USING CURRENT EVENTS ON VOICE OF AMERICA’S NEWS WORDS TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY AND DEVELOP LANGUAGE SKILLS FOR THE STUDENTS OF CLASS 11a4 AT TO HIEN THANH HIGH SCHOOL IN THANH HOA CITY

SỞ GIÁO DỤC
ĐÀO
TẠO
HĨA
SỞ VÀ
GIÁO
DỤC
VÀTHANH
ĐÀO TẠO
THANH HĨA
TRƯỜNG THPT
QUAN
SƠN
2
TRƯỜNG THPT TƠ HIẾN THÀNH

SÁNG KIẾN KINH NGHIỆM

USING CURRENT EVENTS ON VOICE OF AMERICA’S
NEWS
WORDSLANGUAGE
TO IMPROVE
VOCABULARY
USING
EnglishSHORT
FILMS AND
DEVELOP
LANGUAGE
FOR THE STUDENTS
OF
To develop

listeningSKILLS
and speaking
skills for the
CLASS 11A4
AT TO
HIEN THANH HIGH SCHOOL
students
of class
11A1
THANH
HOAin
CITY
atQuan Son 2 IN
high
school
Quan Son, Thanh
Hoa

Eqweqws,.vdb.nbvbbEqweqws,.vdb.nbvbbfasdnaljhcvcfkjbivb,ư’fg.;

Người thực hin: Lê Thị Hà
Chc v: Giỏo viờn
SKKN thuc lnh vc: Ngoại Ngữ

TABLE
OF CONTENT
THANH
HÓA NĂM 2021
19

PART
(LIST OF THE EXPERIENCED INITIATIVES RANKED C BY THANH HOA EDUCATION AND TRANING
DEPARTMENT)........................................................................................................................................3
(An attached CD with Voice of America’s News Words videos used in the study, some students’
speeches and photos of the class)........................................................................................................3
PART I: INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................3
PART 2: CONTENT..................................................................................................................................5

2.1 Literature review.........................................................................................5
2.3. The produre of using current events onVoice of America’s News Words to
improve vocabulary and develop language skills for the students of class 11A4 at
To Hien Thanh High School in Thanh Hoa city................................................9
2.3.2. The ways to use Voice of America’s News Words videos on English
language classrooms........................................................................................10
For students in class 11A4, the teacher choose words that are very familiar,
realistic and easy to understand to help them listen and understand easily. They
understand mostly from what they listen, that is to say, through hearing or
situations rather than from explanation...........................................................10
PART III. CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................20
3.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................................20
Having completed this study, I believe that using current events on Voice of America’s News Words is
one of the most useful ways to improve the students’ English vocabulary and develop their language
skills......................................................................................................................................................20
I have had to make a choice of what I thought most important in terms of theory, the benefits of using
current events in English language classrooms and the possible appications of Voice of America’s News
Words at the beginning of the English lesson in order to improve vocabulary and develop language
skills for the students in their English study........................................................................................20
..............................................................................................................................................................21
3.2. Suggestion.....................................................................................................................................21

REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................22

19


(LIST OF THE EXPERIENCED INITIATIVES RANKED C BY THANH HOA
EDUCATION AND TRANING DEPARTMENT)
(An attached CD with Voice of America’s News Words videos used in the
study, some students’ speeches and photos of the class)
PART I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rationale
Nowadays, with the development of science and technology people in
general and students in particular are surrounded by information from several
sources and reaching information becomes more and more important. English is
the language of the international business, technology, science, travel and the
ability to communicate in English can be kind of a linguistic power. While
English language is widely used for communication, the competence in English
is considered as an added potential.
Current events are said to be extremely important in today’s world with so
many changes happening across the global. It is more important than ever that all
students are aware of what is happening both in their own country and beyond.
Using current events will probably attract their attention, then improve their
English vocabulary and develop their language skills. Moreover, current events
are often captured on the news.
Voice of America’ News Words is a news videos series which is not only
engaging but also authentic; it offers important events happening in the world
now and real use of living language. Through these news videos, teachers can
bring the world into the classrooms and bring language learning alive. For
students, news videos bring back a lot of vocabulary and meanwhile language
skills are also developed.

The four basic English language skills consist of listening, speaking, reading
and writing skill. However, it can be said that vocabulary, listening and speaking
are really necessary for effective communication in any language throughout the
world. The ability to speak in English fluently internationalizes the outlook of
the people in comparison to other languages used for communication.
There is a fact that learners of a new language face exciting challenges in
developing their abilities to speak, listen, read and write.
Generally speaking, students often feel nervous or shy when they try to speak
English. They even struggle to understand what someone is saying to them
despite years of study. They are embarrassed about their pronunciation or
worried that they speak too slowly. Despite the fact that they have vocabulary
and grammar, it is difficult for them to actually to use their English to speak.
Besides, there are more and more innotivate approaches helping students in
improving the students’ English vocabulary and developing speaking and
listening skills.
For high school students, “News Words” videos (Voice of America Resource)
are both easy to listen and short to remember. Teachers can bring news
19


happening all around the world into the classrooms and bring language learning
alive through the news.
Therefore, there are a large range of benefits teachers have for using current
events through news in English language classrooms. This makes it one of the
best and most motivating resources in the classroom, regardless of the age or
background of the students.
For these above reasons, I would like to choose the topic:
“USING CURRENT EVENTS ON VOICE OF AMERICA’S NEWS
WORDS TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY AND DEVELOP LANGUAGE
SKILLS FOR THE STUDENTS OF CLASS 11A4 AT TO HIEN THANH

HIGH SCHOOL IN THANH HOA CITY” in the hope of motivating the
students of class 11A4 at To Hien Thanh High school in studying English in
general and improving their English vocabulary as well as developing their
language skills though Voice of America’s News Worlds videos on VOA
Learning English. I also expect that news on this site as authentic materials are
possible to increase the students’ interest in the study of English at school and
help them use their knowledge in their daily lives.
It is hoped that both students and other teachers will find some useful
reference for their learning and teaching in this study.
1.2. Aims of the study
The study is aimed to help the students:
- Learn English words or phrases used in real situations, then improve
vocabulary and catch authentic languages.
- Become familiar with English sounds, their pronunciation and intonation
patterns as well as recognize the sounds they hear, imitate them and then develop
their language skills as well .
- Create an enjoyable asmophere.
- Increase the students’ interest in the study of English.
1.3. Subjects of the study
The study is carried out with 47 students of the class 11A4 who have been
learning English for 5 years even 7 years( 4 years at lower secondary school,
more than one year at high school and even 2 years at primary school). These
students study at To Hien Thanh High School in Thanh Hoa city.
Among 47 students who take part in the study, many of them are not good at
English, they only remember and speak some simple words or sentences.
However, they have mobile phones which can be connected by wifi or 3G
everyday.
1.4. Methods of the study
In order to achieve the above aims, the teacher uses “News Words” videos
on Voice of America as authentic materials not only to improve the students’

vocabulary but also develop their language skills in the study of English as a
second language. Students will have time to watch these videos and study
vocabulary. After listening news in a period of time, they will gradually improve
19


their vocabulary and develop their English skills, copy or imitate the
pronunciation and enjoy learning English more.
In this study, theory study, observation, data collection, analysis,
discussion as well as evaluation are mainly used to achieve the aims of the study.
PART 2: CONTENT
2.1 Literature review
2.1.1 Current events
2.1.1.1 Definition of current events
/>According to this website, current events( especially North American
English; also current affairs in British English) are events of political or social
importance that are happening now. Besides, on Cambridge dictionary
( current
events are political news about events happening now or important political or
social events that are happening in the world now
In other words, current events are defined as events in the present
concerning important people, places, things or ideas.
Current events are often captured in the news and the world media is often
used in talking about current events. News is a report of current events ,
information, people or things and often recorded in print, radio, tgelevision or
online while media is the industry and people that produce news and mass
communication content.
2.1.1.2 Benefits of using current events in English language classrooms
* Linguistic benefits
The use of current events in English language classrooms has numerous

advantages. The benefits of using current events in English classes are obviously
linguistic, since they help students to distinguish different phonemes and stress
parterns and favour the unconscious acquisition of otherwise difficult issues such
as pronunciation and intonation; they build language ability in listening, reading,
writing, speaking skills and vocabulary. They also offer endless topics that
connect to all areas of a cirriculum and grammatical structures therefore easily
absorbed in their mind; and they introduce lexical items in context, which
facilitates the correct use of such items in their future utterances.
* Psychological benefits
Psychological benenits like motivation, social participation, confidence
building or memory development also deserve being mentioned as an important
part of the learning process. They also can be achieved from the use of current
events on news in English language classrooms.
Current events keep students aware of events happening locally, nationally
and internationally, promote critical thinking and inspire students to become
active in their communities.
Because of their linguistic and psychological benefits, current events can
also be an extremely useful tool for English classes. They contain authentic
19


language, are easily abtainable, provide vocabulary, grammar and cultures
aspects and are current for students. They provide enjoyable speaking, listening,
vocabulary and language practive both in and out of classroom. Therefore,
current events on news are considered as a regular part of the classroom
activities.
2.1.1.3. Where to access current events
In today’s world, social media has actually become a really great way to
learn about current events because with mobile phones or in smart phones
people are in places where news or interesting things happen.

Current events are on/in:
+ Internet
+ Newspapers
+ Magazines
+ Television
+ Radio
+ Social media
+ Podcasts
2.1.2. Voice of America’s News Words
2.1.2.1. Voice of America( />
According to Wikipedia, Voice of America (VOA) is an American
international broadcaster funded by the United States Congress. It is the largest
and oldest U.S. funded international broadcaster. VOA produces digital, TV, and
radio content in 47 languages which it distributes to affiliate stations around the
globe. It is primarily viewed by foreign audiences, so VOA programming has an
influence on public opinion abroad regarding the United States and its people.
VOA was established in 1942 to provide comprehensive information and
news to audiences worldwide. It is accessible online from mobile phones, social
media, satellite, cable, FM/MW Radio.
2.1.2.2.VOA- LearningEnglish

/>
19


VOA- Learning English is the branch of Voice of America. It is VOA’s
multimedia source of news for English language learners. So it is accessed
primarily online. It offers abundance of excellent resources.

VOA- Learning English began in 1959. It has grown to include not just

news but also educational teaching tools as well. It is read by English language
learners, teachers, publishers and anyone interested in the news. Content drawn
from world of news, business, science, life, popular culture, etc. Texts, MP3,
videos and photos are free to the public.
2.1.2.3. News Words- VOA Learning English
“News Words” are videos: + one minute long on VOA Learning English
+ introduce a new vocabulary word in the news
+ show the word in context.
( />
19


Videos make learning exciting and easy. One way to really enhance
language development in the classrooms or at home is the use of knowledge and
images/photos together.
One of the great benefits of using news videos is that it helps students
understand where the words are in the sentences. When listening, even if
students guess one word or phrase in a sentence, understanding that one word
helps us piece together the rest of the sentence. Do not need to understand for
everything. When listening with videos, students only concentrate on the word
and the context it is shown.
When students have a chance to use their vocabuary and language skills
themselves, it makes that connection to the language even stronger. If the
students are not yet familiar with the word given, try to introduce the vocabulary
with pictures, objects, or flashcards. When using flashcards, introduce the card,
say the word together and then have the students make a sentence for that word.
The teacher migh need to help them but do it together. Make sure that words
selected are not too complicated because there may not be time to explain them.
Keep the words given simple and easy to remember.
2.2. The reality of the students’ English vocabulary and language skills in

the study of English at To Hien Thanh High School.
Although students who are in grade 11 have been learning English for 5
years or even 8 years(3 years in primary schools), they still feel that English is a
very difficult subject, especially the listening and speaking skills. Many students
do not receive sufficient exposure at home. They have many difficulties in
recognizing sounds, understanding English sentences as well as using English to
communicate with others because of the lack of knowledge on sentence pattern,
grammar knowledge, poor vocabulary and even wrong pronunciation.
Additionally, the students who study at To Hien Thanh High School in
Thanh Hoa city do not have much opportunities to use English outside
classrooms. Thus, with 3 periods at school, they find it difficult to remember
English words, the pronunciation as well as the usages. Those are the reasons
why their English are not good, even there are many students who do not know
anything about English.
19


For these students, learning English as a foreign language is a really boring
and uninteresting task. Students used to work on grammar exercises on their own
and learn enormous lists of vocabulary by heart, which lacked any
communicative sense. All this turned this subject into something horrible and
boring to tears.
Besides, it is not difficult to meet foreingers living and working in Thanh
Hoa city. They mainly use English to communicate with local people . However,
many students can not communicate in English, even they can not hear and
understand what the foreigners are saying as well as how to reply.
Therefore, motivating students, improving their vocabulary and developing
their language skills are really necessary and important in their English learning
and in their daily lives as well.
2.3. The produre of using current events onVoice of America’s News Words

to improve vocabulary and develop language skills for the students of class
11A4 at To Hien Thanh High School in Thanh Hoa city.
2.3.1.Time and Measurement
2.3.1.1.Time
The study is carried out at the beginning of English lessons. This warm- up
last 5 minutes, the students of class 11A4 have four English lessons per week at
class but using” News Words” videos as warm-up activites are applied twice a
week with one video- one word. Every video is repeated three times. Students
watch again at home( videos are up on the group of the class on Facebook or on
Youtube).
The study lasts nearly 2 months ( from March 8th 2021 to April 30th 2021).
In this study, there are 7 News Words videos.
2.3.1.2. Measurement
Assessment of the students’s vocabulary and language skills in the study
of English is based on their language development and motivation they have.
Their language development here is mainly about oral language. Oral language
must focus on a student’s ability to interpret a conveying meaning for authentic
purpose in interactive context. Giving students a mark for speaking is
challenging job. Evaluating speaking is difficult as there are many things to pay
attention at the same time. One possible solution for this is to pay attention on
one or two aspects at a time. For an example a particular speaking activity or task
the teacher can focus on marking the vocabulary they used and their
pronunciation. Then, the teacher can pay attention to intonation and linking
sounds.
In this study, I myself evaluate the students’ vocabulary and language
skills through the definition of the word given on “News Words” videos, their
understanding about the word and the news, as well as their speaking skills.
Moreover, my observation about their improvement compared to their level at
the beginning to see whether the students are able to listen and recognize sounds
19

better, minimize errors, use new words and phrases that they learnt when they
speak, speak confidently, speak clearly or organize ideas
Table 1: Measurement scale
Level

Competencies

Level 1

Students can listen or speak some words from the news on the
videos .

Level 2

Students can listen or speak approximately 1/2 of the words
from the definition of the word, the sentence does not provide
the full meaning

Level 3

Students can listen or speak more than ½ of the words from the
definition of the word, the meaning of the sentence is almost
there

Level 4

Students can listen and understand the definition of the word,
with some mistakes in pronunciation. The meaning of the

sentence is apprehended.

Level 5

Students can listen, understand the news, give a complete
definition of the word and use the word in other situations.

Moreover, I also have discussion with my students and my colleages
working with me at To Hien Thanh High School on using current events on
News Words videos series on VOA Learing English and evaluate it.
2.3.2. The ways to use Voice of America’s News Words videos on English
language classrooms.
For students in class 11A4, the teacher choose words that are very familiar,
realistic and easy to understand to help them listen and understand easily. They
understand mostly from what they listen, that is to say, through hearing or
situations rather than from explanation.
Some principles on using News Words videos on VOA Learning Engish
are to improve the students’ English vocabulary and develop their language
skills.
This proceduce is divided into three stages: + Preparation
+ Presentation
+ Production
2.3.2.1. Preparation stage ( Teacher’s preparation before the lesson)
- Step 1: Select vocabulary word on “ News Words”.
It can be said that students are interested in a lot of current events topics
such as world politics, the global economy, local news, science and technology,
19


local or global education stories, art and entertainment, ect. However, the teacher

selects vocabulary words that are familiar in their study or lives.
- Step 2: Prepare activities for vocabulary words.
- Step 3: Design follow-up activities at home for students
Make sure that vocabulary words are not too complicated because there
may not be time to listen and understand. Keep the news simple and easy to
understand.
2.3.2.2. Presentation stage
Step 1: Teacher’s Presentation
- Activity 1: First of all, students are asked to write vocabulary word in the centre
of the board
- Activity 2: The teacher elicits the meaning of vocabulary word from students
and guide them to what they are going to listen.
- Activity 3: The teacher plays the video. After listening to the news the first
time, they are asked to speak whatever they listened( focusing mainly on the
definition of the vocabulary word and its example on the news)
- Activity 4: Students listen again.
Step 2: Students’ Presentation
Ater step 1, the students are told to give the definition of the word, its example
correctly and fluently and give some more words or information related to the
news.
2.3.2.3. Production stage (At home/ Outside class)
Students are asked to:
- Create a list of vocabulary from current events they listened from the News
Words video.
- Put students in groups of four and have them find a news article that use this
vocabulary word.
- Have each group create a short presentation using this word.
The representatives of two or three groups will be chosen to speak in front
of the class at the beginning of the next English lesson.( Using peer and teacher
feedback)

2.3.3. Some suggestions in News Words videos selection.
Basing on current events happening in today’s world and the content of units
in English 11 textbook and the students’knowledge, I recommand some current
events topics such as:
- COVID 19: Coronavirus, pandemic, infodemic
- World politics: Presidental, Senate…
- The global economy: Domestic…
- Local news: Taboo, Symbol…
- Science and technology: Phenomenon, Unique,Sustainable
- Local and global educational stories: Talent,
- Art and entertainment: Participate, Journey, Caravan…
19


- Others: Essential, Lucrative, Disappointed…
“News Words” series on VOA Learning English offer abundance of excellent
vocabulary word, so it is not difficult for teachers to select vocabulary words that
are suitable for the students.
2.3.4. Some illustrating examples for using Voice of America’s News Words to
improve vocabulary and develop language skills for the students of class 11A4
Here are two illustrating examples and I have included 4 different
examples in Appendix. The steps and activites I have proposed for the two
examples chosen can equally be appiled to any News Words videos in appendix.
2.3.4.1. News Words: Coronavirus
* Preparation stage:
- Step 1: News Words: Coronavirus

Transcript:
Welcome to the Voice of America’s News Words
In December 2019, health experts became aware of a fast- spreading virus in

Wuhan, China.
CORONAVIRUS
The coronavirus may have started in a market that sold wild animals. It has
spread to six continents causing more than 3,000 deaths. This disease has been
named COVID- 19.
A coronavirus belongs to a large family of viruses. It enters the body through the
nose and mouth and passes into the lungs, causing illness.
In humans, coronaviruses are usually spread by drops of fluid put into the air
from an infected person.
19


- Step 2: Activities for vocabulary words
+ Activity 1: First of all, students writes CORONAVIRUS in the centre of the
board
Coronavirus

+ Activity 2: The teacher elicits the word from students and guides them to what
they listen.
- Word analysis

- Wordform
Coronavirus

- Definition
- word related
+ Activity 3: The teacher plays the video. After listening to the news the first
time, they are asked to speak whatever they listened( focusing mainly on the
definition of the vocabulary word and its example on the news)
A coronavirus belongs to a large family of viruses. It enters the body through

the nose and mouth and passes into the lungs, causing illness.
In humans, coronaviruses are usually spread by drops of fluid put into the air
from an infected person.
+ Activity 4: Students listen again.
Step 3: Follow-up activities at home for students
Students are asked to:
- Create a list of vocabulary from News Words: Coronavirus they listen.
- Put students in groups of four and have them find a news article that use
Coronavirus.
- Have each group create a short presentation about this word( concluding the
definition, their short new story that uses this word)
The representatives of two groups will be chosen to speak in front of the
class at the beginning of the next English lesson.
*. Presentation stage
Step 1: Teacher’s Presentation
- Activity 1: First of all, have students write vocabulary word in the centre of the
board
Coronavirus
- Activity 2: Elicit vocabulary word from students and guide them to what they
listen.
19


corona+ virus

Noun
Coronavirus

a disease

pandemic/ outbreak
infectious disease
transmission

- Activity 3: The teacher plays the video. After listening to the news the first
time, they are asked to speak whatever they listened( focusing mainly on the
definition of the vocabulary word and its example on the news)
Definition: A coronavirus belongs to a large family of viruses. It enters the body
through the nose and mouth and passes into the lungs, causing illness.
In humans, coronaviruses are usually spread by drops of fluid put into the air
from an infected person.
- Activity 4: Students listen again.
Step 2: Students’ Presentation
Ater the news presentation, the students give the definition of the word, its
example correctly and fluently and give some more words or information related
to the news.
Definition: A coronavirus belongs to a large family of viruses. It enters the body
through the nose and mouth and passes into the lungs, causing illness.
Vocabulary/ Word phrases:
fast- spreading virus
spread to
drops of fluid
infected person.
*. Production stage ( At home/ Outside class)
Students are asked to:
- List vocabulary words from News Words: Coronavirus
Coronavirus
fast- spreading virus
spread to
drops of fluid

infected
lung.
- Put students in groups of four and have them find a news article that use this
vocabulary word.
The news Article:
CORONAVIRUS
( />19


Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly
discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate
respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older
people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop
serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed
about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect
yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol
based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads
primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected
person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory
etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
- Short presentation about CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease. A coronavirus
belongs to a large family of viruses. It enters the body through the nose and
mouth and passes into the lungs, causing illness. Coronaviruses are usually
spread by drops of fluid put into the air from an infected person. Protect yourself
and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub
frequently and not touching your face.

( Presentation of Group 2: Huyen, Quoc, T Dat, Tuan- 11A4)
The representatives of two or three groups will be chosen to speak in front
of the class at the beginning of the next English lesson.( Using peer and teacher
feedback)
2.3.4.2. News Words: Participate
* Preparation stage:
- Step 1: News Words: Participate

19


Transcript:
Welcome to the Voice of America’s News Words
The Winter Olympic Games begin February 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea
PARTICIPATE
Officials from North and South Korea held talks for the first time since 2015 in
January. They agreed that 22 North Korean athletes as well as musical and
other performers would participate in Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Participate means to be involved with others in doing something or to take part
in an event with others. Participate is a verb and is usually followed by the word
“in”. For example, they want to participate in the Olympic Games.
- Step 2: Activities for vocabulary words
+ Activity 1: First of all, students writes PARTICIPATE in the centre of the board
Participate

+ Activity 2: The teacher elicits the word from students and guides them to what
they listen.
- Word analysis

- Wordform

Participate

- Definition
- word related
+ Activity 3: The teacher plays the video. After listening to the news the first
time, they are asked to speak whatever they listened( focusing mainly on the
definition of the vocabulary word and its example on the news)
Participate means to be involved with others in doing something or to take part
in an event with others.
Example: They want to participate in the Olympic Games
19


+ Activity 4: Students listen again.
Step 3: Follow-up activities at home for students
Students are asked to:
- Create a list of vocabulary from News Words: Participate they listen.
- Put students in groups of four and have them find a news article that use
Participate.
- Have each group create a short presentation about this word (concluding the
definition, their short new story that uses this word)
The representatives of two groups will be chosen to speak in front of the
class at the beginning of the next English lesson.
*. Presentation stage
Step 1: Teacher’s Presentation
- Activity 1: First of all, have students write vocabulary word in the centre of the
board
Participate
- Activity 2: Elicit vocabulary word from students and guide them to what they
listen.

Participation
Verb
Participate
Take part in

…in
involve
- Activity 3: The teacher plays the video. After listening to the news the first
time, they are asked to speak whatever they listened.
Definition: Participate means to be involved with others in doing something or
to take part in an event with others.
Example: They want to participate in the Olympic Games
- Activity 4: Students listen again.
Step 2: Students’ Presentation
Ater the news presentation, the students give the definition of the word, its
example correctly and fluently and give some more words or information related
to the news.
Participate means to be involved with others in doing something or to take part
in an event with others.
Example: They want to participate in the Olympic Games
Vocabulary/ Word phrases:
officials
19


to be involved
performer
hold talks
*. Production stage( At home/ Outside class)
Students are asked to:

- List vocabulary words from News Words: Participate
officials
to be involved
performer
hold talks
- Put students in groups of four and have them find a news article that use this
vocabulary word.
The news Article:
THE HISTORY OF ASIAN GAMES
( />New Delhi 1951
The first edition of the Asian Games was held in New Delhi in March 1951.
The aftermath of the Second World War meant Japan were barred from the 1948
Olympics in London.
They were not invited to the founding meeting of the Asian Games Federation in
1949 but the country was allowed to compete in the inaugural Asian Games.
South Korea did not participate, however, due to the Korean War, which had
started the previous year and would last until 1953.
The Games were officially opened by Indian President Rajendra Prasad at the
Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
- Short presentation about PARTICIPATE
Participate means to be involved with others in doing something or to take part
in an event with others. Participate is a verb and is usually followed by the word
“in”. The first edition of the Asian Games was held in New Delhi in
March 1951.
South Korea did not participate, however, due to the Korean War.
( Presentation of Group 6: Uyen, Quynh, Quynh Anh, Duong-11A4)
The representatives of three groups will be chosen to speak in front of the
class at the beginning of the next English lesson.( Using peer and teacher
feedback)
2.4. Results and Findings

After using current events on Voice of America’s News Words videos at the
beginning of two lessons per week during nearly two months, the teacher
19


recogized that students were eager to wait for the vocabulary word and using
English with the news the teacher selected.
Another finding is that the students became familiar with English
pronunciation and accent at the same time as they knew more about the
vocabulary and developed their language skills as well as shared a good moment
with their classmates.
According to the measurement scale( table 1), the level students received
when they had listened many Voice of America’s New Words was determined by
their confidence, ability to speak out loudly, the number of accurate words in the
sentences and reading and writing skills as well.
The students were asked to do the same trial test at the first lesson and last
lesson of the study. The result had changed dramatically.
The trial test/ last test: The teacher asked students to listen to a Voice of
America News Words video in one minute and then wrote down words or
phrases they heard and spoke.
Table : The result of the trial test of the students in class 11A4 at the
beginning and the end of the study in comparision with measurement scale
Level

At the beginning of the At the end of the
study( the 1st lesson)
study( the last lesson)

Level 1

5 students

1 students

Level 2

14 students

9 students

Level 3

13 students

9 students

Level 4

10 students

19 students

Level 5

5 student

9 students

As can be seen from the table, with the trial test in the first lesson before the
study, the majority of the students (27) students) were in level 2 and level 3 and

they even felt shy to talk in front of the class. After 15 warm- up lessons with 7
Voice of America’ News Words videos at school and having more time to practise
at home to read news and write a short new story using the vocabulary word,
many students in this class ( 28 students) are able to recognize most of the
sounds, listen clearly, use the word in a short story and present it ( up to level 4
and level 5). Meanwhile they can speak more easily, fluently and naturally than
they did at the first time with the same trial test. In other words, there was a link
between the students’ vocabulary with the development of language skills in
19


general and the listening and speaking skills in particular. The more they listen
and improve vocabulary, the more their English skills develop. From the result of
the study, it can be clearly seen that using current events on Voice of America’s
News Words not only improve the students’ vocabulary but also develop their
language skills.
Moreover, after having informal discussion with the students of class 11A4
and other teachers, most of them agreed that the use of current events on Voice of
America’s News Words as authentic material is an interesting approach
compared with the printed materials used more often in traditional classroom.
They believe that this will be a good experience for them as well as a good
opportunity to develop the student’s language skills while listening the news.
They are eager to watch and speak whatever sounds they hear. Additionally, they
are not afraid of speaking and they can recognize the familiar sound they’ve ever
heard. It were observed that students were much more interested in studying
English when they are guided to listen to Voice of America’s News Words videos
after nearly two months of the study.

PART III. CONCLUSION
3.1 Conclusion

Having completed this study, I believe that using current events on Voice
of America’s News Words is one of the most useful ways to improve the students’
English vocabulary and develop their language skills.
I have had to make a choice of what I thought most important in terms of
theory, the benefits of using current events in English language classrooms and
the possible appications of Voice of America’s News Words at the beginning of
the English lesson in order to improve vocabulary and develop language skills
for the students in their English study.
This study is aimed at cultivating English vocabulary and developing
English language skills through Voice of America’s News Words for the students
of class 11A4 at To Hien Thanh High School in Thanh Hoa city. It can be clearly
seen that increasing the students’ language skills is the process that takes times.
Through News Words videos, the students listen, speak, read and write step
by step, finally they will feel easier to develop skills what they want in English.
They won’t feel worried and have difficulty when they are asked in English.
Therefore, short videos such as News Words on Voice of America could become
an instrument to practise the four basic English skills: listening, speaking,
reading and writing. Voice of America- Learning English with huge short videos
should be dedicated to teaching vocabulary, grammatical structures and
pronunciation, while simultaneously arousing students’ interest in the study of
English as a second language.
19


According to the result of the study, this techniques may help students in
general and high school students in particular enjoy learning English more,
developing their English language and
their confidence in English
communication as well.
Additionally, with the development of information technology and modern

devices, the students can easily find and study with other current events on Voice
of America’ News Words outside classrooms to have positive effect on both
improving vocabulary and developing English language skills..
Considering the benefits of current events and short videos on the
development of English language, it can be suggested that further- study on
different resources of Voice of America with appropriate aims should be
considered.
This is my own experience in teaching English to the students of class
11A4 this school year at To Hien Thanh High School in Thanh Hoa city. With the
requirement of learning English now, I believe that the students will use English
better, have more confidence in English communication when their language
skills are developed. Finally, I do hope to receive ideas from other teachers so as
to have the better study.
3.2. Suggestion
I myself think that the development of students’ language skills in the
study of English as a second language by using current events on Voice of
America’s News Words will increase if somedays, we are able to utilize
technolygy in English language teaching and students have more chance to use
modern technology in English language study.
Moreover, I suggest that more training classes for English teachers, even
online courses should be held regularly so that teachers can have more
knowledge related to the subject they are teaching and more opportunities to
meet and share their experience in their teaching.
Besides, high schools need to be equipped with advanced technology and
other conditions to have an positive effect on teaching and studying a language.
Lastly and even more importantly, a new textbook has been published in
stead of the current one. However, many students do not have opportunity to
study it. Although the current textbooks has been changed much in order to meet
with the need of the students as well as the society, the contents of skills parts are
not really suitable to the requirement of today’s life. In addition, high school

students do not have chances to practise much in the real life so they are easy to
forget. Therefore, The Ministry of Education and Traning should have plans to
edit the textbooks and cirriculum which are more suitable for the changes of both
the students and the society.
In summary, the ability of a teacher in teaching English, the changes in the
content of the textbook and the use of advanced technology in the English
19


classrooms would make the quality of teaching and learning English at high
schools better in the future.

XÁC NHẬN CỦA HIỆU TRƯỞNG Thanh Hóa, ngày 10 tháng 05 năm2021
Tơi xin cam đoan đây là SKKN của
mình viết, khơng sao chép nội dung của
người khác.

Lê Thị Hà

REFERENCES
/>module_item_id=417861
PL14_V10_Teaching Tips from AE - Teaching Current Events with Voice of
America Resources
/>module_item_id=41779484
PL08_V01_ AE Live 7.3 - Using Brain-based Strategies and Critical Thinking to
Maximize Vocabulary Acquisition
/> /> /> />
19

Hoàng Văn Vân( Chủ biên), 2007. Tiếng Anh 11. Nhà xuất bản
giáo dục Việt Nam.
Ellis, R. 1985. Understanding second language acquisition, Oxford University
Press.
Hedge,T. 2000. Teaching and Learning in the Language Classroom. Oxford
University Press.
Harmer, J. 2001. The Practice of English Language Teaching. Longman.
Numan, D. 1991. Language Teaching Methodology. A text book for teachers.

APPENDIX

1. News Words: PANDEMIC

19


On March 11, the World Health Organization described the spread of a new
coronavirus disease, called COVID-19.
PANDEMIC
COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. Pandemic is not a word to use
lightly. The Director General said: More than 100 countries have reported cases
of the virus and it is spreading. A pandemic is an event in which a disease
spreads very quickly, affecting a large number of people in many countries on
several continents. The WHO describes a pandemic as the wordwide spread of a
new disease.
Definition: A pandemic is an event in which a disease spreads very quickly,
affecting a large number of people in many countries on several continents
Vocabulary: Pandemic
Spread
Be characterized asReported cases

2. News Words: INFODEMIC

Use of this news word has grown during the time of Covid-19.
INFODEMIC
Mental health experts are studying a link between dependance on social media
as a source of news and a belief in false information related to COVID-19. They
say an understanding of the link will help fight an infodemic. An infodemic is a
period of growing and fast-spreading information, some true and some false. An
19


infodemic can lead to widespread misunderstanding about a problem and slow
efforts to solve it.
Definition: An infodemic is a period of growing and fast-spreading information,
some true and some false.
Vocabulary:
Infodemic
Dependance(n) on
Misunderstanding
Mental health
3. News Words: JOURNEY

Kaavan, a captive elephant, arrived in Cambodia from Pakistan early this week.
JOURNEY
Kaavan lived in a Pakistani zoo and showed signs of mental and physical
suffering. With help from animal rights activists, his journey was a well-planned
operation. After landing in Cambodia, he was given gifts before the final journey
to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. The literal definition of journey is a triptravel from one place to another. However, it can also mean a process of change
and development over a period of time.
Definition: Journey is a trip-travel from one place to another

It can also mean a process of change and development over a period of
time.
Vocabulary: Journey
Signs of mental and physical suffering
Captive
Activist
4, News Words: UNIQUE
19