The use of metaphorical approach in learning Chinese vocabulary of grade 11 Thai students

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to compare grade 11 Thai students’ achievement in learning Chinese vocabulary before and after using Metaphorical Approach and to investigate grade 11 Thai students’ attitude towards using Metaphorical Approach in learning Chinese vocabulary. A group of 20 Thai students was chosen as the participants. The study adopted Mixed methods. 4 lesson plans which lasts 100 minutes were developed and taught for 8 sessions within the time period of two months. The quantitative data was collected through achievement tests (Pre-test and Post-test) and questionnaire. The qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interview. The findings revealed that Metaphorical Approach was an effective method to enhance grade 11 Thai students’ learning achievement in learning Chinese vocabulary with the Post-test mean score was 22.05, which is 11.95 higher than the mean score of the Pre-test of 10.10. The data gathered from the questionnaires showed all items were ranked at the high level. It evidently proved that the students generally held positive attitudes with Metaphorical Approach. The semi-structured interview results indicated that students enjoyed the given lessons, and satisfied with the class activities.