Developing Diphthong Pronunciation Skills by Organizing Learning Activities in CIRC Techniques Together With Skill Exercises For Students in Grade 2

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to enhance the pronunciation abilities of Grade 2 pupils in diphthongs through the use of CIRC strategies in conjunction with skill development. The two goals were to 1) to Developing diphthong pronunciation skills by organizing learning activities in CIRC techniques together with skill exercises of diphthongs with a minimum accuracy of 75% and 2) examine how CIRC approaches and skill training can lead to learning behaviors associated with diphthong pronunciation. In the second semester of the 2023 school year, eight Grade 2 pupils at Ban Nong Khlong Mai Hua Na Kham School were the subject of the study. Several tools were used in the research. 1) a skill training exercise activity plan for CIRC techniques appropriateness value: 4.51-5.00; 2) a diphthong pronunciation test appropriateness value: 0.50-1.00; 3) practice exercises for diphthong pronunciation appropriateness value: 3.51-4.00;  4) a learning behavior observation form average: 3.68 and 5) an assessment form for reading aloud ability appropriateness value: 0.50-1.00. Calculating means, percentages, and standard deviations was a part of data analysis. The students' average pronunciation skills in Cycle 1 were 66.25%, which was below the target threshold, and their diphthong-related learning behavior was 53.33%, which was considered fair, according to the data. Lack of student enthusiasm in activities, inexperience with teaching techniques, and poor fluency when reading aloud were among the main problems.  By establishing more precise criteria and promoting peer support for reading practice, Cycle 2 saw improvements. As a result, learning behavior improved to 64.18%, an excellent level, and pronunciation skills increased to 76.25%, exceeding the goal. Results from Cycle 3 shown even more improvement: learning behavior improved to 88.33%, exceeding the aim.