Influence of Synthetic Phonics Instruction in Word Recognition of Thai Primary School Students

Abstract

Vocabulary development is fundamental to English language learning, as it supports key language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Establishing a strong form-meaning connection is essential for effective vocabulary acquisition, enabling learners to understand and express themselves accurately. However, limited vocabulary knowledge remains a significant challenge for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in Thailand, where traditional instruction often relies on rote memorization and grammar-translation methods. This study examines the effects of synthetic phonics instruction on word recognition among Thai primary school students. Synthetic phonics systematically teaches letter-sound relationships to enhance phonemic awareness and decoding ability, which in turn supports vocabulary acquisition. A quasi-experimental research design involved forty Thai primary school students divided into control and experimental groups. While the control group received traditional instruction, the experimental group participated in eight weeks of synthetic phonics instruction. The study covered ten weeks, including pre-tests, the intervention, and post-tests assessing word recognition abilities. Findings revealed that synthetic phonics instruction significantly improved students’ word recognition, with the experimental group outperforming the control group, which demonstrated only minor improvements. These results align with previous research, reinforcing the effectiveness of synthetic phonics in enhancing word recall, decoding skills, and phonological awareness. Qualitative data from focus group interviews further supported these findings, indicating that students responded positively to synthetic phonics instruction. Although some initially experienced anxiety adjusting to the new approach, they ultimately reported increased engagement, motivation, and confidence in their vocabulary learning. These findings suggest that synthetic phonics is a useful instructional method for improving word recognition and overall vocabulary development among Thai primary school learners.

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