Improving the quality of English for grade 4 students through the English Club

CATEGORY
Page
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A. BACKGROUND.
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I. The reason for choosing the topic
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II. Research purposes.
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III. Research objects.
3
IV. Research Methods.
3
B. PROBLEM SOLVING.
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I. The rationale for improving the quality of English for grade 4 through the English Club.
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II Reality of improving English for grade 4 through the English Club 
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1. Reality.
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2. Survey results at the beginning of 2017-2018.
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3. Reason.
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III. Solutions have been used to solve the problem of innovation.
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1. Making plans set up English Club
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2. Organizing the Club in the form of "Learn to play - Play to learn".
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3. Close coordination between the school - parents and unions to organize the English Club.
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4. Doing good work encouragement, reward in the club activities
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IV. The effectiveness of the experience initiative for educational activities, themselves , colleagues and the school.
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C. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
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I. Conclusion.
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II. Recommendations.
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D.REFERENCE MATERIAL.
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E. THE LIST OF EXPERIENCE INITIATIVES HAS BEEN RATED GRADE C OR HIGHER BY THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
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A.  BACKGROUND.
I. The reason for choosing the topic
 As you know, English is the most important language. It is spoken in many countries over the world. It is not only the first language of many countries but also the main subject in the schools in all countries in the world. So, it is becoming more and more important in the modern life. In Viet Nam, English is more popular nowadays. Therefore, It became an important subject. It is a part in the development of students, moreover it also is a part in the development of economy, society, culture and education. Today, the purpose of education trains people a perfect way so that the change of the content in teaching methods is necessary. Specially, the media has developed fast. It had many chances for people with learning facilities.
Foreign language is not a reciped subject but in the fact, when Vietnamese students learn them, they usually focus on grammar rather than communication. As a result, many students can have good English grammar but when communicating is difficult and lack confidence. As we all know: English is a difficult subject for students especially students in the countryside.
So in order to improve the quality of English for students at all levels, specially students in the countryside. We need to practice four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Beside the learners have a rich vocabulary, they also have to be confident in the communication. At the same time, it is necessary to change the teaching methods for students to bring good results . Therefore, it is very important and essential for students in the primary school to teach them more confidently and confidently when learning English. Some clubs have been organized such as: Maths - Vietnamese Club, Music Club ... These clubs have promoted the learning movement in the school. Throughout the time attend the Music and P.E. It is easy to see that most students are very passionate and enjoy in the lesson. The children sing and do exercise by their heart. I ask myself: Why are students interested in learning this subject? Why do they get bored and scared when learning English? Why do not we encourage the spirit of passion, do not make a comfortable learning for the children? And the idea of ​​"learning to play – play to learning" was formed. Through research, look at the books and some personal experience. I have thought and exchanged some experiences: "Improving the quality of English for grade 4 students through the English Club". Hoping to help students learn effectively in English subject in primary school.
II. Research purposes.
In the face of the fact that students are lazy and afraid of learning English. Many teachers are still embarrassed to inspire them to learn English, so that I research with purposes such as:
- Adding to the teacher some methods and forms of organizing English Clubs to excite students while learning English.
- Helping students become more motivated, self-confident, positive and active in improving the quality of English for grade 4 students through the English Club.
III. Research objects.
- Reality of English Learners of Grade 4 Students at Nga My primary School.
- Some methods to improve the quality of learning English of students in grade 4 at Nga My primary school.
IV. Research Methods.
The group of The methodology: studying the materials learned in teaching methods - learning English, teacher's books, reference books ...; the club organization models.
 	The group of The Practical methods: survey methods, planning methods, methods of practice..
B.  PROBLEM SOLVING.
I. The rationale for improving the quality of English for grade 4 through the English Club.
 Once upon a time, history has shown and proven to us that human has known to organize community activities in groups, according to their tribes. That has brought many practical effects in the local. Nowadays, we also see the appearance of clubs such as Youth Club, Sports Club ... So that means the club form has long and effective in the life and the development of people.
In fact, in teaching and learning a foreign language, students will learn more effectively if they learn in a funny - relaxed learning environment and have more opportunities to communicate in the context of the real world. The using of language games in foreign language teaching is one of the most effective methods that can increase the learning motivation of students, which is one of the success in learning a foreign language. At the same time, they will encourage students to maintain learning and interest in learning. In addition, they help teachers give out the situations in which practical language is useful and understandable to learners. Learners want to join the game, they have to understand what other people are saying or writing, and they have to say or write things to describe their understanding or to present informations to others. Language games in Club events will help students to develop four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing English an effective way.
In conclusion, in order to organize language games that are highly effective in teaching and learning English, teachers need to change the content and the form of club activities. Teachers usually organize games to Students can learn English in a funny - relaxed learning environment and cooperative manner that contributes to improve the efficiency of English teaching in primaryschools.
II. Reality of improving English for grade 4 through the English Club 
1. Reality.
-With school:
Nga My primary school is a difficult school with facilities, equipments, reference books . They are still limited.
-With parents:
Many parents do not really care about the subject, they think that primary English is optional subject as the previous years, they also think that their children only need to learn Vietnamese and if children do not understand Vietnamese, they will not understand English. So that, It is difficult to teach English at school.
-With teachers:
For many years, teaching foreign languages ​​is usually vegetarianism, it means that there is no teaching equipments. In addition to textbooks, there are no materials that support teaching and learning. Teachers donot have much time in researching methods and forms of teaching organization. The time of the extra - curricular activities is limited. When they donot have lots of experience, they prepare activities very difficult. Teachers do not have the skills to organize activities outside of class time.
-With students.
           Nga My primary school is in the countryside. Most of the children are rural children, the condition of their family is very difficult, so their parents just do not have much time to care and look at their children. Therefore, the students are not focused on learning English. During English lessons they are not often confident in reading-speaking skills so children are not flexible while studying the lessons. They do not have the opportunity to join in a variety of learning styles to develop their English skills. Studying materials such as textbooks, exercise books, reference books ... are not enough to serve the learning of the children.
2. Survey results at the beginning of 2017-2018.
    At the beginning of the 2017 - 2018 school year, I surveyed the quality of class 4A (the experimental class), class 4B (the control class). The results are:
Class
Total 
Finished well
Finish
Unfinished
Amount
percentage (%)
Amount
percentage (%)
Amount
percentage (%)
4A
22
10
45,5%
7
31,8%
5
22,7%
4B
24
13
54,2%
7
29,2%
4
16.6%
Besides I submited the poll whether students would like to join the club or not. The results are:
Class
Total 
Like so much
Dislike
Note
Amount
percentage (%)
Amount
percentage (%)
4A
22
8
36,4%
14
63,6%
4B
24
12
50%
12
50%
As a result, most students have little opportunity to learn and improve their English. There is limited ability to communicate because there is no playground for the children to join. Although the writing test is relatively good, the students are still confused in specific situations and simple sentences such as greetings, questions about themselves, school, teachers, friends ....
From the above situation, I think to find out why the quality of English is not achieved as other subjects. To find the right solution for improving the quality for students in the grade 4.
3. Reason.
The quality of English grade 4 is not high and the student preference survey is low due to the following reasons:
- Facilities for teaching and learning English is still lacking.
- Teachers have not yet caught the attention of the students, as well as have not known how to organize extra activities in the content of the subject so that they have the opportunity to participate. Speaking skills are limited . Most of them are shy and lack confidence in communication.
- Knowledge of some parents about the importance of the subject does not correct. The coordination between the school, parents and unions is not timely.
- Have not done well the incentive for gifted children in English.
From the realitys and the reasons mentioned above, I have set goals and orientations for my work. From the beginning of the school year, I have advised the school's management to develop a program and plan to organize the English Club for Grade 4 students with the following specific solutions:
III. Solutions have been used to solve the problem of experience idea.
1.  Making plans set up English Club.
1.1. The survey captures the needs of students' aspirations.
Initially to form the English Club in the school, the first thing is to have the direction, the support of the management of the school with the determination of the English teacher. So in order to know the needs and aspirations of students attending the English Club: I myself have concentrated all grade 4 students to join games, sing songs in English and work in group. Introduce them use English anytime and anywhere. The fun of the game and the song can attract the attention of the children participating in the Club. Develop a survey form based on purpose and expected content of the club activities according to certain topic content:
The questionnaire of the English quality is structured in the form of multiple-choice questions , answers, clear, short and easy to understand.
Submit the registration form to the club with the agreement of the student ,sparents to register.
Outline some specific rules for joining the Club.
1.2. Establishment of the board of directors and members of the club.
+ Board of the Club includes:
Head of the Club: As a teacher of English 4-5, in charge of general 4-5. General direction and management, collaborating with the vice president to develop the program of activities, suggest ideas, consult the school management. Regularly monitor the situation or the reality of the students in the school about the subject of English, from which to build specific programs, with close themes, sticking to their curriculum.
 	Club Vice President: English Teachers of grade 1,2,3 with other members of the board develop a club activity plan, assign and help team leaders work in teams.
  	Club members: The art teacher is a music teacher, this teacher is responsible for dancing - singing for students every time Club activities. Equipments for club activities are librarians .Secretaries for each activity as Team Teacher.
+ Club Advisory Board includes: - Principal of the school.
            - Vice Principal of the school.
             - Head of the professional team of grade 4-5
+ The examiners: - The principal of the school.
 - Vice Principal of the school.
 - Teachers of English.
+ Club Members: The members of the Club must agree with the assignment, direction of the team leader and teachers in the Club's Board. Ensure proper implementation of the Club's schedule and effective activities. Must have an application to join the club with the signature of the parent. If you do not wish to join, you must have an application to leave the Club.
1.3. Expenditures for club activities:
 The club director develops a drafting plan for the activities, then approves the plan with the principal.
 	Expenditures for activiries include:
+ Fund for procurement of material facilities.
+ Reserve fund (launch, summation, reception ...)
+ Fund for organizing contests and games.
         - Mobilizing funds:
 	+ A part from the school budget.
 	+ Advising the school's parents to support a part of the fund for Club activities.
 	+ A part from calling the collective, individual benefactors.
- The financial management of the club must comply with the regulations of publicity and transparency under the supervision and inspection of the Board of Directors and the school management.
 - Financing decisions will be decided by the management board and reported to the school management.
1.4. Launched the Club:
To create a healthy environment, help students improve their English listening and speaking skills. Nga My primary school has established English Club with more than 80 official members (in which grade 4 has 25 members, much higher than the poll). At the launching ceremony of the club, the children had their first exciting event in many forms:
For example: They can dance in the tape, learn simple songs, listen to interesting stories, good quizzes, funny games, greetings and conversations in English at the ceremony. The launch of the English Club has created more interest for students to join the Club
 Art performance at the launching ceremony of the Nga My primary school
With the purpose of creating a healthy environment for students to play while learning, the teacher plays the lead role, the rest is the children talk in English so the atmosphere is quite comfortable. The most interest is that they hear and guess the names of the songs. 
This not only helps them to deepen their knowledge, but also creates a friendly learning environment for them to explore and discover. With 81 permanent members, Every month, the fourth week of the month, to gather and create a funny environment for students to exchange, learn and have additional knowledge. Join the English Club for children who have a passion for the language. They have a playground to communicate and practice listening and speaking skills. The first activity with many attractive activities attracted the participants. This is the premise that the club will continue to organize many activities to help children improve their knowledge and improve their communication skills so that they can enjoy more subjects.
2. Organizing the Club in the form of "Learn to play - Play to learn".
2.1. Exciting through the warm - up in the Club events.
2.1.1. Get started with Music in the Club Events.
 	 In order to create excitement for the children, I have combined with the music teachers to be concretized into activities and integrated into the club activities such as: English songs in children's ages , other performances for Club members. These songs help children become more active and excited when participating in activities. At the Club's time, not only the members of the Club but also the audience are eagerly waiting. So after each activity has increased the members join the Club.
For example: At the beginning of the Club's activities, let them sing in the tape.
To revise how ask and answer questions about the weather. I use this song and this chant.
 	After the students learn this song and this chant by heart. My students are easy to talk about the weather. Learn to sing, sing to learn. This song is sung at the beginning of the event; short, bustling, easy-going songs make the event even more exciting.
Song: Where are you from?
 Hi. I/m Mai from Viet Nam.
 Hello, Mai. Nice to meet you.
 Hello. I/m AKiKo from Japan.
 Hello AKiKo. Nice to meet you.
 Hi. I/m HaKim from Malaysia.
 Hello, HaKim. Nice to meet you.
 Hello. I/m Linda from England.
 Hello Linda. Nice to meet you.
With this song, students can memorize the vocabulary of members from different countries: Mai: Viet Nam.
                                  Akiko: Japan.
                                  HaKim: Malaysia.
                                  Linda: England.
Launched by singing “Good morning Teacher”at the English club.
2.1.2. Create excitemently for students to improve their listening, speaking, and reflecting skills.
Start with extremely simple contents and gradually improve the level for the members. This is primarily to attract a large number of students to take part in and step by step knowledge, focusing on the two main skills - listening and speaking English for a long time .
The content and form of activities must change or refresh continuously such as: Club members can exchange with each other cross topics such as:
Example: To introduce, get acquainted.
   A: Hello. I'm Lan.
            B: Hi, Lan. I'm Hang.
            A: How are you today?
            B: I'm fine, thanks you. And you?
           A: I'm very well, thanks.
Example: Ask about hometown.
A: Where are you from?
B: I'm from ....
A: What's your nationality?
B: I'm ......
Example: Ask about school, class, teacher and friends.
A: Where is your school?
B: It's in Nga My village.
A: What class are your in?
B: I'm in class 4 (A / B)
A: How can students be there in your class?
B: There are ....
A: How many teachers are there in your school?
B: There are ... ..
Example: Talk about clothing prices.
A: How much is the ...................?
B: It/s .......................................
A: How much are the ...................?
B: They / re ................................. ..
S1: How much is the yellow jacket?
S2: It is 60,000 dong. 
S1: How much is the red T- shirt ?
S2: It is 75,000 dong. 
S1: How much is the blue jumper ?
S2: It is 60,000 dong. 
Example: Talk about why you want to go somewhere.
Example: picture a
S1: Why do you want to go to the zoo?
S2: Because I want to see the animals. 
2.2. Organizing the club with the form of studying group club.
With studying group club, students have been known for this form from teachers, this form is very suitable for school age so students are very interested in joining. Through group learning to practice agility, reflect quickly, practice vocabulary and sentence patterns learned.
+ Form of play: Individual play. The organizers guide the children to sit into the rows . Each member sat 0.5m apart to avoid having students look at each other. Each member of the Club prepares a baby table, chalk and rag table. Each candidate will have the opportunity to go from 1 to 20 and will be in the final destination. Each question has a thought time to answer is 20 seco