Effectiveness of English Music Activities on Learning and Retention of Vocabulary and Speaking Ability of Prathomsuksa 5th at Ban Rakai School, Muang District, Nakhonratchasima Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to study the effectiveness of teaching English through music activities on learning and retention of vocabulary and speaking ability as well as the relationship between behavior in learning English through music activities and learning effectiveness. The subjects were 38 Prathomsuksa 5^th (Grade5) students in 2020 academic year from Ban Rakai School, Muang District, Nakhonratchasima Province. The instruments used were a target vocabulary test of 50 words and a speaking test, both of which were used before, immediately after the training and 4 weeks after to measure the retention rate and a learning behavior observation form to use in observing specified individuals and semi-structured interview form. The results showed that after the training, the students' scores were significantly higher than before the training (p = .01). The retention test scores on vocabulary were not significantly different from the post-test scores. However, the retention test scores on speaking were significantly higher than the post-test scores, especially in terms of fluency and ability to make the listener understand. Behavior in learning through music activities positively correlated with learning effectiveness. It is possible, hence, to conclude that learning English through music activities enable students to develop and retain their vocabulary knowledge and speaking ability