This research aimed to study the effectiveness of teaching English through
song activities on vocabulary and speaking skill acquisition and retention as
well as the relationship between behavior in learning English through song
activities and learning achievement. The subjects were 38 Prathomsuksa 5 (Grade 5)
students in 2012 academic year from Bantonprong School, Trang. The instruments
used were a target vocabulary test of 50 words and a speaking test, both of
which were used before and 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.
The results showed that after the training, the students’ scores were
significantly higher than that before the training (p = 0.01). 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 song activities positively correlated
with learning achievement. It is possible, hence, to conclude that learning English
through song activities enable students to develop and retain their vocabulary
knowledge and speaking skill.