EFFECTIVENESS OF USING YOUGLISH ON AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS’ ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION COMPREHENSIBILITY AT HO CHI MINH CITY VOCATIONAL COLLEGE

Nguyen Thi Bich Van1, Danh Thanh Nhon2,  
1 Ho Chi Minh City City University of Industry and Trade, Vietnam
2 Tan Tao University, Vietnam

Main Article Content

Abstract

English pronunciation plays an important role in successful spoken communication. However, Vietnamese students of English as a foreign language (EFL) have limited access to English, real pronunciation samples, and the opportunity to practice English. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of YouGlish to improve pronunciation comprehensibility among Vietnamese vocational college students. The study used an experimental design with 40 second-year automotive technology students learning English at a vocational college in Ho Chi Minh City using YouGlish for four weeks. Data for analysis were collected through pretest and posttest and a survey questionnaire about the students’ perceptions. The results of the study showed that the scores on the pre and posttests increased significantly. The results also revealed that the participants were aware of pronunciation characteristics and had positive perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of YouGlish. These findings suggest that regular use of authentic video samples of pronunciation on YouGlish help Vietnamese EFL students of automotive technology pay attention to pronunciation characteristics and improve their English. It also offers other practical recommendations for using technology such as YouGlish in language classrooms.

Article Details

References

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