Extramural English and Vietnamese EFL primary school students’ listening and reading proficiency in Vietnam

Abstract

Many studies worldwide have found correlations between
 students’ exposure to English outside the classroom and students’
 English vocabulary and oral proficiency. However, these studies
 have mostly been conducted with ESL (English as a Second
 Language) high school students or older students, while primary
 school students in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) countries
 have not been well documented. The study aimed to (1) investigate
 whether there are any correlations between Extramural English (EE)
 and listening and reading proficiency of Vietnamese EFL primary
 school students, and (2) determine their experience with EE. The
 participants were 101 Vietnamese elementary school students. Both
 interviews and questionnaires were used to collect information
 regarding students’ extramural English outside of the classroom and
 their experiences in EE activities. An English proficiency test
 including listening and reading was employed to examine students’
 listening and reading. Findings showed that there was a correlation
 between extramural English and EFL primary students’ listening and
 reading proficiency. Most students participated in two main EE
 activities: using English game-based learning applications and
 surfing the internet. The study suggested different techniques, some
 online games, and materials to support learners in acquiring a new
 language actively, and teachers could encourage more students to
 practice extramural English outside the classroom.