R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiency
Abstract This research explores the use of reflective writing as a pedagogical tool to support Vietnamese EFL tertiary-level learners in improving their English pronunciation by gaining deeper insights into their individual learning experiences. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, the study i...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-025-00333-0 |
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| _version_ | 1849345366306062336 |
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| author | Ton Nu My Nhat Hoang Thi Thu Hien |
| author_facet | Ton Nu My Nhat Hoang Thi Thu Hien |
| author_sort | Ton Nu My Nhat |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This research explores the use of reflective writing as a pedagogical tool to support Vietnamese EFL tertiary-level learners in improving their English pronunciation by gaining deeper insights into their individual learning experiences. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, the study involved 94 English-major undergraduates. The quantitative dataset comprised students’ pretest and posttest scores, used to measure their pronunciation proficiency and evaluate the impact of reflective writing on specific aspects of pronunciation: accuracy, sentence stress, intonation, and aspects of connected speech (including rhythm, elision, and linking). The qualitative dataset included the learners’ reflective writings, analyzed thematically to identify pronunciation challenges, learners’ attitudes towards English pronunciation development, the influence of instructional approaches, the role of social and educational contexts, and the resources available for learning. Learners also voiced suggestions for improving pronunciation in an EFL context. Results confirm that reflective writing positively impacts learning outcomes, fostering improved pronunciation and promoting learners’ active engagement in their educational environment. The study introduces the R.E.F.L.E.C.T framework (Realization, Empowerment, Facilitation, Learning, Enhancement, Critical Thinking, and Transformation) to underscore the key values of reflection in higher education. While grounded in the Vietnamese EFL context, the findings contribute to the international literature on reflective practices, particularly in teaching and learning English pronunciation among EFL/ESL learners. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a0a282ee622f4b878f440b71a7a01ec1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2363-5169 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-a0a282ee622f4b878f440b71a7a01ec12025-08-20T03:42:30ZengSpringerOpenAsian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education2363-51692025-07-0110112210.1186/s40862-025-00333-0R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiencyTon Nu My Nhat0Hoang Thi Thu Hien1Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and TradeThe University of QueenslandAbstract This research explores the use of reflective writing as a pedagogical tool to support Vietnamese EFL tertiary-level learners in improving their English pronunciation by gaining deeper insights into their individual learning experiences. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, the study involved 94 English-major undergraduates. The quantitative dataset comprised students’ pretest and posttest scores, used to measure their pronunciation proficiency and evaluate the impact of reflective writing on specific aspects of pronunciation: accuracy, sentence stress, intonation, and aspects of connected speech (including rhythm, elision, and linking). The qualitative dataset included the learners’ reflective writings, analyzed thematically to identify pronunciation challenges, learners’ attitudes towards English pronunciation development, the influence of instructional approaches, the role of social and educational contexts, and the resources available for learning. Learners also voiced suggestions for improving pronunciation in an EFL context. Results confirm that reflective writing positively impacts learning outcomes, fostering improved pronunciation and promoting learners’ active engagement in their educational environment. The study introduces the R.E.F.L.E.C.T framework (Realization, Empowerment, Facilitation, Learning, Enhancement, Critical Thinking, and Transformation) to underscore the key values of reflection in higher education. While grounded in the Vietnamese EFL context, the findings contribute to the international literature on reflective practices, particularly in teaching and learning English pronunciation among EFL/ESL learners.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-025-00333-0ReflectionReflective writingEnglish pronunciationVietnamese learners |
| spellingShingle | Ton Nu My Nhat Hoang Thi Thu Hien R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiency Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education Reflection Reflective writing English pronunciation Vietnamese learners |
| title | R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiency |
| title_full | R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiency |
| title_fullStr | R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiency |
| title_full_unstemmed | R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiency |
| title_short | R.E.F.L.E.C.T: enhancing Vietnamese EFL undergraduates’ pronunciation proficiency |
| title_sort | r e f l e c t enhancing vietnamese efl undergraduates pronunciation proficiency |
| topic | Reflection Reflective writing English pronunciation Vietnamese learners |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-025-00333-0 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT tonnumynhat reflectenhancingvietnameseeflundergraduatespronunciationproficiency AT hoangthithuhien reflectenhancingvietnameseeflundergraduatespronunciationproficiency |