VIETTESOL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2025

USING AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS TO FACILITATE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ENGLISH VOCABULARY RETENTION

ABSTRACT
Any English as a foreign language (EFL) learner needs to master their vocabulary knowledge to use in different contexts. A good command of English vocabulary can contribute to a higher proficiency level. It is also critically necessary for Vietnamese primary school students, who have just a little experience with learning this foreign language. It is recommended that the primary school teachers adapt interesting, useful audio-visual materials to help these students improve their vocabulary retention. Such materials can motivate them to learn vocabulary, support their word meaning prediction, and improve their memory for words. The present four-stage action research (“Planning”, “Implementation”, “Observing”, and “Reflecting”) was conducted at a local public primary school in the second semester of 2024-2025 academic year. There are two research instruments, such as classroom observation and vocabulary pretest/ posttest. One intact class comprising of 25 fifth graders was included in the study. They completed one picture-cued vocabulary pretest, were observed in a ten-week course, and finished the posttest similar to the pretest. The findings indicated that implementing audio-visual materials has a positive influence on the students’ vocabulary retention. They were more willing to learn and remember words. This study has several implications for local English teaching and learning. The teachers may need to utilize more technology-mediated materials into the classroom to foster the students’ vocabulary retention.
Key words: audio-visual materials, vocabulary, vocabulary retention