยนรแบบดงเดม โดยใหเหตผลวาการเรยนรทเนนภาระงานไดมการมอบหมายงานทนาสนใจสงผลใหเกดแรงจงใจในการเรยนรภาษาองกฤษ
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ABSTRACT
TITLE : THE EFFECTS OF TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING
APPROACH AND TRADITIONAL APPROACH ON THAI EFL
LEARNERS’ VOCABULARY LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT
AUTHOR : NEERABOL ANUKUL
DEGREE : MASTER OF ARTS
MAJOR : TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
ADVISOR : ASST. PROF. SUPATH KOOKIATTIKOON, Ph.D.
KEYWORDS : VOCABULARY ACQUISITION, TASK-BASED LANGUAGE
TEACHING APPROACH, TRADITIONAL APPROACH
This present study aims to explore the effects of task-based language teaching
(TBLT) and traditional approaches on vocabulary learning achievement at
Berdpittayasan School, Surin. An experimental study was used to investigate the
effectiveness of task-based language teaching and traditional method on vocabulary
learning achievement in order to find a better way for second language vocabulary
learning and teaching.
This research made use of a one-group study design and subjects were 30 grade 9
students from Berdpittayasan School, Surin. The group at two different times was
treated with both the task-based language teaching and traditional approaches. Sixty
target words were used in the treatment; thirty words for the TBLT approach and thirty
words for the traditional approach. The learners firstly administered a preliminary test.
After that, the TBLT treatment was administered followed by the traditional treatment.
After finishing each unit, posttest was administered by the participants. The posttest
included two kinds of tests; translation and gap-filling. After finishing all both
treatments, the questionnaire was provided for investigating the participants’ overall
preference of the two approaches. A questionnaire and vocabulary tests were
employed as data collection instruments.
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The findings indicated that TBLT had a significant effect (p = .000< .05) on
promoting vocabulary knowledge. It could be implied that the participants could make
use of TBLT approaches in enhancing their vocabulary knowledge. The findings from
the questionnaire revealed that the participants’ preference on the TBLT approach was
more than the traditional approach. The reasons behind their preference were that
TBLT provided more interesting tasks which led to the motivation in learning English.
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CONTENTS
PAGE
ACHKNOWLEDGEMENT I
THAI ABSTRACT II
ENGLISH ABSTRACT IV
CONTENTS VI
LIST OF TABLES VIII
LIST OF FIGURES IX
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rationale 1
1.2 Purpose of the study 3
1.3 Significance of the study 4
1.4 Scope of the study 4
1.5 Definitions of key terms 4
1.6 Research Questions 4
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Vocabulary 5
2.2 Vocabulary Acquisition Process 6
2.3 Task-based Language Teaching TBLT 8
2.4 The theoretical base of TBLT 12
2.5 Advantages of task-based language teaching on
vocabulary acquisition 13
2.6 Pedagogical Framework for task-based vocabulary
instruction 14
2.7 Traditional Method in Vocabulary Learning 18
2.8 The effect of using decontextualized teaching
techniques 20
2.9 PPP Framework 21
2.10 Related studies 22
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CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
PAGE
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Subject 29
3.2 Vocabulary selection 29
3.3 Research design 29
3.4 Research instruments 31
3.5 Data collection 36
3.6 Scoring and data analysis 37
CHAPTER 4 RESULTS OF THE STUDY
4.1 General information 38
4.2 A comparison of the mean scores on
TBLT pre-test and post-test 39
4.3 A comparison of the mean scores on
traditional approach pre-test and post-test 40
4.4 A comparison of the mean scores of participants
in the post-tests 41
4.5 The mean scores of participants in the word translation test 41
4.6 The mean scores of participants in the gap-filling test 42
4.7 The participants’ opinion in English learning 42
4.8 The participants’ preference between task-based language
teaching and traditional approaches in vocabulary learning 44
4.9 A comparison of TBLT and traditional approaches 47
CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION
5.1 Summary of the findings 49
5.2 Discussion of the findings 50
CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION
6.1 Conclusion 56
6.2 Limitations of the study 57
6.3 Recommendation for further study 57
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CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
PAGE
REFERENCES 59
APPENDICES
A Preliminary test, pre-test and post-test 66
B Lesson plan and reading text for TBLT 85
C Worksheet of TBLT approach 96
D Worksheet of traditional approach 109
E Questionnaire 118
VITAE 121
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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE PAGE
3.1 Sample of TBLT lesson 33
3.2 Sample of traditional approach lesson 35
4.1 General information 38
4.2 A comparison of mean scores on TBLT pre-test and post-test 39
4.3 A comparison of mean scores on traditional approach pre-test
and post-test 40
4.4 A comparison of mean scores of participants in the post-tests 41
4.5 A comparison of mean scores of participants in the word
translation test 41
4.6 A comparison of mean scores of participants in the gap-filling
Test 42
4.7 The participants’ interest in English learning 43
4.8 The participants’ attitude in English vocabulary learning 43
4.9 The participants’ preference between TBLT and traditional
approaches in vocabulary learning 48
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE PAGE
2.1 The process of storing the information 6
2.2 The process of vocabulary acquisition for a second language 7
2.3 Willis’ TBLT Framework 15
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This section presents a general introduction to the research, which is divided into
the following divisions: the rationale, purpose of the study, significance of the study,
scope of the study, definitions of key terms, and research questions.
1.1 Rationale
Vocabulary is an essential aspect of language learning because it provides the
learners with the main knowledges of acquiring language skills. As proposed by
Wilkins (1972, p.111), “without grammar a little communication is possible but
without vocabulary it is impossible to communicate verbally” That means having
limited knowledge of vocabulary is as a barrier that prevents students from learning
a foreign language. Vocabulary knowledge is important because it helps learners
express their ideas and communicate effectively (Sedita, 2005). Vocabulary is a
fundamental component of language proficiency and provides much of the basis for
how well learners listen, speak, write and read (Richards and Renandya, 2002).
In the field of second language learning, one of the main reasons underlying the
learners’ inability to use English is their insufficient vocabulary knowledge.
Zhou (2012) claims that vocabulary is the main problem which learners encounter in
language learning process and their daily life. Poor vocabulary knowledge leads to
misunderstanding and consequently unsuccessful communication. Achieving
communicative competence in second language can be enhanced by developing the
knowledge of vocabulary. Therefore, developing students’ vocabulary is one of the
most important roles for English teachers because if learners do not know how to
expand their vocabulary, they gradually lose their attention in their second language
learning.
In the case of Thailand, English has been taught as a foreign language at all
levels. However, the outcome of teaching and learning remains unsatisfactory.
According to Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), it revealed that
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Thailand ranked 116th out of 163 countries. Moreover, for secondary school,
considering the results of English O-NET in 2015-2017 at Berdpittayasan School, the
mean percentage scores of English tests were the lower than half, receiving 27.54,
28.20, and 27.16 respectively. Obviously, the process of teaching and learning English
in Berdpittayasan School seems to have been unsuccessful. The reason why the
students are not successful in learning English can be attributed to several problems.
The students claim that the problem of their inabilities to acquire English is the
insufficient knowledge of vocabulary, and all of them agree that vocabulary is the
most important aspect in English learning. Similarly, Harris and Albert (1970) claim
that the first important aspect that students have to know while learning a foreign
language is vocabulary. In Thailand, vocabulary is often taught as a separated lesson,
but the process of vocabulary teaching is not very successful. Students are unable to
acquire the vocabulary. There are two main problems of vocabulary learning; firstly,
techniques used in teaching vocabulary are quite boring, and do not provide enough
chance for students to practice. Secondly, the limited time in learning English.
In order to solve the limitations of the above mentioned vocabulary is very
important in second language field and, in particular, for the sake of those learners
who were less successful learners in secondary school, it is necessary for teachers to
find out a good way to help students learn English vocabulary. Allen (1983) suggests
that the interesting techniques to make the English lesson more exciting are needed for
teaching English. There have been proposed several techniques for teaching
vocabulary in methodology textbooks. As Hunt and Beglar (2002) proposed, three
approaches to vocabulary teaching: incidental (unplanned learning that results from
other activities.), explicit (diagnosing the words learners need to know, presenting
them to the learners and elaborating on their word knowledge), and independent
strategy development (practicing by guessing meaning of the words from content and
training learners to use dictionaries). As to the first two approaches to vocabulary
teaching, a number of techniques can be employed in this experimental research.
One approach from implicit learning is Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT).
A study by McDonough and Chaikitmongkol (2007) studied about a task-based EFL
course in Thailand showed that students needed time to shift from traditional
instructional model to TBLT and then adapt to this new approach. One of the most
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prominent reasons was that teacher-fronted classes are norm. It is the main key and a
basic step to learn the skills and sub-skills of a language. Moreover, Nunan (2004)
believes that a task provides learners with a natural context. Task gives abundant
opportunity of interaction to learners and through which they learn language (Larsen-
Freeman, 2003). Therefore, learners can memorize the words by communicating and
practicing through the tasks.
While, traditional approach of teaching vocabulary is classified into three
categories: visual, verbal and translation (Gairns and Redman, 1986). These teaching
techniques are similar to decontextualized techniques that Oxford and Scarcalla (1994)
have defined. Therefore, decontextualized techniques are adapted to teach vocabulary
as traditional approach. Decontextualized techniques are those vocabulary items which
are removed from the context e.g. word list, flash cards, dictionary look-up. Word-list
and dictionary look-up are used as verbal and translation techniques. Flash cards are
adapted as visual technique. As stated by Shen (2003), decontextualized techniques
highlight the words in which it helps learners learn new words, and they are believed
to help learners memorize vocabulary for tests. These techniques are explicit learning
which focuses on word study since learners learn target word directly.
In detail, this research attempts to find out the impact of using TBLT, and
traditional approaches on students’ vocabulary learning. This finding could help EFL
classroom teachers in Thailand to develop their curricula of vocabulary instruction that
supports students’ effective learning.
1.2 Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Task-based
Language Teaching, and traditional method on vocabulary learning achievement and
vocabulary retention for EFL learners. This was to find a better way for second
language vocabulary learning and teaching.
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1.3 Significance of the study
The present study holds significance in that it has tried to develop vocabulary
knowledge by focusing on two approaches: indirect (TBLT) and direct (traditional
method) approaches. The finding of this study would be useful for developing
vocabulary teaching techniques. Moreover, the results will provide much more precise
methods of vocabulary instruction to EFL students, which lead to making good
decision of the teachers who want to bring either of the two techniques to teach
vocabulary in classroom.
1.4 Scope of the study
This study focus on the effectiveness of two techniques; Task-based Language
Teaching, and traditional method on vocabulary learning achievement and vocabulary
retention for 9th grade learners at Berdpittayasan School.
1.5 Definitions of key terms
The important terms used in this study are defined below.
1.5.1 Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT): Task-based language teaching is
an approach that gets learners to experience the context by communicating or
exchanging messages with their group members or peers naturally by using mother
tongue or target language to discuss and resolve their task problems.
1.5.2 Traditional method involves visual (flash-cards), verbal and translation
(word-list). PPP framework is adapted as in traditional method.
1.6 Research Questions
1.6.1 Which method: Task-based language teaching approach or traditional
approach helps students learn vocabulary better?
1.6.2 Which method: Task-based language teaching approach or traditional
approach did the students prefer in learning vocabulary?
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Teaching vocabulary is an important factor in language teaching. Since
vocabulary is significant, many techniques are employed in teaching vocabulary. This
chapter reviews four main topics, (1) vocabulary, (2) Task-Based Language Teaching
approach (TBLT), (3) Traditional approach, and (4) related studies.
2.1 Vocabulary
Vocabulary is the center for learners to learn language. An ability to use
vocabulary is one of the language skills that make communication successful.
According to Larsen-Freeman (2003), learners knowing a word should include its
form, meaning, and use. Form refers to spelling, pronunciation, and word parts i.e.
prefixes and suffixes (Nation, 2002). Meaning or word’s semantic features refer to
knowing what object or idea it refers to. Lastly, knowing the use of a word means
knowing the grammatical patterns it occurs in, knowing what other words it occurs
with (i.e. collocation), and knowing which context that the word is used in.
Furthermore, Laufer and Goldstein (2004) have mentioned vocabulary into two
terms; receptive and productive vocabulary. Receptive vocabulary means the
understanding of the meaning of a word both in spoken or written form. It means
students should be able to recognize the word when it is heard, or when it is seen, and
having an expectation of what grammatical pattern of the word is. A productive
vocabulary is the portfolio of vocabulary available within a learner’s common
language for production. It could be said that in knowing a word, students should be
able to pronounce the word, know how to write and to spell it, and how to use it in
grammatical pattern. Moreover, they defined vocabulary into a hierarchy of four
levels: active recall (being able to use the target word); passive recall (understanding
the meaning of the target word); active recognition (remembering the word when
given its meaning); passive recognition (recognizing meaning when given options).
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Laufer and Goldstein (2004) claimed that passive recall is the vocabulary level most
associated with L2 classroom success, and this can be considered as the objective of
vocabulary teaching.
Vocabulary learning is one of the most important processes in designing
classroom activities in EFL context. To be successful in learning vocabulary, students
have to recognize a word both its form and its meaning. Next, the process of
vocabulary acquisition is described in order to shed the light on how students acquire
vocabulary.
2.2 Vocabulary Acquisition Process
According to Baddleley and Hitch (1974), the Short Term Memory (STM) can
only store the information for a short period, and after this duration, this information
will either be transferred to the Long Term Memory (LTM) or just be forgotten by
learner.
Figure 2.1 The process of storing the information
Source: Adapted from Baddleley and Hitch (1974)
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Firstly, Shi (2008) claims that the information that learner selects is stored in the
STM, and then part of the information can be moved to the LTM for permanent
storage. Other information would be forgotten by learners quickly. The information
will be obtained by learners during their first activity, but this information that can
stay in the STM is limited; about 18 to 20 seconds (Peterson & Peterson, 1959).
Therefore, repetition of the information is required in order to provide learners with
more chances to be exposed to the target information so that they can transfer from the
STM to the LTM. As in Peterson & Peterson’s word (1959), the frequent activation
and repetition of the information will move the STM to the LTM. In other words,
learners are able to learn certain information if the information is repeated in the
material. To look deeper on vocabulary acquisition, the process of vocabulary
acquisition for second language in figure 2.2 is described.
Figure 2.2 The process of vocabulary acquisition for a second language
Source: Adapted from Baddleley and Hitch (1974)
Figure 2.2 is a model that reveals the process of acquiring vocabulary in a second
language. In this model, text or target vocabulary can be considered as input, and part
of information can be accepted and stored in the short-term memory. Only some of the
vocabulary that is stored in the short-term memory can be directly transferred to the
LTM for permanent storage. The rest of the vocabulary can be transferred to the
Working Memory by re-activation or repetition. For learners, the vocabulary that is
stored in the LTM, which is related to the topic, can be also activated and can provided
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background information for learners to process the new information. In other word, if
the learners have background knowledge about the topic that they are learned, that
background knowledge will help them to access and learn the new vocabulary quickly.
Finally, the target vocabulary can be then transferred to the LTM and stored
permanently.
In conclusion, learners can acquire the vocabulary by repetition of those words.
Next, some of these words are selected and are transferred to the LTM directly. L2
vocabulary acquisition may be affected by other variables such as learner, task, and
context variables. Aside from the process of storing information, it is important to
know how words and concepts are represented in L2 learners’ mind. The following
section is devoted to the Task-based language teaching.
2.3 Task-based language teaching (TBLT)
Task-based language teaching (TBLT) was used in the 1970s when linguists
claimed that grammar and meaning should be taught in EFL (Skehan, 2003). Prabhu
(1987), who is one of first proponents for tasks or TBLT, started to use this approach
in teaching secondary school classes in Bangalore, India in the 1970s (Ellis, 2003).
Since then, TBLT has been recommended and used commonly in research in second
language acquisition. TBLT is as the method that the learners learn target language by
using tasks. A task has been defined by several scholars, and those definitions of task
are discussed below.
What is a “task”? Numerous linguists around the world have attempted to define
the term “task” as relating to TBLT. The task is as an activity learners complete a task
should consider meaning was the most important part, tasks are related to the real life
and communication problem should be resolved and task evaluation was based on task
outcome which was completed by learners (Skehan, 2003). Similar to Willis (1996),
she suggests that a task is an activity where the target language is used by the learners
for a communicative purpose in order to achieve the outcome. A task is a particular
technique form that might be synonymous with a problem-solving task or a role-play
task (Brown, 2001). While, Richards (1976) defines task as activities that teachers
assign to attain particular learning objectives. There are two kinds of task that are real-
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world and pedagogical tasks. Nunan (2004) has suggested a basic distinction between
real-world or target tasks, and pedagogical tasks;
Target tasks refer to the uses of language in the world outside the classroom.
According to Long (1985), he mentions that a task is as the things people do in
everyday life, for examples, buying shoes, making reservations, finding destinations,
and writing cheques. Contrastingly, pedagogical tasks refer to language task that
occurs in the classroom. According to Richards, Platt & Weber (1986) definition, task
is an activity or action which is achieved as the result of processing or understanding
the language, for instance, drawing a map while listening to a tape, listening to an
instruction and performing a command. Supported by Nunan (2004), he defines that
the task is a classroom program based on learners understanding, managing, producing
or collaborating in language while their attention is mainly focused on meaning rather
than on form. Similar to Bygate (2001), he points out that a task is an activity which
requires learners to use language, with emphasis on meaning, to achieve an objective.
To sum up, it is obvious that tasks are related to activities that instructors had to
provide for learners to complete; then through the tasks, learners could learn
something and use the target language to achieve the learning objectives by
communicating in group or pairs.
Willis (1996), who is proponent of TBLT, believes that TBLT is as a goal-
oriented communicative activity, with a specific outcome emphasizing on exchanging
meaning not producing specific language forms. Stern (1992) also suggests a
comprehensive classification of communicative activities including field experiences,
classroom management activities, inviting guest speakers, talking on topics related to
the students’ private life and on substantive topics. While, Oxford (2001) mentions
that TBLT referred to a task that teachers who usually divided students into pair work
and group work to allow students’ interaction and collaboration with their group
members. This claim is supported by Ellis (2003), he mentions that the general
purpose and principles of TBLT are to create opportunities for language learning and
to develop skills through collaborative knowledge. Therefore, TBLT is considered as a
change from the grammar practice routines which many learners have previously
failed to learn to communicate. TBLT is as a method that encourages learners to
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explore with whatever English they can recall, to use target language without fear of
failure, and to take active control of their own learning, both in and outside class.
Obviously, the TBLT is an approach that integrates all four skills, and provides
opportunities for the learners to explore both spoken and written language through the
tasks for meaningful purposes, in order to improve the learners’ communicative
competence. In order to design a task used in TBLT framework, task components are
described as follows.
2.3.1 Task components
According to Nunan (2004), the definition of a language-learning task
requires specification of six components: goals, input, activities, teacher role, learner
role and settings.
2.3.1.1 Goals
Goals provide a point of contact between the task and the learners.
For instance, a teacher may be asked that why he/she got learners to engage in Task X.
The answer will generally take the form of some sort of goal statement. Possible
answers might be:
“I wanted to develop their confidence in speaking.”
“I wanted to develop their personal writing skills.”
Goals may relate to general outcomes or may directly describe
teacher or learner behavior. In addition, there is rarely a simple one-to-one relationship
between goals and tasks. However, in some cases, a complex task might be provided
learners several goals. For example, in the teaching of vocabulary, goals may be to get
the learners to learn the meaning, or learn how to form sentence, etc.
2.3.1.2 Input
Input refers to the data that learners have to get from doing the task.
In fact, input for communicative tasks can be derived from a wide range of sources.
Using authentic materials as the sources of tasks is supported by SLA. Proponents of
authentic materials point out that classroom texts and dialogues do not adequately
provide learners for the language they read in the real world outside the classroom.
Moreover, they argue that if we want learners to comprehend written texts in the real
world, then the learners need opportunities for engaging in these real-world texts in
class. However, there is some claim that authentic materials are appropriate with
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intermediate to advanced foreign language learners. That means classroom texts and
dialogue still needed in foreign classroom context. Adapting both simplified and
authentic in designing vocabulary task is focused in this experiment, because
participants of this experiment are beginners.
2.3.1.3 Activities
Activities specify what learners will actually do with the input.
Nunan (2004) proposes three general ways of characterizing activities: rehearsal for
the real world, skills use, and fluency/accuracy.
2.3.1.4 Teacher’s role
The teacher is as facilitator to help learners achieve the tasks, and
as an active creator to create classroom activities. According to Breen and Candlin
(1980), the teacher has three main roles in the communicative classroom. The first is
to act as facilitator of the communicative process, the second is to act as a participant,
and the third is to act as an observer or learner.
2.3.1.5 Learner’s role
Classes are student-centered which means learners take the main
part in the learning process. Learner should carry out three major roles. Firstly, group
participant; learners perform a task either in pairs or small group. Secondly, monitor;
the learners can have the chance to observe how language is applied in
communication. Lastly, risk-taker and innovator; many tasks will push learners to
generate and describe messages for which they do not have prior experience.
2.3.1.6 Settings
Settings refer to the classroom arrangements specified in the task.
Settings will be an important factor e.g. the task is on individual, pair, group, or the
whole class.
All task components above are important for designing the tasks.
Therefore, in designing one task, goal, input, activities, teacher’s role, learner’s role
and setting should be considered. In each task, the teacher should set the goal, adapt
appropriate materials, and set the roles of both teacher and learner. In addition, Estaire
and Zanon (1994) state that there are two types of task in TBLT. One is
communicative tasks; the other is learning tasks (focusing on language form;
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grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, sentence structure). To look deeper on TBLT
process, the theoretical foundations of TBLT are discussed in the following section.
2.4 The theoretical base of TBLT
Ellis (2003) believes that the theoretical base of TBLT is Input and Interactionist
Theory. Krashen (1989) proposes that language learning occurs through using
language communicatively, rather than through practicing language skills. That means,
learners learn language mostly through using language in communicative activities,
not the result of conscious language drilling.
Krashen (1989) also points out that comprehensible input is important for the
learners to acquire a language. The input hypothesis state that a language learner who
is at level “i” must receive comprehensible input that is at level “i+1” In other word,
only when we understand language that contains structures that is ‘a little beyond’
where we are now. However, Interactionist critic points to some insufficiencies of
Krashen’s comprehensible input theory. They do not believe that little exposure to
input could promote language learning. When reading a book, watching a TV program,
or listening to a radio broadcast, learners do not interact with the source of language.
They do not have the opportunity to show that they have not understood the message,
to ask for clarifications or repetitions.
The interactionist theory emphasizes on the conversational interaction. Much
acquisition reveals during the conversational interaction. Long (1985) argues that only
comprehensible input is not enough in order to acquire a L2, the opportunity of
interacting with other speakers is also necessary. When communicating with L2
learners, native speakers will adjust their language to make the learners understand
their meanings. This kind of conversation can help to make the input comprehensible.
For example, in vocabulary acquisition, when there is an unknown word that appears
and causes difficulty in comprehension, the native speaker would explain it in a more
simple way and try to make the learner understand it. In this case, as the learner needs
to know what the speaker means, he or she will ask the speaker to repeat the word and
pay more attention to its explanation. The word is acquired in this way.
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To sum up, the theoretical base of TBLT approach which employs
communicative tasks includes both comprehensible input and interactionist theory,
because vocabulary learning may be not effective if only focus on comprehensible
input, the conversation is also necessary. The better way is to use compressible input
by designing the lesson that in order to design the appropriate tasks which suit the
level of the learners, and the tasks should provide the opportunity for learners to
interact with each other.
2.5 Advantages of Task-based language teaching on vocabulary acquisition
As mentioned above, many scholars (Nunan, 2004; Bygate 2001; Ellis, 2003;
Skehan, 2003) define the task that the first aspect of task is to get its meaning;
providing solutions for communications and activities should be in real life;
completing a task has some priority; assessing the task is in terms of result produced.
That means learners use whatever target language resources they have learned in an
activity or a piece of work in order to solve problem, do a puzzle, play a game, or
share and compare language experiences (Willis, 1996).
Learning vocabulary is not simple, because it cannot be assumed that students
know the meaning of the word, and they can use that word in sentence correctly. Most
research has measured L2 word acquisition by focusing word meaning, but this does
not guarantee that word forms were effectively acquired. That means word meaning,
and word usage should be involved in vocabulary learning, and both are said to be two
different types of cognitive processes (meaning-focused, form-focused). The target on
teaching TBLT is to enhance, recognize and acquire meaning of word, and also
produce and acquire knowledge for greater aspects; both meaning-focused and form-
focused, so task-based language teaching can be used effectively in vocabulary
learning. Gardner and Miller (1996) confirm that TBLT also facilitate learners to
practice two areas of linguistic knowledge skills (vocabulary, grammar). Supported by
Newton (2001) who studied about notion of vocabulary learning through
communicative task, he mentions that TBLT approach enables learners to develop
strategies for managing new vocabulary while also maintaining a communicative
focus. Furthermore, the research of Ur (1996) shows that task based activity in an
experiment with teachers’ attitudes, scores high with most teachers on all criteria.
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They think that there is more talk, more participation, and more motivation and
enjoyment. They think that there is some purpose in speaking, which is challenging
and is more like a game so they enjoy it. For students’ attitude, most students propose
that they enjoy the communicative activities because they have a chance to work in
group, which can reduce their stress. From this point, it may assume that teaching
vocabulary through TBLT, not only enables learners to get new vocabulary, but also
motivation.
In conclusion, integrating task-based language teaching with vocabulary
acquisition is as an advanced method to engage students in various communicative
tasks, it encourages them to work with, and promote language competence by
repetitive use of newly learned vocabulary.
2.6 Pedagogical Framework for Task-based vocabulary instruction.
Obviously, the goal of L2 vocabulary tasks should be acquisition of words and
expansion of word’s knowledge not only the meanings but also the forms. Some
researches claim that TBLT is the approach that facilitates students in learning
vocabulary incidentally.
There are lots of procedures and stages proposed, but Willis’s (1996) model is
employed in this experiment because Willis’s framework can provide obvious steps
that teacher can adapt easily. (see figure 2.3)
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Pre-task
Introduction to topic and tasks
Teacher explores the topic with the class, highlights useful words and phrases.
Learners may be exposed to examples.
Task cycle
Task Planning Report
Students do the task in
pairs or small groups.
Teacher monitors;
mistakes do not matter.
Students prepare to report.
Accuracy is important, so
the teacher stands by and
gives advice
Student exchange or
present report teacher
listens and then comments.
Language focus
Analysis Practice
Students examine then discuss Teacher conducts practice of new words
Figure 2.3 Willis’s (1996) TBLT Framework
Source: Adapted from Willis (1996)
To look deeper on Willis’ (1996) framework of TBLT, the lesson designed for
this experiment includes Pre-task, Task cycle and Language focus
2.6.1 Pre-task
It shows the kind of preparation that may need to be done earlier, and it
identifies the steps involved in setting up a task. The teacher introduces the topic and
learners get exposures of linguistic chunks. Moreover, teacher recalls and activates
existing knowledge by exploring the topic and highlighting useful words and phrases
which might be needed during task performance.
In the pre-task phase will usually be the shortest stage in the framework. It
could last between two and twenty minutes, depending on the learners’ degree of
familiarity with the topic and the type of task. There are several tasks that can be done
in this phase;
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(1) Classifying words and phrases: teacher writes word or phrases
connected with the topic on the board, and talk about them.
(2) Matching phrases to pictures: teacher prepares a set of pictures, and
phrases related to topic. And ask learners to match phrases with the picture.
(3) Brainstorming: teacher writes the main topic on the board, and
encourages students to call out words related to topic.
2.6.2 Task-cycle
This phase combines tasks and texts in order to give students exposure to
language and also opportunities to use it. Throughout the task cycle, the emphasis has
been on students’ understanding and expressing meanings in order to achieve task
outcomes and report their findings. This is second phase, which includes task,
planning and report.
Task stage: It can take from one minute to ten or more depending on the
type of task and its complexity. The teacher’s monitoring role during this stage is less
active; to make sure that all pairs or groups are doing the right task and are clear about
the objectives, to encourage all students to take part, no matter how weak their
language is, to be forgiven about errors of form.
Planning stage: This planning stage comes after the task and before the
report, forming the central part of task cycle. It describes how to help learners plan
their reports effectively and maximize their learning opportunities.
Report stage: Depending on the level of the class and type of task, a report
might last as little as 20-30 seconds or up to two minutes. Their reports will not
resemble native-speaker language; there are bound to be strange wordings or
grammatical errors.
There are several tasks that learners can achieve in this phase both written
and spoken such as writing story, writing a letter, writing a recommendation, and
doing role-play.
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(1) Writing task
Task stage: students discuss task orally in pair or groups, to decide
content.
Planning 1: students, discuss outline, and write first draft.
Planning 2: students re-write and check their first draft and make final
draft.
Report: students copy their work and give to all classmate, all pieces
of writing are read by all, and then making class discussion.
(2) Speaking task
Task stage: students are provided record of conversation, and dialogue.
Planning 1: students work in pair, discuss and make first draft of their
conversation.
Planning 2: students re-write and check their first draft and make final
draft.
Report: all pairs of students summit their work to all, and do the role-
play as their work.
2.6.3 Language focus
It is about the study of specific features occurring in the language use
during task cycle. That means learners will already be familiar with the meanings of
those words, as well as somewhat familiar with the forms they represent. This phase
focus on form stage will be an opportunity to further focus on the formal aspects of the
words. This final phase, which includes analysis, and practice activities
(1) Language analysis: tasks focus explicitly on language form and use.
Analysis activities should not consist of decontextualized presentation and practice of
language items in isolation. Analysis activities involves three concepts; semantic
concepts, words or parts of a word, and categories of meaning or use. For example;
(1.1) Word category: Ask students to write the words or phrases on
board, students categorize the words into their category.
(1.2) Correcting: After report stage in task cycle, all students discuss
and try to correct their mistake and give feedback for each pair.
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(2) Language practice: activities summarized below can be based on
features of language that have already occurred in previous texts and transcripts or on
features that have just been studied in analysis activities. Some are purely oral, some
require writing in preparation for an oral stage, some are mainly written. Activities in
this phase are
(2.1) Repetition: students repeat useful phrase or word individually. It
is fun to begin slowly and go up to speed, to see how fast they can do it.
(2.2) Memory challenge: students take a set of similar types of word,
e.g. narrative verbs for text that they are learning. Mix them up, and let students write
the complete phrase or sentence containing each item.
These models of extended structure of task implementation seem to be more
appropriate for the classroom. Applying task-based language teaching by using
communicative tasks in first and second phase and form-focused intervention at the
final phase would benefit lexical acquisition.
To sum up, there are two main approaches to vocabulary acquisition:
explicit learning and implicit learning (Schmitt, 2000). Task-based language teaching
is an approach that provides students opportunities to use language in order to achieve
the task. TBLT enables students to recognize target words implicitly because it
encourages the learners to work with, and promote language competence. Moreover,
TBLT focuses upon incidental vocabulary learning, because it is seen as a by-product
of listening, speaking and reading in and outside the classroom context
(Huckin and Coady, 1999). On the other hand, explicit learning which focuses on
word study is adapted as traditional method and it is described in the next section.
2.7 Traditional Method in Vocabulary Learning
According to Gairns and Redman (1986), traditional techniques of teaching
vocabulary are classified into three categories: visual, verbal and translation. These
teaching techniques are similar to decontextualized techniques that Oxford and
Scarcella (1994) have defined. Decontextualized techniques involve removing the
words as completely as possible from any communicative context. It is the technique
of teaching new English words by using word lists, dictionaries and flashcards.
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Activities for using word-lists, dictionaries, and flashcards can be very useful
because they directly draw learners’ attention to the words. To look deeper, the
strategies are used in this present study and will be discussed below.
2.7.1 Word lists
A word list is a sheet of paper which students write the L2 words along
with their L1 definitions or translations to one side of each word. Traditionally, words
are highlighted or selected through word lists in order to help learners pay attention to
them, learn them and store them in memory, especially in the initial stage of foreign
language learning. Learners simply repeat target words until they can recognize them.
It can be claimed that learning vocabulary through word lists is also necessary to help
learners store new words. Word lists are usually used for raising the degree of
recognition especially referring to rote learning (Nation, 1982). The use of word-lists
can easily boost up vocabulary and recall words for short term especially in an
examination. It can be said that using word lists is students are not able to acquire the
vocabulary in long term memory. Moreover, Oxford and Crookall (1989) also claim
word lists are not very useful because learners might not be able to use the new words
in any communicative way without further assistance.
2.7.2 Flashcards
Another traditional technique is the use of flash cards. A flash card is a
cardboard consisting of a word, a sentence, or a simple picture on it. Both teachers and
learners can make the flash cards. Flash cards for EFL teaching has been used for
years and are as a useful method for teachers and learners. Oxford and Crookall (1990)
claim that using flashcards are very popular with students especially for preparing
vocabulary test. Many researches reveal that students use flashcards as their
vocabulary learning strategies. Commercial flashcards are available for many
languages. Schmitt and Schmitt (1995) indicate that learning through flash cards help
learners in acquiring vocabulary more effective than word lists. It can be seen that
flash cards have been used for teaching a variety of purposes during the history of
language teaching such as to teach sounds of the alphabet, to help students to improve
word recognition, to practice their vocabulary development, and to complete drills in
the learning of foreign language. Therefore, flash cards can still be an effective
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technique in vocabulary teaching and have also been used in teaching English as
second language.
2.7.3 Dictionary Use
Dictionary use is another typically traditional technique in vocabulary
learning. This technique is common by looking up the unknown words through using
dictionary. The use of the dictionary is similar to word list technique that learners have
to remember the meaning while they look up the word. Dictionary use is quite helpful
for the learners who have no way of knowing the meaning of the words, and that the
physical action of looking up the word somehow helps learners remember the
meanings. Looking up words while they are reading is the activity that some teachers
promote vocabulary growth and reading comprehension. Many students look up every
single word they do not know, and thus fail to understand the context. Monolingual
dictionaries are usually too difficult for beginning and intermediate learners, so
monolingual (L2-L2) dictionary is the alternative to the bilingual dictionary. However,
the advances in lexicography have shown in the monolingual dictionary is suitable for
lower-level L2 learners rather than native language users. For example, the
monolingual dictionaries give detailed guidance on syntax, pronunciation, and usage
written in a simplified vocabulary as well as specific examples of some words in
context. Therefore, it means that these monolingual dictionaries provide a greater
degree of context and might be more helpful to learners of all level.
In conclusion, adapting all of three techniques as traditional method is
explicit learning which focuses on word study. These techniques are the way to
provide learners opportunity to learn vocabulary directly, and are relevant to more
teacher-centred approach (Gairns and Redman, 1986) unlike task-based language
teaching.
2.8 The effect of using decontextualized teaching techniques.
Decontextualized teaching techniques are as the traditional method that teachers
use in teaching vocabulary by using wordlist, dictionary, and flashcard. Several
researchers conducted about the decontextualized teaching techniques. There was a
claim that wordlist help the learners improve their vocabulary knowledge. As in
Mehrpour (2008) research, he investigated the impacts of two vocabulary teaching
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techniques; contextualized and decontextualized techniques on vocabulary learning of
a low proficiency group of Iranian learners of English as a foreign language, who were
divided into two groups. The results of the study revealed that rote memorization of
word-lists can work better than sentence-making practice, especially for Iranian
learners of English at low level of proficiency. Therefore, it can interpret that using
decontextualized techniques of vocabulary instruction is more appropriate that using
contextualized techniques especially for beginners. Moreover, Qian (1996) compared
the learning of second language words in lists and in contexts. He employed 63
Chinese university learners of English language to learn a set of 15 English target
words. The decontextualized techniques group produced significantly better scores on
an immediate recall test than the contextualized techniques group did. The findings of
his study suggested that decontextualized L2 vocabulary learning is more effective for
these particular students than contextualized vocabulary learning.
In conclusion, decontextualized teaching techniques can aid learners to recall
or memorize the words, especially for beginners. However, Moghaddam and Faruji
(2013) mention that decontextualized teaching techniques seem old-fashioned in the
context of current communication-based language programs because even students
know the meaning of the words, they cannot use those words in context. This
traditional approach is taught by adapting P-P-P framework in order to make the
lesson more effective. P-P-P framework is described as follows.
2.9 P-P-P framework.
According to Ellis (2003), P-P-P is a common method for teaching both grammar
and vocabulary in a foreign language. In a PPP lesson, there are three stages: firstly,
the teacher presents the target language, then students practice the new language items,
and finally they use their own ideas to talk about themselves. These stages are
presented thoroughly as follows;
(1) Presentation stage: this is the first phase in which the teacher presents new
words or structures, give examples, write them on the board, etc.
(2) Practice stage: Students practice using word or structures in a controlled way,
e.g. making sentences from prompts, asking and answering questions, giving sentences
based on a picture. Practice can be oral and written.
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(3) Production stage: it is the final phase of the PPP, students use language they
have learned to express themselves more freely, e.g. to talk or write about their own
lives and interests, to express opinions. Like practice, production can be oral or written.
This PPP model provides clear and simple structure of the lesson. PPP model is
widely used in Thai education especially secondary school. Therefore, PPP model is
selected to use as traditional approach.
2.10 Related studies
There are several research studies which have dealt with the effect of task-based
language teaching approach on learning English vocabulary as a foreign or second
language in particular. Following is a brief review of the related studies.
Thanh and Huan (2012) conducted research by using two group experiment;
control, experimental group. The participants were seventy-six freshmen (48 females,
28 males) in non-English majors at Vinh Long Community College. The participants
were randomly placed in one of two classes: a control group class and an experimental
group class. The experiment was conducted within the twelve-week regular class term.
The pre-questionnaire was administered to both groups on the first day of class to
make sure that two group are homogeneous in terms of motivation. The participants
took the vocabulary pre-test once they completed the pre-questionnaire. The reading
lesson was taught to both groups. The difference between the two groups was that
traditional method of teaching vocabulary were used in the control group, while Text-
based tasks based on Willis’ (1996) framework were implemented in the experimental
group. After the experiment was completed, the post-questionnaire and the post-test
were delivered to both groups at the same time. The result of vocabulary achievement
showed that students in both groups improved their vocabulary achievement.
However, when comparing two groups, it showed that the level of vocabulary
achievement in the experimental group was much higher than that in the control group.
For motivation in learning English, the mean score of students’ motivation of the
experimental group was much higher than that of the control group. From this, it was
interpreted that the experimental group outperformed the control group in terms of
motivation to learn vocabulary. Therefore, the results implied that TBLT significantly
improved both students’ vocabulary achievement, and motivation.
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Sarani, and Sahebi (2012) investigated the impact of task-based approach on
vocabulary learning in ESP Courses. There were about 60 BA students of Persian
literature aging from 18-25 in Birjand University of Humanities participated in this
study. In order to achieve maximum possible homogeneity among the subjects
regarding their general vocabulary, the Nation’s vocabulary test were administered by
50 participants and they were assigned randomly to two groups of 25; a control group
and an experimental group. The two classes included 10 male and 15 female students.
The participants in the control group were required to study the texts, translate them
and answer some non-task-based comprehension questions. For example, they were
taught technical vocabulary based on the traditional method. For the experimental
group, the same passages with some task-based exercises which fit a task-based
framework were used. Moreover, the class time was divided into three phases: pre-
task, task cycle and post-task. In pre-task phase, the teacher tried to activate the ESL
learner’s schemata related to the text with new technical vocabulary to motivate them
to read. In the task phase, the students were engaged in completing different kinds of
tasks, and in the post-task phase, they gave a report, repeated the tasks and even dealt
with language focus tasks. After thirteen weeks of instruction, the post test was given
to find out the differences between the performances of the two groups. The result
revealed that there was not considerable improvement in the control group, whereas, in
experimental group, their mean score on the post-test was increased to 24.00, and the
significant difference was at .05 levels. Therefore, it can assume that the participants’
performance in the task-based class was remarkably better than that of traditional
class.
Moreover, Moghaddam and Faruji (2013) conducted cooperative Tasks and
Lexical Development of EFL learners. There were 60 subjects, who had scored
homogeneously in a teacher-made proficiency test, participated in this study. Both
groups were taught by the same teacher in order to control the teacher variable. Then a
translation test of 210 isolated English words was given to the learners and they were
asked to write down the Persian equivalent of those words. Eighty-five words that
were not known by the most of the learners were selected. After that, a pre-test of 50
multiple-choice vocabulary items was administered to both the experimental and
control groups. The control group was used some conventional techniques such as
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memorization, using dictionaries, and using synonyms, and antonyms. The class was a
teacher-centred which the learners did not actively participate in the classroom
activities. The teacher introduced and explained the lesson to students. On the other
hand, the experimental group was taught through cooperative tasks. There were eight
tasks in this study; each task was carried out within a 20 minute classroom period.
They were chosen as a task typical of those used to promote interaction and
negotiation of meaning among learners. For example, one of them was an opinion-gap
task, in which the learners were given a box of words written on cards, including
individual characteristics and their definitions. They were asked to work in pairs and
express and clarify their thoughts and opinions about characteristics that they thought
were especially applicable to their partners. They engaged in discussion and exchange
of ideas, expressed their individual thinking, and negotiated meaning with their pairs
to solve any misunderstandings. For performing the other tasks the learners were
asked to request clarification and engage in negotiation of meaning if they did not
understand the meaning of any particular lexical item during the task performance.
Two tasks were carried out by the students working in pairs, four tasks by the students
working in small groups, and two by the students working in jigsaw groups. At the end
of the course, students in both groups were given the standardized test used as the pre-
test. The result has shown that cooperative tasks had a significant difference on
vocabulary achievement since t = 7.52 (p = .01< .05). It can be assumed that
cooperative tasks in the classroom were of great importance in developing the
vocabulary knowledge of EFL learners. The finding provided evidence that
exchanging information between learners is a helpful tool in improving EFL learners’
vocabulary.
Similar to the results of Fallahrafie (2015)’s research which studied the effect of
task-based teaching on incidental vocabulary learning in English for specific purposes.
There were 55 BA participants in two classes of male and females, majoring in
Machanical Engineering at the Islamic Azad University of Hashgerd. A Nelson
Proficiency Test was administered among the students in order to ensure their lexical
homogeneity. Then the two classes were randomly labeled as experimental (N= 29)
and control group (N= 26). Both the experimental and the control groups enrolled in
an ESP course specific for Mechanical Engineering learners for five sessions of
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treatment (one hour and a half, once a week). Both groups were taught by the same
teacher, who had experiences in teaching ESP in Mechanical Engineering. 75
mechanical engineering words, each session 15 words were taught through different
activities for each of the two classes. The treatment group received treatment based on
sentence writing task in each session and the control group was under the traditional
treatment of vocabulary teaching. The finding indicated that there was no statistically
significant difference between two groups on the pre-test of vocabulary. It can be
concluded that the two groups were homogeneous regarding vocabulary knowledge
before experience the treatment. Comparing two groups’ vocabulary scores on the
post-test of vocabulary, the result showed that the participants in the experimental
group performed better than the control group (p ≤ .05).
Furthermore, Bahtiar (2015) studied the use of Task-based Language Teaching to
improve student’s vocabulary mastery. The participants were first grade of SMK
Muhammadiyah Susukan. There was only one group of participants. The data were
collected by evaluation test score, and the observation note. Students were given the
pre-test before applying task-based language teaching. There were three phases in this
study. In the pre-task phase, the teacher focused on giving key vocabulary to the
students. Then, in the task-phase, students worked and shared their idea in group in
order to achieve the task. Lastly, in post-task phase, each group presented their task in
front of the class. They had to share their ideas and give their feedback in whole class.
The result has revealed that the use of task-based language teaching can improve
students’ vocabulary by comparing their score from pre- and post-test (7.19, 8.19).
For another research, Jurcenko (2015) investigated applying task-based language
learning method for teaching vocabulary. There were 6 participants, females who were
upper-intermediate level. The topic ‘cooking’ was used in this experiment because of
personal interest of the learners in the field. Task-based language learning framework
included three parts: pre-task, task-phase and post-task. The first stage of the lesson
consisted of pre-task activities which divided into two parts. During the first one, the
learners brainstormed the topic and answered the teachers’ questions linked to the
theme. The second one was a matching task, in course of which the learners had to
link the definition to the term linked with cooking. In task phase, the teacher divided
learners into several groups and each group had to perform a task by creating their
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own recipe of pizza. First of all, the learners brainstormed and discussed their ideas.
Secondly, they had to write a small report on their recipe. The last stage was an oral
report. After all reports have been discussed, the teacher provided the learners with an
authentic text containing a homemade pizza recipe. The learners were asked to read it,
to examine the differences between the text and their own recipes and to highlight
vocabulary that was considered to be useful for cooking. The final part was a post-task
phase. The learners discussed what they had done, and they expressed their opinions
about the activity. The result stated that the learners’ communicative competence
developed through real-life communication, and the vocabulary was enriched. The
task-based language learning is a good tool for enhancing the learners’ vocabulary,
because the tasks are challenging for the learners.
In addition, Nguyen & Nguyen (2018) explored about task-based vocabulary
instruction at a Vietnamese high school. Seventy tenth-grade students at a high school
in a Mekong Delta region participated in the study. The two groups involved in this
study. The control group consisted of 15 males and 20 females whereas in the
experimental group there were 13 males and 22 females. The data collected in the
study included tests and questionnaire. The vocabulary achievement test was used as a
pretest to measure students’ vocabulary competence. The vocabulary achievement test
consisted of fifteen recognition items and fifteen production items. The similar
vocabulary test with 30 items was administered to the participants from two groups as
the post-test after the treatment. There were six sessions of the treatment were offered
during six weeks. In the experimental group, each session strictly followed the three
stages in task-based vocabulary instruction. The four-section lesson plan included pre-
task (two activities), task cycle (two activities), language focus (three activities), and
homework. In the pre-task, students were asked to work in pairs, discuss questions and
then present their ideas to the class. For the second activity, students were then
grouped and did matching exercise for words related to electronic devices. In the task-
cycle section, students first worked individually by skimming the text and reporting to
the class what the best title could be for this reading text. In task cycle two, students
had to read the text and complete the chart by filling in some blanks the electronic
device related words. With regard to the third section, language focus, students were
required to analyze two things. First, they had to work in groups and discuss the
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meanings of the words by telling the functions or benefits of the devices used as
learning tools in the text provided. Secondly, students looked at the chart mentioned
earlier and wrote sentences to describe how to learn new vocabulary generated from
the text. Finally, students worked in groups, read the text, and compare how electronic
devices were used among children in the United States and in Vietnam to answer five
suggested aspects. In the control group, Presentation-Practice-Production (PPP)
approach, the traditional method or approach was used to present new vocabulary
items to the participants. A questionnaire was administered after finishing all
treatments. The result showed that students who were taught vocabulary through tasks
achieved more than those who received traditional vocabulary instruction.
For students’ perceptions of task-based vocabulary instruction, eighty percent of
surveyed students (n=28) said that they would learn vocabulary through tasks in the
future. The reasons for this preference could be classified into three main categories in
terms of increased confidence in communicating in English, the effectiveness of
vocabulary learning and learning of new things and skills. Six out of nine surveyed
students noted that their confidence in communicating in English increased after
learning vocabulary through tasks.
Contrastingly, Ziyaeemehr (2013)’s research investigating the impact of different
task types on vocabulary learning in multilevel language ability classes. There were
three groups of participants; elementary, lower intermediate and intermediate. The
data were collected by providing three tasks: “listen and do”, “classification of related
items”, and “practice through dialog”. These three tasks were assigned randomly each
for a class; task 1 was selected for class one, task 2 was provided for class two, and
task 3 was presented to class three. Each task consisted of three phases; pre-task,
during-task and post-task. The result showed that type of the task employed in
teaching vocabulary does not make significant contribution to students’ understanding
and improvement of vocabulary knowledge. However, the data revealed that students’
task performance is considerably affected by their language ability level. Moreover,
the result indicated that although the type of the task may not have an immediate
impact on students’ further achievement, the learners’ background knowledge of the
language does play a significant role in their vocabulary learning.
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Based on this review of related studies, most of research results claimed that
TBLT, and traditional approaches were effective in vocabulary learning. Moreover,
most participants of TBLT approach were in university, it might be assumed that
TBLT approach might not be more effective for intermediate level. The participants
who participated in this experiment were secondary school students, so it might be
assumed that TBLT approach might not be effective for them. Therefore, this research
aims to investigate the effect of two vocabulary teaching techniques that is task-based
language teaching and traditional approaches on vocabulary achievement of Grade 9
EFL learners. Totally, the study tries to cast light on the following research questions:
(1) Which method: Task-based language teaching or traditional method helps
students learn vocabulary better?
(2) Which method: Task-based language teaching or traditional method do the
students prefer in learning vocabulary?
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CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
This study aims to investigate the effects of task-based language teaching
(TBLT) and traditional approaches on vocabulary learning achievement of grade 9
EFL Learners. This chapter describes the design and procedure that were used in this
study. It includes subject, vocabulary selection, research design research instruments,
data collection, and data analysis.
3.1 Subject
The subjects participating in this study were 30 Thai 9th
grade students who were
studying English as a foreign language. They were studying at Berdpittayasan School,
Surin province in academic year 2017. There was only one group of thirty subjects
participating in teaching approaches. One class of 9th
grade students who were
homogenous in term of high motivation in learning, and their English proficiency were
in the same level (A1) by the result of Oxford online placement test.
3.2 Vocabulary selection
Eighty target words were chosen from English books; World Wonder 3, and Aim
High. These books are guaranteed by Office of the Basic Education Commission that
they are appropriate with 9th
grade learners. Moreover, they are widely used in Thai
secondary schools for 9th
grade learners. Only sixty words that the participants did not
know were selected to use in this experiment. This is to guarantee that no students
knew the target words.
3.3 Research design
This study was set out to explore the impact of task-based language learning on
vocabulary learning achievement. There was one group of the participants who were
treated with the two teaching approaches; task-based language teaching and traditional
approaches. There were 4 units in this experiment. One group of the participants could
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30
reflect on both treatments in term of preference because students were taught through
both treatments. English was used in discussion and communication between the
teacher and participants. Native language was allowed to use only when students did
not understand the instructions.
Firstly, students were asked to do a preliminary test which consisted of eighty
target words. Only sixty words that the participants did not know were selected to use
in this experiment. All 60 target words were divided into 4 sessions; 30 words for
task-based language teaching approach and 30 words for traditional approach. Each 30
words were also divided for two units of two methods. By so doing, participants could
learn fifteen target words in each unit.
After the preliminary test was taken, the participants were provided translation
and a gap-filling pretest. In each unit, students were asked to translate 15 target words
into Thai. For gap-filling part, 15 sentences were provided as questions of each item.
Within each sentence, the target words were replaced by a blank. The participants had
to choose the correct words from a word box to fill in the blank. The word box
contained 15 target words and 2 distracters. Translation test was used as pre-test in
order to make sure that the students did not know the meaning of vocabulary before
they have treated by the treatment. Gap-filling was used as pretest in order to check
the students’ knowledge about the target words and their ability of using word within
context before having treatments.
In task-based language teaching approach, students were taught through this
treatment in unit 1-2. The treatment of the two approaches was carried out within 150
minutes for each unit. In each unit of task-based language teaching approach, the
participants received the worksheet (see table 3.1) containing the target words within
several tasks. They were asked to do the tasks given in order to learn new words. They
had to try to do the task without using dictionary.
In another approach, traditional approach, students were treated through this
approach in unit 3-4. The participants received the worksheet (see table 3.2) which
consisted of fifteen target word lists. They were asked to translate the words into Thai,
and do as the instruction. Dictionaries were allowed to use as a help of translating. In
this way, the participants could pay attention to the target words.
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Right after the end of each unit of both two approaches, the participants were
asked to do the two posttests; a word translation test and a gap-filling test. Translation
test was used as posttest in order to examine the students’ ability in recognizing
meaning of vocabulary and gap-filling is used in order to examine the students’ ability
in using vocabulary within context. This is to find the effectiveness of the each
approach in the short term period.
After finishing all both treatments, the questionnaire was provided for
investigating the participants’ overall preference of the two approaches; TBLT and
traditional approaches. In each question, the subjects were asked to choose one of two
choices as whether they preferred the TBLT or the traditional method. At the end of
the questionnaire, they had to provide one short answer for suggestion.
3.4 Research instruments
The research tools used in this study consisted of the assessment tools, materials
for the task-based language teaching approach, and materials for the traditional
approach.
3.4.1 Assessment Tools
3.4.1.1 Preliminary test
Translation test was adapted to use as preliminary test in order to
measure the students’ knowledge of the meaning of certain words. 80 words would be
taken from 4 units randomly from the students’ textbooks (20 words per each). After
that, 60 unknown words from preliminary tests were selected as target words (15
words per each unit). Selecting unknown words after doing pre-test was guaranteed
that all of participants did not know the meaning before participating in the
experiment.
3.4.1.2 Pre-test
After the preliminary test was taken, the participants were provided
translation and a gap-filling pretest. In each unit, students were asked to translate 15
target words into Thai. For gap-filling part, 15 sentences were provided as questions of
each item. Within each sentence, the target words were replaced by a blank. The
participants had to choose the correct words from a word box to fill in the blank. The
word box contained 15 target words and 2 distracters. Translation test was used as pre-
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test in order to make sure that the students did not know the meaning of vocabulary
before they have treated by the treatment. Gap-filling was used as pretest in order to
check the students’ knowledge about the target words and their ability of using word
within context before having treatments.
3.4.1.3 Post-test
After finishing each unit, posttest was administered by the
participants. The posttest included two kinds of tests; translation, and gap-filling.
Translation test was used as posttest in order to examine the students’ ability in
recognizing meaning of vocabulary and gap-filling is used in order to examine the
students’ ability in using vocabulary within context. This was to find the effectiveness
of the each approach.
3.4.1.4 Questionnaire
The questionnaire was used to investigate the participants’ overall
preference of the two approaches and how they learned words in each unit. It was
distributed to the participants after all sessions of the two approaches finished. In each
question, the participants were asked to choose one of two choices as whether they
preferred the task-based language teaching or the traditional approach. At the end of
the questionnaire, students were asked to know their reasons behind the preference of
each approach.
3.4.2 Materials for the task-based language teaching approach
Two reading passages were taken from English books; world wonder 3, and
aim high. Each reading passage included 15 unknown words. The passages used in the
experiment were not studied by the subjects before. Dictionary was not allowed to use
in this treatment. Task-based language teaching model used in this experiment was
adapted from Willis’ (1996) TBLT framework which included 3 phases; pre-task stage,
task cycle stage, and language focus as follows
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Table 3.1 Sample of a Task-based Language Teaching Lesson
Stage Aims Tasks
1. Pre-task:
pre-task activities
should actively
involve all
learners give
them relevant
exposure, and
create interest in
doing a task on
this topic.
Students are
introduced to the
topic with Task 1,
and Task 2
Task 1: Classifying words and phrases
Teacher writes word or phrases
connected with the topic on the board,
and talk about them.
Task 2: Brainstorming task
Teacher asks students to work in group,
and brainstorm the related words as much
as they can in 10 minutes. Then,
representatives of each group have to
present the words to the whole class.
Students identify
topic language.
Moreover, to
facilitate students
to practice the
target words by
knowing the target
words by using
context cues.
Task 3: Matching phrases to pictures
task
Students are provided the reading text,
and they match the words to their
definitions, and pictures by using context
clues. After that, each group will have to
compare their work with another group.
The teacher monitors and tries to help
them out if they do not understand the
instruction.
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34
Table 3.1 Sample of a Task-based Language Teaching Lesson (Continued)
Stage Aims Tasks
2. Task cycle:
In this task, there
are three
components of
the task cycle;
task, planning and
report.
Students are able to
create new
sentences with the
target words by
their own. By so
doing, the role play
can also help
students in
recognizing the
target words.
Task 4: Creative task
Task stage: They try to understand the
reading text. Students will be provided
recorded material which related to the
reading text. Students work in pairs, they
try to read the reading text. Teacher
facilitates them to understand the text.
Planning and report stage: Students
create their own conversation by using
their own experiences which have to
contain all target words, and plan to do
the role play in front of the class.
3. Language
Focus
There are two
components within
this phase called
analysis, and
practice.
Students are able to
analyze the words
within sentences.
To make sure that
the students can
apply the target
words into
sentences correctly.
Analysis and practice:
Task 5: Analysis task: Teacher writes
the good phrases from the role play that
students perform in task cycle. Then,
teacher asks students to reflect on their
classmates’ performances; the good and
error sentences.
To enable students
to recall the target
words, and phrase.
Practice task:
Task 6: memory challenge game
Teacher tells students to turn the text
over. Write the target words into their
own categories in order to check that can
they remember the target words or
phrases or not.
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3.4.3 Materials for the traditional approach
In each unit, the participants received 15 target words, and were asked to
translate into Thai. The English target wordlist were taken from reading passages of
the same book used in the task-based language teaching approach, world wonder 3,
and aim high. P-P-P model was adapted in this method.
Table 3.2 Sample of a Traditional Lesson
Stage Aims Activities
Warm up To stimulate the
learners use their
English knowledge
in order to get the
topic that they are
going to learn
Activity 1: odd one out
The teacher writes sets of related words
and phrases, and inserting the items in
each set that do not relate to the topic.
Activity 2: Question
The teacher asks students a related
question such as Have you ever acted in
the play? Give the students a few
minutes to discuss in group and then ask
for feedback.
1. Presentation
To teach students
target words
explicitly.
Activity 3: The teacher provides wordlist
that contains target words, and asks
students to look up the meaning by using
dictionary. After that teachers ask
students to tell the meaning of each
words in Thai, and students have to
repeat teacher read words aloud 2 times.
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36
Table 3.2 Sample of a Traditional Lesson (Continued)
Stage Aims Activities
2. Practice:
To facilitate
students to practice
the target words by
matching picture
with target words
Activity 4: The target words are
presented by using pictures, students
repeat aloud 2 times. After reading the
words, the words should be written on the
blackboard.
Activity 5: Teacher will provide students
games. The teacher writes down 15 words
on the blackboard, them motivate
students to match a correct picture with
word on the black board. After that the
teacher and students will discuss the
pictures match with the words or not.
3. Production
To facilitate
students to practice
the target words by
using the set of
activity.
Activity 6: students practice the target
words individually
- matching
3.5 Data collection
At the first stage of the process, a preliminary test was provided. There were 80
words taken from the world wonder 3, and aim high. These books are guaranteed by
Office of the Basic Education Commission that they are appropriate with 9th
grade
learners. Moreover, they are widely used in Thai secondary schools for 9th
grade
learners. Only sixty words that the participants cannot answer were selected to use in
this experiment to guarantee that students did not know the target words. After two
days of the preliminary test, pre-test of each unit was administered by participants.
Posttest of each unit was provided after each unit was finished. Translation test was
used in order to examine the students’ ability in recognizing meaning of vocabulary
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and gap-filling is used in order to examine the students’ ability in using vocabulary
within context.
In addition to the collection of quantitative data, qualitative data were collected to
better understanding of the participants’ process of learning vocabulary and their
approach of preference. The questionnaire was used after all the tasks and experiments
of the two approaches. The participants were asked to choose one of two choices as
whether they preferred the task-based language teaching or the traditional approach.
At the end of the questionnaire, students were asked to know their reasons behind the
preference of each approach
3.6 Scoring and Data analysis
The translation test and the gap-filling test were scored dichotomously, with 1
assigned to a correct answer and 0 to an incorrect one. In the statistical analysis, a
paired sample t-test was used as it was appropriate for one-group experiment.
The p-value less than 0.05 was taken as the level of the statistical significance the
mean value of the results stated which of the two methods was more effective in
vocabulary achievement.
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CHAPTER 4
RESULTS OF THE STUDY
This chapter reports the results of the study based on the data from post-tests and
the questionnaire. The results of the study were collected from grade 9 students at
Berdpittayasan School in Surin. The findings of the study were presented in terms of
tables and reports. The results of the data analysis were divided in 9 main categories:
(1) General information
(2) A comparison of the mean scores on TBLT approach pre-test and post-test
(3) A comparison of the mean scores on Traditional approach pre-test and post-
test
(4) A mean scores of participants in the post-tests
(5) The mean scores of participants in the word translation test
(6) The mean scores of participants in the gap-filling test
(7) The participants’ opinion in English learning
(8) The participants’ preference between task-based language teaching and
traditional approaches
(9) A comparison of TBLT and traditional approaches
4.1 General information
The following table showed background information of participants regarding sex,
and GPA in English.
Table 4.1 General information
Biographical Data Number of participants (N=30) Percentage
Sex
Male 10 33.33
Female 20 66.67
Total 30 100.00
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Table 4.1 General information (Continued)
Biographical Data Number of participants (N=30) Percentage
GPA in English
1.0-1.4 2 6.67
1.5-2.4 5 16.67
2.5-3.4 10 33.33
3.5-4.0 13 43.33
Total 30 100.00
Table 4.1 showed the biographical data of 30 grade 9 students who studied at
Berdpittayasan School in the academic year 2017. Out of the total number of subjects,
10 (33.33%) were male, whereas 20 (66.67%) were female. This showed that the
majority of the students were female. The result also showed that most of the subjects
(43.33%) got 3.5-4.0 in English grade average. Those who got 2.5-3.4 were 33.33
percent and those who got 1.5-2.4 were 16.67 percent. Only 6.67 percent of the
subjects were students with an English grade average of 1.0-1.4. In conclusion, the
overall results of the subjects’ information showed that the majority of the subjects
who participated in this experiment were female. The greatest number of the subjects
had a higher grade average.
4.2 A comparison of the mean scores on TBLT Approach pre-test and post-test
To make sure whether there is any significant difference between the mean scores
of the pre-test and the post-test in TBLT group, the following table showed the mean
scores on pre-test and post-test by TBLT approach.
Table 4.2 A comparison of the mean scores on pre-test and post-test by TBLT
approach
Test Mean N(30) SD T P
Pre-test 0.00 30 0.00 113.907 0.00
Post-test 53.37 30 2.566
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40
According to table 4.2, it was found that the vocabulary achievement of 9th
grade
students were significantly higher after learning task-based language teaching,
significant at the 0.00 level ( T=113.907). The mean score of the post-test (M=53.37,
S.D.=2.566) was higher than the mean score of the pre-test (M=0.00, S.D.=0.00).
Therefore, the result could be indicated that using task-based language approach could
enhance students’ vocabulary achievement.
4.3 A comparison of the mean scores on Traditional Approach pre-test and post-
test
The following table showed the mean scores on pre-test and post-test by
traditional approach.
Table 4.3 A comparison of the mean scores on pre-test and post-test by
traditional approach.
Test Mean N SD T P
Pre-test 0.00 30 0.00 104.199 0.00
Post-test 48.93 30 2.572
As shown in table 4.3, the mean of the participants’ score on the pre-test was 0.00
the S.D. was 0.00. After receiving traditional method in teaching vocabulary, their
mean scores on the post-test was increased to 48.93, with the standard deviation of
2.572. The finding showed that there was a significant different in vocabulary
learning since T=104.199 (p=.000< .05) Therefore, it could be interpreted that
traditional approaches could help the participants improve their vocabulary knowledge.
In conclusion, the overall results of comparing the both approaches on pre-test
and the post-test showed that TBLT and traditional approaches could enhance students’
vocabulary achievement effectively since the mean scores of both group post-test was
higher than pre-test.
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4.4 A comparison of the mean scores of participants in the post-tests
To answer research question 1: “which method: Task-based language teaching or
traditional method helps students learn vocabulary better?” The following table shows
the results of the post-tests between task-based language teaching approach and
traditional approach.
Table 4.4 A comparison of mean scores of participants in the post-tests
Approaches Mean N SD T P
TBLT 53.33 30 2.578 7.795 0.000
Traditional 48.93 30 2.572
The post-tests scores from the two approaches were compared to find out the
differences of word retention. The table 4.4 showed that TBLT had a significant
difference on vocabulary achievement since t = 7.795 (p=.000< .05). Therefore, from a
statistical point of view, it can be indicated that TBLT approach helped the
participants learn target words better and perform well in the post-tests than traditional
one.
4.5 The mean scores of participants in the word translation test
To look deeper, two more questions arise; which of the two approaches can help
the participants to perform more effectively in the word translation test and also in the
gap-filling test. This was to find out which approach can help the participants translate
the target word meaning and use the words in context more effectively.
Table 4.5 A comparison of the mean scores of participants in the word
translation test
Approaches Mean N SD T P
TBLT 28.03 30 1.450 -0.678 0.503
Traditional 28.33 30 1.749
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To find the answer of which of the two approaches; TBLT and traditional
approaches, can help the participants perform more effectively in the word translation
tests, the mean scores of the word-translation post-tests of the two approaches were
compared to see if there were any significant differences in vocabulary learning. Table
4.5 showed that there was no significant difference as t =-0.678 (p>0.05). Therefore, it
could be said that both TBLT and traditional approaches could equally help the
participants perform effectively in the word translation test.
4.6 The mean scores of participants in the gap-filling test
The following table showed the result of the other research question; which of the
two approaches can help the participants to perform more effectively in the gap-filling
test.
Table 4.6 A comparison of the mean scores of participants in the gap-filling test
Approaches Mean N SD T P
TBLT 25.30 30 1.950 10.815 0.00
Traditional 20.60 30 1.923
Similarly, to find out which approach could help the participants perform more
effectively in the gap-filling test, the procedures of statistical analysis were the same.
The mean scores of the gap-filling post-tests of the two approaches were used to find
out the result in vocabulary learning achievement, the result in table 4.6 showed that
there was a significant difference as t =10.815 (p<0.05). The mean score of the TBLT
is 25.30 which was higher than the mean score of the traditional approach
(Mean=20.60). Thus, it could be said that the TBLT approach could better help the
participants perform in the gap-filling test more effectively.
4.7 The participants’ opinion in English learning
This section presented the results rated by the participants’ opinion in their
English learning, and vocabulary learning. The results were collected from the
questionnaire (item No.1-2). The number of participants and percentage were shown
in following table.
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Table 4.7 The participants’ interest in English learning
Level of interest Number of participants (N=30) Percentage
extremely high 10 33.33
high 15 50.00
moderate 5 16.67
less 0 0.00
least 0 0.00
Total 30 100.00
Table 4.7 showed the participants’ opinion towards their English learning. The
results of the questionnaire (item No.1) revealed that 50% of participants were very
interested in learning English, while some of them (33%) were extremely interested in
learning English. 16.67% of participants whose interest in learning English were
moderate. It could be interpreted that most of participants in this experiment were
interested in learning English, so their motivation in learning English was high.
Table 4.8 The participants’ attitude in English vocabulary learning
Attitude in vocabulary learning Number of participants
(N=30)
Percentage
very difficult 18 60.00
difficult 7 23.33
moderate 5 16.67
easy 0 0.00
total 30 100.00
The students’ attitudes towards English vocabulary learning were showed in table
4.8. The results of the questionnaire (item No.2) revealed that majority of the
participants (60%) thought that learning vocabulary is very difficult, while 23.33% of
them believed that learning vocabulary was difficult. Only 16.67% thought that
learning vocabulary was not difficult. Therefore, it can be said that vocabulary
learning was very difficult in the students’ opinion.
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4.8 The participants’ preference between task-based language teaching and
traditional approaches in vocabulary learning
This part of the finding presented the opinions given by the respondents, to
answer research question 2 “which method: Task-based language teaching or
traditional method did the students prefer in learning vocabulary?” The data was
obtained from the questionnaire which consisted of 6 questions asking their preference
between task-based language teaching and the traditional approaches. Moreover, the
open-ended question (item No.9) asking about their opinion towards the approaches
was described as a claim. The number of participants and percentage were shown in
following table.
Table 4.9 The participants’ preference between task-based language teaching
and traditional approaches in vocabulary learning
Statement
TBLT
approach
Traditional
approach
N(30) Percentage N(30) Percentage
1. I enjoy learning new vocabulary
through this method (Item no.3) 22 73.33 8 26.67
2. I am interested in learning new
vocabulary by using this method and
want to learn by using this method
more. (Item no.4)
20
66.67 10 33.33
3. This method helps me remember
new vocabulary better and use it in
context effectively. (Item no.5)
22
73.33
8
26.67
4. This method helps me understand
the meaning of words better.
(Item no.6)
10
33.33
20
66.67
5. This method helps me in learning
new vocabulary better. (Item no.7) 23 76.67 7 23.33
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Table 4.9 The participants’ preference between task-based language teaching
and traditional approaches in vocabulary learning (Continued)
Statement
TBLT
approach
Traditional
approach
N(30) Percentage N(30) Percentage
6. I like to learn new vocabulary by
using method. (Item no.8)
22
73.33
8
26.67
Regarding the participants’ preference between task-based language teaching and
traditional approaches, table 4.9 showed that most participants thought that the task-
based language teaching enabled them learn new vocabulary better than the traditional
one. Majority of the participants (73.33%) enjoyed learning new vocabulary through
the task-based language teaching while only 26.67% felt happy when they learn new
vocabulary by using the traditional approach. Here were some claims of the
participants;
“Learning through task-based language teaching provided me opportunities to
practice communicating, so I could learn new vocabulary incidentally. The activities
in TBLT were enjoyable, so I enjoyed learning vocabulary through this method.”
“There were many interesting tasks that I had to achieve, so I did not feel bored
when learning with the tasks”
In addition, most of the learners (66.67%) were interested in learning new
vocabulary by using task-based language teaching and wanted to continue learning
through this method while a few of them (33.33%) thought traditional approach was
interesting, and they wanted to learn through this method. Here were some claims of
the participants;
“Task-based language teaching was such a new technique that I have never
learned with this approach before, so TBLT was interesting for me.”
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“Learning through TBLT was interesting because teacher could do more than
standing in front of the students and telling them to write something in their notebook.
Therefore, I could learn English by another way except only write it in my notebook”
Moreover, 73.33% of respondents thought that task-bask language teaching could
help them remember new vocabulary better and use it in context effectively. Only
26.67% of them claimed that traditional approach helped them remember new
vocabulary better. Here was a claim of participants;
“In completing tasks, I was encouraged to interact with group members by using
target words, thus, I can remember new target words easily.”
Interestingly, most participants (66.67%) agreed that tradition approach helped
them understand the meaning of words better while 33.33% of them said that task-
based language teaching helped them understand the meaning of words better. Here
was a claim of participants;
“Looking up the meaning by using dictionary in traditional method make me
know and understand the meaning of the words clearly.”
Apart from that, most of the respondents (76.67%) stated that task-based language
teaching helped them in learning new vocabulary better. The rest of them (23.33%)
revealed that traditional method help them in learning new vocabulary better. Here
was a claim of participants;
“In completing tasks, I had to use the target words by presenting through the role
play, not only learning the target words but also improving speaking skills, whereas, I
can learn the new words directly through traditional method, but lacking of using the
words in context.”
Lastly, the majority of participants (73.33%) mentioned that they like to learn
new vocabulary by using task-based language teaching while only 26.67% of them
like to learn vocabulary through traditional approach. Here were some claims of the
participants;
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“TBLT reinforced me to coordinate with my friends in pairs or in group, so it
reduced my stress when learning English”
“TBLT not only helping me remember new vocabulary but also helping me
improve four language skills”
Thus, the overall of the results of questionnaire showed that most students
preferred learning vocabulary through task-based language teaching.
4.9 Comparison of TBLT and traditional approaches.
According to the results above, both TBLT and traditional approaches could help
participant learn target words effectively. There were some advantages and
disadvantages of both techniques as follows.
4.9.1 Advantages of TBLT
Learning through TBLT approach, students are more active and participate
more in the progress of the lesson. Because of working in group or pairs, students
could help each other to achieve the tasks without getting stress in learning English.
Moreover, TBLT could also help students improve four main English language skills,
especially speaking.
4.9.2 Disadvantages of TBLT
The most usual problem of this method was difficult and time-consuming
preparation. TBLT was quite difficult for Thai secondary school students, because the
students have to use English as a media between teacher and students. Some students
said that they were afraid of making mistake in their speaking, so they were shy if they
had to speak English. Moreover, learning through TBLT might need more time for
students to achieve the tasks, because students need more time to discuss, and present.
Therefore, using TBLT might need more than 3 hours to finish the lesson.
4.9.3 Advantages of traditional approach
Traditional methods through PPP framework provided clear and simple
structure of the lesson. This approach was relatively easy for beginners because it
provides clear and easy to follow lessons. Traditional was an explicit way to learn the
target words, because students could know the meaning of the word language clearly
by using the dictionary.
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4.9.4 Disadvantages of traditional approach
The problem of this method was the students tended to be passive quite a
large part of lesson. In other words, the lessons were predisposed to be teacher-
centred. Although traditional approach could also help learners know the meaning of
words explicitly, they did not know how to use the words in context. Moreover,
learning through traditional approach, students did not get so much opportunity to
communicate freely and independently.
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CHAPTER 5
DISSCUSSION
The aim of this study is to investigate whether the task-based language teaching
approach or the traditional approach helps the participants achieve their word
knowledge. In addition, this chapter presents summary of the finding, and discussion
of the finding.
5.1 Summary of the findings
The results of the study can be summarized as follows:
5.1.1 General information of the participants
The findings showed that the majority of the participants (66.67%) were
female while 33.33% of them were male. Most of the participants (43.33%) got 3.5-
4.0 in English grade average.
5.1.2 Research question 1: which method: Task-based language teaching or
traditional method helps students learn vocabulary better?
Comparing the post-tests scores between the two approaches to find out the
differences of vocabulary achievement, the finding showed that that TBLT had a
significant difference on vocabulary achievement since t = 7.795 (p = .000< .05). Thus,
from a statistical point of view, it can be indicated that TBLT approach helped the
participants learn target words better and perform well in the post-tests than traditional
approach. Moreover, there were two more questions arise; which of the two
approaches could help the participants to perform more effectively in the word
translation test and also in the gap-filling test. The result revealed that both task-based
language teaching and traditional approaches could equally help the participants
perform effectively in the word translation test as t = -0.678(p>0.05). Whereas,the
mean scores of the gap-filling post-tests of the two approaches were used to find out
the result in vocabulary learning achievement, the result in the Table 4 showed that
there was a significant difference as t = 10.815 (p<0.05). The mean score of the TBLT
is 25.30 which was higher than the mean score of the traditional approach
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50
(Mean=20.60). Therefore, it could be interpreted that task-based language teaching
helped students learn vocabulary better, especially in gap-filling test.
5.1.3 Research question 2: which method: Task-based language teaching or
traditional method do the students prefer in learning vocabulary?
To answer the second research question, the data were collected from
questionnaire related to participants’ preference between task-based language teaching
and traditional approaches. The results showed that most of the participants (73.33%)
enjoyed learning through task-based language teaching while only 26.67% of them
like to learn vocabulary through traditional method. Some of them claimed that task-
based language teaching was such a new technique that they have never learned with
this approach before, so TBLT made them happy to learn new vocabulary with it.
Therefore, it can be said that students preferred learning vocabulary through task-
based language teaching.
5.2 Discussion of the findings
This section presented a discussion of the results of the study and how they
related to other previous studies. The use of task-based language and traditional
approach were supported by many researchers and educators in the field of second
language acquisition, thus the findings from the previous chapter were discussed as
follows;
5.2.1 Analysis of the effects between the task-based language teaching and
traditional approaches on the participants’ vocabulary achievement.
As the results showed, there was a significant difference between the two
approaches (i.e. TBLT and traditional) in improving vocabulary knowledge. Since the
mean scores of both treatments in the post-test are much higher, as observed in Table 2
and Table 3. Thus, it could be argued that both TBLT and traditional methods help
students enhance their vocabulary knowledge significantly. Comparing the post-tests
scores between the two approaches to find out the differences of vocabulary
achievement, the finding showed that that TBLT had a significant difference on
vocabulary achievement since t = 7.795 (p = .000< .05). We could imply that TBLT
approach helped the participants learn target words better than the traditional one. The
result of this study was similar to the study of Sarani and Sahebi (2012) who
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investigated the impact of task-based approach on vocabulary learning in ESP Courses.
They found that the participants’ performances in task-based language teaching class
were remarkably better than traditional class because learners learning through tasks
used in TBLT approach could help participants learn target words by communication.
Moreover, target words within the text were supposed to provide chances of noticing
during a meaning-focused activity as in pre-task stage. This was in agreement with
Newton (2001) who studied about notion of vocabulary learning through
communicative task, he mentioned that TBLT approach enabled learners to develop
strategies for managing new vocabulary while also maintaining a communicative
focus. It was evident that students who did not even use the words, but simply
observed the negotiation, could remember meaning-negotiated lexical items better
than non-negotiated items (Newton, 2001). In this way, the participants could
recognize target words incidentally because it encourages the learners to work with,
and promote language competence. They could also use the context clue as a help to
guess the meaning of the unknown words before doing the further tasks. There was
some problem occurring in learning vocabulary through TBLT, the students’ tendency
to use their mother tongue in class. To make this approach more effective, students
have to be monitored quite closely in order to make them really use the target
language. Most of the participants in many previous studies (Thanh & Huan, 2012,
Sarani & Sahabi, 2012, Moghaddam & Faruji, 2013) were in university, it might be
assumed that using TBLT in language teaching was not appropriate for secondary
level. However, the results of this experiment showed that TBLT also help secondary
school students achieve vocabulary knowledge. Therefore, it could be said that TBLT
approach could enhance the student’s vocabulary achievement for all level. Teacher
should apply Krashen’s comprehensible input for creating the lesson for the students.
Krashen (1989) pointed out that comprehensible input was important for the learners
to acquire a language. The input hypothesis stated that a language learner who was at
level “i” must receive comprehensible input that is at level “i+1”. Therefore, the lesson
that students have to learn should not be too easy or difficult for the learners. For
example, students in this experiment were allowed to use their mother tongue when
they had a problem or did not understand the lesson.
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On the other hand, learners learning through traditional approach was
taught or presented target words through the use of word list, flash card, and dictionary
by adapting PPP framework. This approach was relatively easy for beginners because
it provides clear and easy to follow lessons. Traditional approach was widely used in
teaching vocabulary especially for beginner learners. It could be used to contrast the
L1 and L2 differences. The hierarchical model from Kroll and Stewart (1994) also
showed that learners in the early stage normally relied on word-to-word association
because their knowledge of L1 meaning to L2 meaning was still weak. It could be said
that students prefer clear and easy to follow lessons, but the question whether this is
really effective still remains. The problem occurring in Learning through traditional
approach was students did not get so much opportunity to communicate freely and
independently. Moreover, Senel (2002) emphasized that new words in vocabulary
learning should be presented in context of a complete sentence, and in a meaningful
situation and should not be presented in isolation like wordlist. Furthermore,
Vocabulary teaching might be more effective using of contexts to help learners receive
target words, recognize the surrounding and contextual meaning, retrieve words,
restore them in long term memory.
In conclusion, both treatments; TBLT and traditional could help the
students learn new vocabulary. When comparing two treatments, task-based language
teaching had a marked effect on vocabulary acquisition. It could be said that learning
vocabulary by using TBLT to learn target words will lead learners to activate their
schematic knowledge and to enhance understanding for further vocabulary
achievement. TBLT instruction was an effective way in English vocabulary learning in
which it can afford interest and authenticity, improve language by negotiation of
meanings, and create a climate of intimacy and deep cooperativeness basic to learners’
emotional and cognitive growth. Although traditional approach could help learners
know the meaning of words directly, they did not know how to use the words in
context.
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5.2.2 Analysis of further investigation on the effects of TBLT and traditional
approach in doing word-translation and gap-filling tests
Besides the results of the main research questions, the study also further
investigated which of the two teaching approaches could better help the participants in
doing the word translation test and the gap-filling test. The result showed that there
was no significant difference between the two teaching approaches in helping the
participants to do the word translation test. The practice of word list, flash card, and
translating words in the traditional approach could also help them in doing the word
translation test and retain the word meaning as the L1 meaning could be used as an
equivalent to the L2 word (Martin-Martin, 2013). In this way, they knew the correct
L1 meaning of the target word directly. Moreover, word lists were usually used for
raising the degree of recognition. The use of word-lists could easily boost up
vocabulary and recall words for short term purpose like in an examination (Nation,
1982).
However, there was a significant difference between the two teaching
approaches in helping the participants do the gap-filling test. This was probably
because tasks facilitate learners to practice two areas of linguistic knowledge skills
(vocabulary, grammar). Moreover, although the translation of a foreign word could
easily made meaningful associations between foreign word and learners’ prior
knowledge in their L1 (Nation, 1982, 1990; cited in Hayati and Shahriari, 2010), it is
argued that vocabulary lists were isolated (Ianacone, 1993, p.43; cited in Hayati and
Shahriari, 2010). In other words, students knew the meaning of the word, and they
cannot use that word in sentence correctly.
5.2.3 Discussion on the participants’ preference between task-based
language teaching and traditional approaches and self-learning
The results showed that most of the participants (73.33%) enjoy learning
through task-based language teaching while only 26.67% of them like to learn
vocabulary through traditional method. The findings from the questionnaire could be
interpreted that the participants’ preference on the task-based language teaching
approach was more than the traditional approach. Furthermore, female were the
majority of the participants who prefer learning through the task-based language
teaching. Psychologists have found there were significant differences in cognitive
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performance of males and females. Batters (1986) stated that females spent more time
on attentive activities than male. Attentive activities included listening to the teacher,
to the tape, to other classmates, observing and reading. It can be interpreted that
females pay more attention to learning than males, so all of them enjoy the activities
which are more challenging and interesting for them. Ellis (2003) suggested that the
TBLT approach brought a variety of benefits to learners; the most important was
motivation. This is in agreement with Malone and Lepper (1987) who claimed that
seven factors promote intrinsic motivation: four individual factors (challenge, curiosity,
control, and fantasy) and three interpersonal factors (competition, cooperation, and
recognition). Individual factors were associated with what students were doing in their
own efforts. Interpersonal factors played a role only when students were interacting
with others. Thus, it can be said that using TBLT in vocabulary learning could
stimulate the learners’ motivation; both individual factors and interpersonal factors.
Moreover, the result of this questionnaire was in line with the study of Ur (1996), the
result showed that the learners thought that TBLT is such interesting method because
there was more talk, more participation, and more motivation. From this research, the
reasons behind their preference were that the task-based approach provided several
communicative tasks which they had a chance to work in the group, which can reduce
their stress. Tasks were challenging and more like a game so learners enjoy with it.
This reason is supported by Willis (1996), she claimed that TBLT provides learners
with a wide range of advantages, for example, a comfortable learning environment that
allowed shy students to overcome stress or fear and speak or had discussions with
others. Furthermore, Skehan (2003) proposed that these tasks were designed to be
meaningful, and learner-centred, giving students an active role in participation, so their
motivation in learning increased. Therefore, it can be concluded that task-based
language teaching can be used effectively in vocabulary learning because the target on
teaching TBLT was to enhance, recognize and acquire meaning of word, and also
produce and acquire knowledge for greater aspects; both meaning-focused and form-
focused.
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On the other hand, the traditional approach may not motivate the learners to
learn vocabulary. Learners thought that traditional approach seemed old-fashioned in
vocabulary learning because they have been taught by using all three activities:
wordlist, flashcard and dictionary. Moreover, the lessons were predisposed to be
teacher-centred. Some participants claimed that even they know the meaning of the
words; they cannot use those words in context correctly. The evidence of the
confirmation was the result shown in the previous chapter that the participants
performed on the gap-filling test, after received the traditional approach, worse than of
the task-based language teaching approach.
The findings and the studies in this research lead the researcher to the
conclusion that the participants preferred the task-based language teaching approach in
learning vocabulary than the traditional approaches as the former motivated them to
learn new words and provided more interesting tasks to learn word meanings, which
let them perform better on doing each test.
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CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION
This chapter presents the conclusion of the study, limitations of the study and
recommendations for further study.
6.1 Conclusion
This study is an attempt to examine the effectiveness of task-based language
teaching and traditional approaches on Thai EFL students’ vocabulary learning
achievement.
There was one group of the participants. They were 9th
grade Thai students from
Berdpittayasan school, Surin province, Thailand.
The research instruments used to collect data were a preliminary test, a pretest, a
posttest, and a questionnaire. The data collection focused on the participants’
vocabulary achievement which results were collected from the compared scores
between posttests of two methods. The results of the study can be concluded as
follows:
6.1.1 Task-based language teaching approach helped students achieve their
vocabulary learning significantly since t = 7.795 (p=.000< .05). Therefore, we could
conclude that TBLT approach help the participants learn target words better than the
traditional one.
6.1.2 Aside from the results above, the study showed two more results. In doing a
word-translation test, both task-based language teaching and traditional approaches
could equally help the participants learn new vocabulary. However, in doing a gap-
filling test, the participants could perform better after they learned words through task-
based language teaching approach than through the traditional approach.
6.1.3 Aside from the participants’ performance on tests, their preference on each
approach was showed in the questionnaire. The participants preferred to learn new
words through task-based language teaching approach than through the traditional
approach. The reason behind their preference were that the task-based approach
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provided several communicative tasks which they had a chance to work in the group,
which could reduce their stress. Moreover, tasks were challenging and were more like
a game so learners enjoyed it. Learning through the task-based language teaching
approach could facilitate them in understanding and learning the meaning of the
words.
From the above analysis and discussion, we have learned that TBLT approach
could help the participants learn target words better than the traditional one. Both
approaches could equally help learners did the translation test, but in doing gap-filling
test, TBLT approach could better help learners use the right words in the right contexts.
This suggests that learning vocabulary with several tasks can help learners not only
gain the word knowledge, but also know how to use them in the right context.
Furthermore, learning vocabulary through translation might not provide enough
contexts while there are also chances of guessing meaning of unknown words
incorrectly if learners learn vocabulary only through wordlist, flash card, and
dictionary.
6.2 Limitations of the study
There are two limitations of this study. The first limitation is numbers of the
participants which is probably too small as they are only thirty students in one group
of the participants. This might reduce the power of research generalizability. The
second limitation is the limited of time in treating each approach. To see vocabulary
retention in long term period, the study need the long term period to find out which
methods helps students retain vocabulary better in the long term?
6.3 Recommendation for further study
Due to the limitations of the study above, further study should conduct a research
concerning more numbers or groups of the participants. Certainly, more numbers
could make the study more generalizable. Moreover, the addition of another approach,
the combination of the task-based language teaching and the traditional approaches
would be able to provide more information in another aspect as the two approaches are
used for treatment together. The further research might need to have two more groups
of the participants who have similar English proficiency to compare results between
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groups. 2 weeks later after finishing all the treatments under experimental conditions
is normally referred to as ‘long-term retention.’ (Yongqi Gu, 2003). By so doing, we
might know that which of the two approaches can better help the participants to retain
word knowledge.
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APPENDIX A
PRELIMINARY TEST, PRE-TEST, AND POST-TEST
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Preliminary Test
Instructions: Translate the English words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปน
ภำษำไทย)
1. decide =____________ 41. healthy =_____________
2. earn =_____________ 42. participate =___________
3. lot of =____________ 43. tradition =___________
4. become =_____________ 44. coverage =___________
5. famous =____________ 45. weigh =____________
6. ambitious =_____________ 46.celebrity =___________
7. glamorous=_____________ 47. bake =_____________
8. well-paid =_____________ 48. widow =_____________
9. good at =_____________ 49. prepare =_____________
10. solve =_____________ 50. appetite =_____________
11. mystery =_____________ 51. competition =_____________
12. catch =_____________ 52. natural =_____________
13. criminal =_____________ 53. boil =_____________
14. career =_____________ 54. mind =_____________
15. dangerous=_____________ 55. enormous =_____________
16. excellent =_____________ 56. popular =_____________
17. journalist =_____________ 57. vegetable =_____________
18. qualification=___________ 58. fruit =_____________
19. find out =_____________ 59. choose =_____________
20. straight away =_________ 60. stay =_____________
21. expect =_____________ 61. aboard =_____________
22. involve =_____________ 62. book =_____________
23. performance=___________ 63. castle =_____________
24. audience =_____________ 64. celebrate =____________
25. cool =_____________ 65. extravagant =_____________
26. ticket =_____________ 66. interview =___________
27. unusual =_____________ 67. forest =_____________
28. nervous =_____________ 68. guest =_____________
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29. special =_____________ 69. island =_____________
30. role =_____________ 70. memorable =___________
31. during =_____________ 71. mountain =___________
32. plan =_____________ 72. organize =___________
33. stage =_____________ 73. outdoor =_____________
34. experience =_____________ 74. kind of =_____________
35. couple =_____________ 75. tent =___________
36. forget =_____________ 76. balloon =_____________
37. around =_____________ 77. sort =_____________
38. quite =____________ 78. fantastic =___________
39. theatre =_____________ 79. well-known =_____________
40. everything else=_____________ 80. occasion =___________
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Pre-test for TBLT Approach
Unit 1
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปนภำษำไทย)
1. catch =______________________
2. ambitious =______________________
3. glamorous =______________________
4. decide =______________________
5. straight away=______________________
6. well-paid =______________________
7. excellent =______________________
8. find out =______________________
9. solve =______________________
10. journalist =______________________
11. dangerous =______________________
12. criminal =______________________
13. career =______________________
14. mystery =______________________
15. qualification=______________________
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Part 2 : Gap-filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอกค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. Tom is _________________ to go to the moon.
2. Police officer is one of _______________ that he wants to be.
3. That river is ________________ to swim in.
4. Everybody likes Jane. She's a ________________ girl.
5. She _________________ the problem with ease.
6. This letter is the only key to the __________________.
7. He wants a lot of money so he wants to find a ______________ job.
8. Sorayut works at Thai TV3 as a _________________.
9. This restaurant is very interesting. They serve ________________ food here.
10. Proper ______________ is required for the position.
11. She did not ______________ to be a singer until she reached the age of twenty.
12. Sompong can _________________a lot of fish within one hour.
13. Get the work started __________________.
14. Give me a ring if you __________________ anything.
15. The ________________ in America is addicted to drugs.
well-paid (adj.) glamorous (adj.) excellent (adj.) journalist (n.)
decide (v.) qualification (n.) catch (v.) mystery (n.)
criminal (n.) ambitious (adj.) career(n.) dangerous (adj.)
solve (v) straight away (adj) become (v.)
good at (phrasal v.) find out (phrasal v.)
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Pre-test for TBLT Approach
Unit 2
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปนภำษำไทย)
1. book (v) =______________________
2. mountain =______________________
3. extravagant =______________________
4. memorable =______________________
5. outdoor =______________________
7. aboard =______________________
8. tent =______________________
9. forest =______________________
10. celebrate =______________________
11. castle =______________________
12. guest =______________________
12.island =______________________
13. occasion =______________________
14. interview =______________________
15.organize =______________________
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Part 2: Gap-filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอก
ค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. Queen Elizabeth often spends the summer in a/ an ________________in Scotland.
2. I want to fly to London next month. I have to _______________ a ticket.
3. The weather’s beautiful today. I do not want to stay home. I want to go
______________.
4. There are thousands of beautiful trees in that ______________.
5. Cyprus is a/an ______________ in the Mediterranean Sea.
6. I am not staying in this country for my holiday. I’m flying ______________.
7. We usually have a special dinner to ___________ my grandmother’s birthday.
8. You are special to me. I have dinner with you. It is a very _____________ dinner!
9. Inviting a celebrity chef to prepare the food for the party was
very_______________.
10. It is my brother’s birthday next week. Let’s ________________ the celebration!
11. Killimanjaro is a very tall _________________. It takes about five days to climb
to the top.
12. They are having a camping holiday. They are sleeping in a/an ____________ next
to the river.
13. This is a big wedding. There are a hundred _______________!
14. You will have a/an _____________ before getting a job.
15. If there is a suitable _____________, I'll introduce you to him
book (v.) organize (v.) extravagant (adj.) memorable (adj.)
tent (n.) island (n.) forest (n.) castle (n.)
aboard(n.) celebrate (v.) guest (n.) occasion (n.)
outdoor (n.) interview(v.) balloon (n.)
fantastic (adj.) mountain(n.)
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Pre-test for traditional method
Unit 3
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปน
ภำษำไทย)
1. during =______________________
2. experience =______________________
3. couple =______________________
4. ticket =______________________
5. performance =______________________
6. audience =______________________
7. special =______________________
8. unusual =______________________
9. stage =______________________
10. role =______________________
11. involve =______________________
12. plan =______________________
13. nervous =______________________
14. cool =______________________
15. expect =______________________
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Part 2: Gap-filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอก
ค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. I am ______________ so I forget his name.
2. I love this gift. It is very _______________ for me.
3. This is a / an _____________ name. Her name is Soymen.
4. There are only two players on __________________.
5. The TV show attracted an/a _________________ of almost twenty million.
6. A/An___________ of girls are playing guitar over there.
7. He takes an important _______________ in this film.
8. Yaya had its first _________________ in 2000
9. His dancing is very _______________.
10. A decision like that should __________________ you.
11. What do you _________________ to do?
12. This film is very interesting. The _________________is sold out quickly.
13. I did not __________________ he'd have left anyway.
14. I woke up several times __________________ the night.
15. Do you have any ___________________ of working with kids?
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Pre-test for traditional method
Unit 4
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปน
ภำษำไทย)
1. appetite =______________________
2. natural =______________________
3. boil =______________________
4. celebrity =______________________
5. enormous =______________________
6. coverage =______________________
7. mind =______________________
8. bake =______________________
9. participate =______________________
10. tradition =______________________
11. prepare =______________________
12. widow =______________________
13. weigh =______________________
14. competition =______________________
15. healthy =______________________
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Gap-filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอก
ค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. I did not take part in the last game but I want to ___________ in the next one. 2. Einstein was a genius. He had a fantastic ____________. 3. He has got a very good _____________ but his favourite food is pizza. 4. This _____________ is 100 years old. They do it every year on 31
st August.
5. They always ___________ eggs for breakfast. 6. I hate sport and I think there is too much ______________ of it on TV. 7. I love the smell when I ___________ bread. 8. My aunt became a/an _____________ last year. My uncle died in a car
accident. 9. They eat a lot of hamburgers and fast food. They ________ 120 kilos!
10. All our meals are made with _____________ food. All the vegetables come
from our own garden. 11. Most TV ________________ is only famous for a short time. 12. Russia is a/an ________________country. It takes about eight hours to fly
across it. 13. Surakan likes to join swimming ________________. 14. My parents always ______________breakfast for us. 15. My grandmother is very ______________. She walks for two hours every day.
appetite (n.) bake (v.) boil (v.) celebrity (n.)
coverage (n.) healthy (adj.) mind (n.) natural (adj.)
participate (v.) tradition (n.) weigh (v.) widow (n.)
prepare (v.) competition (n.) enormous (adj.)
single(adj.) kind of (phrasal v.)
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Post-test for TBLT Approach
Unit 1
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปนภำษำไทย)
1. find out =______________________
2. decide =______________________
3. glamorous =______________________
4. ambitious =______________________
5. excellent =______________________
6. well-paid =______________________
7. solve =______________________
8. journalist =______________________
9. straight away=______________________
10. catch =______________________
11. mystery =______________________
12. criminal =______________________
13. qualification=______________________
14. dangerous =______________________
15. career =______________________
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Part 2: Gap filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอกค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. This restaurant is very interesting. They serve ________________ food here.
2. This letter is the only key to the __________________.
3. She did not ______________ to be a singer until she reached the age of twenty.
4. Everybody likes Jane. She's a ________________ girl.
5. Tom is _________________ to go to the moon.
6. Police officer is one of _______________ that he wants to be.
7. That river is ________________ to swim in.
8. Sompong can _________________a lot of fish within one hour.
9. He wants a lot of money so he wants to find a ______________ job.
10. Give me a ring if you __________________ anything.
11. She _________________ the problem with ease.
12. Sorayut works at Thai TV3 as a _________________.
13. The ________________ in America is addicted to drugs.
14. Proper ______________ is required for the position.
15. Get the work started __________________.
well-paid (adj.) glamorous (adj.) excellent (adj.) journalist (n.)
decide (v.) qualification (n.) catch (v.) mystery (n.)
criminal (n.) ambitious (adj.) career(n.) dangerous (adj.)
solve (v) straight away (adj) become (v.)
good at (phrasal v.) find out (phrasal v.)
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Post-test for TBLT Approach
Unit 2
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปนภำษำไทย)
3. book (v) =______________________
4. organize =______________________
5. extravagant =______________________
6. memorable =______________________
7. outdoor =______________________
13. island =______________________
14. forest =______________________
15. castle =______________________
16. aboard =______________________
17. celebrate =______________________
11. guest =______________________
12. occasion =______________________
13. tent =______________________
14. interview =______________________
15.mountain =______________________
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Part 2: Gap filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอกค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. We usually have a special dinner to ___________ my grandmother’s birthday.
2. I am not staying in this country for my holiday. I’m flying ______________.
3. Cyprus is a/an ______________ in the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Killimanjaro is a very tall _________________. It takes about five days to climb to
the top.
5. Queen Elizabeth often spends the summer in a/ an ________________in Scotland.
6. If there is a suitable _____________, I'll introduce you to him
7. Inviting a celebrity chef to prepare the food for the party was
very_______________.
8. I want to fly to London next month. I have to _______________ a ticket.
9. You will have a/an _____________ before getting a job.
10. There are thousands of beautiful trees in that ______________.
11. The weather’s beautiful today. I do not want to stay home. I want to go
______________.
12. This is a big wedding. There are a hundred _______________!
13. They are having a camping holiday. They are sleeping in a/an ____________ next
to the river.
14. It is my brother’s birthday next week. Let’s ________________ the celebration!
15. You are special to me. I have dinner with you. It is a very _____________ dinner!
book (v.) organize (v.) extravagant (adj.) memorable (adj.)
tent (n.) island (n.) forest (n.) castle (n.)
aboard(n.) celebrate (v.) guest (n.) occasion (n.)
outdoor (n.) interview(v.) balloon (n.)
fantastic (adj.) mountain(n.)
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Post-test for traditional method
Unit 3
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปน
ภำษำไทย)
1. experience =______________________
2. during =______________________
3. couple =______________________
4. audience =______________________
5. performance =______________________
6. ticket =______________________
7. unusual =______________________
8. special =______________________
9. stage =______________________
10. role =______________________
11. involve =______________________
12. nervous =______________________
13. plan =______________________
14. cool =______________________
15. expect =______________________
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Part 2: Gap filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอกค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. Yaya had its first _________________ in 2000
2. A ___________ of girls are playing guitar over there.
3. I am ______________ so I forget his name.
4. There are only two players on __________________.
5. The TV show attracted an _________________ of almost twenty million.
6. This is an _____________ name. Her name is Soymen.
7. What do you _________________ to do?
8. This film is very interesting. The _________________is sold out quickly.
9. A decision like that should __________________ you.
10. I woke up several times __________________ the night.
11. His dancing is very _______________.
12. He takes an important _______________ in this film.
13. I did not __________________ he'd have left anyway.
14. Do you have any ___________________ of working with kids?
15. I love this gift. It is very _______________ for me.
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Post-test for traditional method
Unit 4
Part 1: Translation test
Instructions: Translate these given words into Thai. (จงแปลค ำศพทภำษำองกฤษใหเปน
ภำษำไทย)
1. appetite =______________________
2. bake =______________________
3. boil =______________________
4. celebrity =______________________
5. healthy =______________________
6. coverage =______________________
7. mind =______________________
8. natural =______________________
9. participate =______________________
10. tradition =______________________
11. weigh =______________________
12. widow =______________________
13. prepare =______________________
14. competition =______________________
15. enormous =______________________
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Part 2: Gap filling
Instructions: choose the word which best fits each gap from the list in the box. (เลอกค ำศพทในกลองเพอเตมแตละประโยคใหถกตอง)
1. They eat a lot of hamburgers and fast food. They ________ 120 kilos!
2. I did not take part in the last game but I want to ___________ in the next one.
3. This _____________ is 100 years old. They do it every year on 31st August.
4. Einstein was a genius. He had a fantastic ____________.
5. He has got a very good _____________ but his favourite food is pizza.
6. They always ___________ eggs for breakfast.
7. I hate sport and I think there is too much ______________ of it on TV.
8. My grandmother is very ______________. She walks for two hours every day.
9. I love the smell when I ___________ bread.
10. My aunt became a/an _____________ last year. My uncle died in a car
accident.
11. My parents always ______________breakfast for us.
12. Most TV ________________ is only famous for a short time.
13. All our meals are made with _____________ food. All the vegetables come
from our own garden.
14. Surakan likes to join swimming ________________.
15. Russia is a/an ________________country. It takes about eight hours to fly
across it.
appetite (n.) bake (v.) boil (v.) celebrity (n.)
coverage (n.) healthy (adj.) mind (n.) natural (adj.)
participate (v.) tradition (n.) weigh (v.) widow (n.)
prepare (v.) competition (n.) enormous (adj.)
single(adj.) kind of (phrasal v.)
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APPENDIX B
LESSON PLAN AND READING TEXT FOR TBLT
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Lesson Plan 1 (Task-based Language Teaching)
Unit 1: giving advice Topic: Perfect Job
Class: 9th
grade Time: 150 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Objectives: Students will be able to:
1. pronounce the new vocabulary correctly.
2. identify the meaning of new vocabulary.
3. use the new vocabulary in correct context.
Target words:
ambitious, journalist, glamorous, well-paid, career, solve, mystery, find out,
straight away, dangerous, qualification, decide, catch, excellent
Teaching procedures:
Activities Times
First Period (50 mins)
Pre-task Stage
- Task 1: Classifying words and phrases: teacher writes
word or phrases connected with the topic on the board,
and talk about them.
- Task 2: Brainstorming: teacher asks students work in
group, and brainstorm the related words as much as they
can in 5 minutes. Then, representatives of each group
have to present the words to the whole class.
- Task 3: Matching phrases to pictures: students match
the words to their definitions, and pictures by using
reading passage. After that, each group will have to
compare their work with other groups.
Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today, review
the vocabulary
3 mins
7 mins
35 mins
5 mins
Second Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Task-cycle Stage
- Task 4: Creative task work in pairs. Students create
their own conversational dialogue containing all of
target words and plan to do the role play in front of the
class.
Wrap up
- Teacher gives students a feedback.
5 mins
40 mins
5 mins
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Teaching aids:
1. Worksheet
2. Pre-test
3. Post-test
4. Reading passage
Evaluation and measurement:
1. Observing students’ participation in the class.
2. Observing students’ role play.
3. Correcting the worksheet.
Third Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Language Focus Stage
- Task 5: Analysis task: Teacher writes on board five
good phrases from role play that students perform in
task cycle. Also, Teacher writes five incorrect phrase or
sentences that caused problems for students to discuss
their meaning and correct them. Based on transcript of
given listening record, students read and circle useful
words and sentences, and then compare with the role
play transcript, write your sentence errors and correct
them.
- Task 6: Memory challenge game : Teacher tells
students to turn the text over. Write the target words on
board. After that , students are given one minute to read
the both texts again, without writing. Then again without
looking back at the text, they write sentence involving
target word that write on board from memory. Then
check to see if their partners have the same as them
5 mins
20 mins
20 mins
5. Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today.
- Teacher gives the handout to the students and
summarizes the lesson, and vocabulary.
5
minutes
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Lesson Plan 2 (Task-based Language Teaching)
Unit 1: Celebrate Topic: Party planned
Class: 9th grade Time: 150 minutes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Objectives: Students will be able to:
1. pronounce the new vocabulary correctly.
2. identify the meaning of new vocabulary.
3. use the new vocabulary in correct context.
Target words:
book, organize, extravagant, memorable, outdoor, island, forest, castle, aboard,
celebrate, guest, occasion, tent, interview, mountain
Teaching procedures:
Activities Times
First Period (50 mins)
Pre-task Stage
- Task 1: Classifying words and phrases: teacher writes
word or phrases connected with the topic on the board,
and talk about them.
- Task 2: Brainstorming: teacher asks students work in
group, and brainstorm the related words as much as they
can in 5 minutes. Then, representatives of each group
have to present the words to the whole class.
- Task 3: Matching phrases to pictures: students match
the words to their definitions, and pictures by using
reading passage. After that, each group will have to
compare their work with other groups.
Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today, review the
vocabulary
3 mins
7 mins
35 mins
5 mins
Second Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Task-cycle Stage
- Task 4: Creative task work in pairs. Students create their
own conversational dialogue containing all of target
words and plan to do the role play in front of the class.
Wrap up
- Teacher gives students a feedback.
5 mins
40 mins
5 mins
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Teaching aids:
1. Worksheet
2. Pre-test
3. Post-test
4. Reading passage
Evaluation and measurement:
1. Observing students’ participation in the class.
2. Observing students’ role play.
3. Correcting the worksheet.
Third Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Language Focus Stage
- Task 5: Analysis task: Teacher writes on board five good
phrases from role play that students perform in task cycle.
Also, Teacher writes five incorrect phrase or sentences
that caused problems for students to discuss their meaning
and correct them. Based on transcript of given listening
record, students read and circle useful words and
sentences, and then compare with the role play transcript,
write your sentence errors and correct them.
- Task 6: Memory challenge game : Teacher tells students
to turn the text over. Write the target words on board.
After that , students are given one minute to read the both
texts again, without writing. Then again without looking
back at the text, they write sentence involving target word
that write on board from memory. Then check to see if
their partners have the same as them
5 mins
20 mins
20 mins
5. Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today.
- Teacher gives the handout to the students and
summarizes the lesson, and vocabulary.
5 minutes
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Lesson Plan 3 (Traditional method)
Unit 3: The arts Topic: show time
Class: 9th
grade Time: 150 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Objectives: Students will be able to:
1. pronounce the new vocabulary correctly.
2. identify the meaning of new vocabulary.
3. use the new vocabulary in correct context.
Target words:
audience, performance, involve, special, couple, unusual, role, during,
experience, cool, nervous, stage, plan, ticket, expect
Teaching procedures:
Activities Times
First Period (50 mins)
Warm Up
- Activity 1 Odd one out : The teacher writes sets of
related words and phrases on the board, and inserting one
item in each set that does not fit
- Activity 2 Question: Ask students a question “Have you
ever acted in a play?
- Tell about the objective that they are going to get from
this learning today
15 mins
Presentation
- Activity 3: Knowing words: Students look up the
meaning of these words.
After that teachers ask students to tell the meaning of each
words, and students have to repeat teacher read words aloud 2 times.
Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today.
-
30 mins
5 mins
Second Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Practice
- Activity 4: Read along picture: The target words are
presented by using pictures, students repeat aloud 2 times.
After reading the words, the words should be written on
the blackboard.
-
5 mins
15 mins
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Teaching aids:
1. word cards
2. flashcard
3. Worksheet
4. Pre-test
5. Post-test
Evaluation and measurement:
1. Observing students’ participation in the class.
2. Correcting the worksheet.
- Activity 5: Match picture game (20 mins): Teacher will
provide students games. The teacher writes down 15
words on the blackboard, them motivate students to take a
correct picture with word on the black board. After that
the teacher and students will discuss the pictures match
with the words or not.
Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today, review the
vocabulary
15 mins
5 mins
Third Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Production
Activity 6: students practice the target words individually
- matching
5 mins
30 mins
5. Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today.
- Teacher explains the correct answers to the students
and summarizes the lesson, and vocabulary.
15 minutes
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Lesson Plan 4 (Traditional method)
Unit 4: On the menu Topic: healthy eating
Class: 9th
grade Time: 150 minutes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Objectives: Students will be able to:
1. pronounce the new vocabulary correctly.
2. identify the meaning of new vocabulary.
3. use the new vocabulary in correct context.
Target words:
appetite, bake, boil, celebrity, coverage, healthy, mind, natural, participate,
tradition, weigh, widow, prepare, competition, enormous
Teaching procedures:
Activities Times
First Period (50 mins)
Warm Up
- Activity 1 Odd one out : The teacher writes sets of
related words and phrases on the board, and inserting one
item in each set that does not fit
- Activity 2 Question: Ask students a question.
- Tell about the objective that they are going to get from
this learning today
15 mins
Presentation
- Activity 3: Knowing words: Students look up the
meaning of these words.
After that teachers ask students to tell the meaning of each
words, and students have to repeat teacher read words aloud 2 times.
Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today.
30 mins
5 mins
Second Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Practice
- Activity 4: Read along picture: The target words are
presented by using pictures, students repeat aloud 2 times.
After reading the words, the words should be written on
the blackboard.
5 mins
15 mins
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Teaching aids:
1. word cards
2. flashcard
3. Worksheet
4. Pre-test
5. Post-test
Evaluation and measurement:
1. Observing students’ participation in the class.
2. Correcting the worksheet.
- Activity 5: Match picture game (20 mins): Teacher will
provide students games. The teacher writes down 15
words on the blackboard, them motivate students to take a
correct picture with word on the black board. After that
the teacher and students will discuss the pictures match
with the words or not.
Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today, review the
vocabulary
15 mins
5 mins
Third Period (50 mins)
Revision
- Ask students what they have learned last period.
Production
Activity 6: students practice the target words individually
- matching
5 mins
30 mins
5. Wrap up
- Teacher asks students what they learned today.
- Teacher explains the correct answers to the students
and summarizes the lesson, and vocabulary.
15 minutes
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Reading text
Unit 1 (Task-based language teaching)
Perfect Job
Careers Officer: Have you decided what you’re going to do when you leave
school, Jake?
Jake: Yes. I’m going to earn lots of money and become famous!
CO: You’re very ambitious! And what will this glamorous, well-paid
job be?
Jake: Er, I’m not sure yet.
CO: OK, let’s start by thinking about your abilities. What are you
good at?
Jake: Solving mysteries! Last summer my friends and I helped the
police catch three criminals!
CO: So are you interested in a career as a police officer?
Jake: No, that job’s too dangerous for me!
CO: Do you like writing?
Jake: Yes! I’m very hard-working too. I’m also very good with
computers.
CO: That’s excellent, Jake. I think I know the perfect job for you.
Have you thought about becoming a journalist?
Jake: No. What qualification do you need?
CO: Well, you can study for a degree in journalism at university,
why don’t you get some experience first, though, on the school newspaper?
Jake: That sounds like a good idea. I’ll go to their office straight away
and find out how I can help.
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Reading Text
Unit 2 (Task-based language teaching)
Party Planned
Meg Burton has an unusual job. She’s party planner. Our reporter, Jenny Lane,
interviewed her.
Jenny: What do you do in your job, Meg?
Meg: I organize parties. Some people want a small, simple party. And they
don’t need any help. But other people want to have a big, extravagant wedding party,
for example, in a memorable place. It takes a lot of time to organize a party like that.
These days people don’t have much time, so I do it for them.
Jenny: What kinds of parties do you organize?
Meg: Oh, all sorts of parties! Lots of people want to get married in a Scottish
castle, for example. Most people love nature, and some people want to have parties
outdoors. I sometimes organize parties in forest or on mountain.
Jenny: What other unusual places are popular?
Meg: Well, some people love swimming and diving, and they want to
celebrate underwater! Believe it or not, trips in hot-air balloons are very popular for
special occasions too! People want a day to remember.
Jenny: And how do you help?
Meg: I’m planning a party for a very well-known person. He’s English, but
he’s having a party abroad. He’s flying to an island in the Caribbean next week. He’s
having a party in an enormous tent on the beach next to the sea.
Jenny: That’s fantastic! Who is this well-known person? And why is he having
this big party?
Meg: Sorry! I can’t tell you
Jenny: Do you enjoy your job?
Meg: I love it. I have to work very hard and very fast, and there are always
problems. But it’s never boring!
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APPENDIX C
WORKSHEET OF TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING
APPROACH
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Worksheet for TBLT
Name___________________________________Class____________No._________
Task1: words and phrases
Task 2: brainstorm task
Instructions: students are divided into 5 groups. In group, they have to brainstorm the
related words in this lesson within 5 minutes.
Task 3: Matching
Instructions: In 15 minutes, match the following words to their pictures and write
their Thai meanings by using reading text. Write the letter of the answers on the blank
given.
Vocabularies Definitions in picture Meaning in Thai
1. catch
2. mystery
3. straight away
4. ambitious
5. excellent
6. glamorous
7. dangerous
8. career
9. well-paid
10. journalist
11. decide
12. criminal
13. solve
14. qualification
15. find out
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Picture on the board
A. B. B.
C. D.
E. F.
G. H.
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I. J.
K. L.
M. N.
O.
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Task 4: Creative task
Instructions: Create their own conversation which have to contain all of the target
words, and plan to do the role play in front of the class.
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Task 5: Analysis task
Instructions: Based on reading passage, students read and circle useful words and
sentences, and then compare with the role play transcript, write your sentence errors
and correct them
Instructions: After that compare with the role play transcript, write your sentence errors and correct them
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Task 6: Memory challenge game
Instructions: students write the complete phrase or sentence containing each item, and
put the words into their categories.
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Worksheet for TBLT
Name___________________________________Class____________No._________
Task1: words and phrases
Task 2: brainstorm task
Instructions: students are divided into 5 groups. In group, they have to brainstorm the
related words in this lesson within 5 minutes.
Task 3: Matching
Instructions: In 15 minutes, match the following words to their pictures and write
their Thai meanings by using reading text. Write the letter of the answers on the blank
given.
Vocabularies Definitions in picture Meaning in Thai
1. book (v)
2. organize
3. extravagant
4. memorable
5. outdoor
6. island
7. forest
8. castle
9. aboard
10. celebrate
11. guest
12. occasion
13. tent
14. interview
15. mountain
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Picture on the board
A. B.
C.
D
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E.
F.
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Task 4: Creative task
Instructions: Create their own conversation which have to contain all of the target
words, and plan to do the role play in front of the class.
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Task 5: Analysis task
Instructions: Based on reading passage, students read and circle useful words and
sentences, and then compare with the role play transcript, write your sentence errors
and correct them
Instructions: After that compare with the role play transcript, write your sentence errors and correct them
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Task 6: Memory challenge game
Instructions: students write the complete phrase or sentence containing each item, and
put the words into their categories.
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APPENDIX D
WORKSHEET OF TRADITIONAL APPROACH
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Worksheet for traditional method
Name_______________________________________Class__________No._______
Warm up: Activity 1: Odd one out task
Instructions: Find the different word in the given set, and write the answer down in the
blank.
All of these answers are __________________________________________. Activity 2: Question. Instructions: Answer the question below
1. Have you ever acted in a play? __________________________________
Activity 3: Knowing words. Instructions: Look up the meaning of these words, after that the target words are
presented by using pictures after they finish looking up the meaning, and students have
to repeat teacher read words aloud 2 times. Vocabulary Parts of speech Meaning in Thai
1. audience
2. performance
3. involve
4. special
5. couple
6. unusual
7. role
8. during
9. experience
10. cool
11. nervous
12. stage
13. plan
14. ticket
15. expect
actor
glamorous
ambitious
dangerous
Ans._____________
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policeman
nurse
theatre
doctor
ability
apple
orange
mango
Ans.____________
_
Ans.____________
_
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Activity 4: Read along picture. Example of flash cards
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Activity 6: Matching the word to their definition
Instructions: Match these given words with their meaning by putting a-o. A. B. ______1. plan a. believe that (someone or something) will arrive soon
______2. audience b. not ordinary or usual
______3. involve c. an intention or decision about what one is going to do
______4. expect d. excellent, very good
______5. unusual e. worried and anxious
______6. experience f. not habitually or commonly occurring or done
______7. couple g. from the beginning to the end of a particular period
______8. ticket h. an actor's part in a film or play
______9. performance i. knowledge or skill from doing, seeing, or feeling
things:
______10. stage j. cause to participate in an activity or situation
______11. nervous k. an act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of
entertainment
______12. role l. a pair of partners in a dance or game
______13. special m. the area in a theatre that is often raised above ground
level and on which actors or entertainers perform
______14. during n. a piece of paper or card that gives the holder a certain
right, especially to enter a place
______15. cool o. The people who watch or listen to a television or radio
program
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Worksheet for traditional method
Name_____________________________________Class________No._________
Warm up: Activity 1: Odd one out task
Instructions: Find the different word in the given set, and write the answer down in the
blank.
All of these answers are __________________________________________. Activity 2: Question. Instructions: Answer the question below
1. Can eating be a sport? ____________________________________________.
2. Have you ever joined in eating sport?________________________________
Activity 3: Knowing words. Instructions: Look up the meaning of these words, after that the target words are
presented by using pictures after they finish looking up the meaning, and students have
to repeat teacher read words aloud 2 times.
Vocabulary Parts of speech Meaning in Thai
1. appetite
2. bake
3. boil
4. celebrity
5. coverage
6. healthy
7. mind
8. natural
9. participate
10. tradition
11. weigh
12. widow
13. prepare
14. competition
15. enormous
omelet
van
vehicle
train
Ans._____________
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journalist
restaurant
police
judge
Ans.____________
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month
year
cheesecake
day
Ans.____________
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Activity 4: Read along picture. Example of flash cards
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Activity 6: Matching the word to their definition
Instructions: Match these given words with their meaning by putting a-o. A. B. ______1. appetite a. food cooked in a hot oven
______2. bake b. to have a certain number of kilos
______3. boil c. the feeling of wanting to eat
______4. celebrity d. to take part
______5. coverage e. not made by people
______6. healthy f. food cooked in very hot water
______7. mind g. the part of our body that thinks, remembers,
and know things
______8. natural h. famous people
______9. participate i. the time something appears on TV, the radio or
newpapers.
______10. tradition j. helping to produce a condition of being well
and free from illness
______11. weigh k. something that people started in the past and
continue to do now
______12. widow l. a woman whose husband is dead
______13. prepare m. an event or contest in which people compete.
______14. competition n. make (something) ready for use or consideration.
______15. enormous o. very large in size, quantity, or extent
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APPENDIX E
QUESTIONNAIRE
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แบบสอบถามเปรยบเทยบวธการเรยนรค าศพทของ Task-based language teaching VS. Traditional method
Background Information (ขอมลพนฐาน) Gender (เพศ) ____ Male (ชาย) ____Female (หญง)
GPA of English subject (เกรดเฉลยวชาภาษาองกฤษ) _______________
Instructions: Check () the box that best describes your viewpoint toward each
statement. (กรณาท าเครองหมาย ในขอทตรงกบความเปนจรงและในชองทตรงกบความ
คดเหนของทานมากทสด)
1. How much are you interested in learning English? นกเรยนมความสนใจในการ
เรยนภาษาองกฤษเทาใด
extremely high มากทสด high มาก
moderate ปานกลาง less นอย
not interested ไมสนใจ
2. Do you think learning English vocabulary is difficult or not?
นกเรยนคดวาการเรยนเรองค าศพทภาษาองกฤษนนยากหรอไม?
very difficult ยากมาก difficult ยาก
moderate ปานกลาง not difficult ไมยาก
3. Which method do you enjoy learning vocabulary? นกเรยนเรยนค าศพทดวยวธ
ใดแลวรสกสนก และไมเบอ
Task-based language teaching approach
Traditional approach
4. Which method are you interested in learning vocabulary with, and you
want to study through it more? นกเรยนเรยนค าศพทดวยวธใดแลวรสกสนใจ และ
อยากเรยนตอดวยวธนน
Task-based language teaching approach
Traditional approach
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5. Which method do you think it helps you to remember the new vocabulary
better? วธใดทนกเรยนเหนวา เปนวธทชวยในการจ าค าศพทไดดและมประสทธภาพ
ดกวา
Task-based language teaching approach
Traditional approach
6. Which method do you think it helps you to know the meaning better?
วธใดทนกเรยนเหนวา เปนวธทชวยใหเขาใจในความหมายขอค าศพทไดดกวา
Task-based language teaching approach
Traditional approach
7. Which method do you think that it helps you in learning vocabulary better?
วธใดทนกเรยนเหนวา เปนวธทชวยใหนกเรยนเรยนรค าศพทไดดกวา
Task-based language teaching approach
Traditional approach
8. Which method do you like to learn English Vocabulary?
นกเรยนชอบเรยนค าศพทดวยวธการใด
Task-based language teaching approach
Traditional approach
เพราะ________________________________________________________
9. Suggestion ขอเสนอแนะ
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VITAE
NAME Neerabol Anukul
DATE OF BIRTH January 31st, 1988
PLACE OF BIRTH Ubon Ratchathani
EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts,
Ubon Ratchathani University, 2010
WORK EXPERIENCE 2010-present Government teacher, Surin