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13 (1) 2023

Difficulties encountered by teachers in using storytelling to teach very young learners


Author - Affiliation:
Tran Van Doan - Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
Bui Thi Thuc Quyen - Ho Chi Minh Open University, Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
Corresponding author: Tran Van Doan - tranvandoan315@gmail.com
Submitted: 11-05-2022
Accepted: 24-11-2022
Published: 20-06-2023

Abstract
Storytelling is widely applied in second language teaching, especially to Very Young Learners (VYLs), as this teaching technique is believed to be highly effective. However, storytelling application in VYLs classrooms may be challenging since these learners possess unique characteristics in terms of second language acquisition, which might cause a variety of difficulties for teachers. This paper examines the difficulties Vietnam - USA Society English Center’s teachers encounter during their storytelling application to teach VYLs. Accordingly, 60 teachers at the language school, who were selected based on their teaching experience, participated in the study. An online survey was carried out in order to find out the participants’ opinions on storytelling application challenges regarding the teaching method, the learners’ characteristics, and the materials. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve randomly chosen teachers to better understand their rationale and suggestions for those difficulties. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were calculated for questionnaire information while the qualitative responses were transcribed and put into themes. The results revealed that the participants encountered certain challenges while delivering storytelling lessons which mainly stemmed from the students and other subjects namely teachers and materials. The findings from this study may help teachers to mitigate the challenges of the storytelling lesson.

Keywords
difficulties; second language acquisition; storytelling; very young learners

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Cite this paper as:

Tran, D. V., & Bui, Q. T. T. (2023). Difficulties encountered by teachers in using storytelling to teach very young learners. Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science – Social Sciences, 13(1), 106-116. doi:10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.13.1.2287.2023


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.13.1.2287.2023
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