파닉스 교재 어휘 분석

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine how vocabulary is used in phonics textbooks. It is comprehensive and balanced with regard to conversational functions and whether it effectively uses phonics as tool to learn reading and communication in English. The 7th Elementary School Education Process(ESEP) states that the main skill a school should teach to students is communication in English. The ESEP also states phonics vocabulary should be simple and use familiar words students can acquire through listening. Knowledge of phonics helps students develop a better command of the English. The inability to hear words correctly, grasp pronunciation and emphasis, and be able to read new words, all serve to limit fluent communication. Therefore phonics are the foundation of seamless communication. However, time constraints surrounding the exposure to English in a classroom require phonics teaching to be efficient and equitable. Textbooks serve as the best primary tool for phonics learning in the classroom. Textbooks should, therefore, encourage learners with a comprehensive, yet balanced vocabulary that includes cultural and conversational functions. With this in mind, for this study, five sets of best-selling phonics books published by different companies were chosen. The efficiency of vocabulary was checked by comparing it against two criteria: the Range Program (created by Paul Nation) for high frequency words in real life, and the recommended ESEP vocabulary. The results included: 1) The result of the comparison with the Range Program demonstrates that these phonics books have a deficiency of high-frequency, real-life vocabulary. This includes words related to animals, pronouns, academic words used in only certain situations, and other grammatical parts of speech. This indicates more vocabulary, encompassing real-life language is necessary. 2) Around 40% of vocabulary is based on recommended elementary lists. Elementary school students must use the means-tested ESEP vocabulary. As the majority of the words are not included on the ESEP lists, there is a lack in the lists of the books. Given the validity of the ESEP list, the phonics books are not using words which are effective for learning phonics and develop a fluency in English. The phonics textbook is crucial to students' education because it does not just teach vocabulary; students should be able to substitute letters within word combinations to see how sounds and syllables interact. Through this process, students acquire broader vocabulary. Given all the evidence, it is apparent the vocabulary in phonics books should be simpler and more familiar, so beginner students can more effectively acquire phonics and gain fluency in English.