Trabajos Finales de graduación
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item The benefits of implementing storytelling techniques and the improvement speaking as a communicative skill in English Foreign Language (EFL) in seventh-grade students of the CTP Jose Figueres Ferrer located in Desamparados during the first quarter of 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Busto Jiménez, Jose Wilfredo; Herrera Araya, María José; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Enseñanza del inglésThis study explores the impact of storytelling techniques on improving English speaking skills among seventh-grade students at Colegio Técnico Profesional José Figueres Ferrer, Costa Rica, during the first quarter of 2025. The research addresses the persistent challenge of low oral proficiency despite years of English instruction in public schools, often due to traditional grammar-based methods that limit communicative practice. Storytelling was implemented as an innovative, student-centered strategy to enhance fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary acquisition, and overall confidence in oral expression. Using a quantitative approach, including diagnostic tests, and student feedback, the study evaluated changes in learners’ speaking performance before and after applying storytelling activities. Results indicate that storytelling fosters active participation, reduces anxiety, and promotes contextualized and meaningful language use, leading to noticeable improvement in students’ oral skills. The findings suggest that incorporating storytelling into EFL curricula can enhance communicative competence and support national educational goals focused on developing English as a key life skill.Item The effectiveness of applying interdisciplinary audiovisual projects as English, Productivity, and Design through the Content and Language Integrated Learning approach to enhance technical vocabulary in 12th-grade students from Colegio Técnico Professional CIT during the first semester of 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Ávila Quirós, Pablo Andrés; Montero Núñez, Jeffrey; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Enseñanza del inglésIn a major globalized job market, bilingual skills are becoming essential for professionals in general. Nonetheless, students from technical/vocational high schools, as part of the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) curricula, are expected to graduate with a B2/C1 level of proficiency, in addition to their technical training in the target language. However, Costa Rican technical high schools face challenges in equipping students with the necessary English technical vocabulary, which limits their ability to access better job opportunities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of interdisciplinary audiovisual projects as a strategy for enhancing technical vocabulary acquisition among 12th-grade students at Colegio Técnico Profesional CIT. By integrating the subject of English with Productivity and Design through the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach, the research seeks to determine how audiovisual projects can promote more meaningful and practical language learning experiences for both teachers and students.Item Analysis of the impact of role-play strategies and the 'I See, I Think, I Wonder' thinking routine on speaking fluency through the use of play based and project based approaches in sixth-grade efl students at Amadita Primary School, Coronado, Costa Rica, during the first semester of 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Acosta Lachner, Marisol; Montero Núñez, Jeffrey; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Enseñanza del inglésThe pandemic left a mark in global education systems that made the world change from face-to-face classes to virtual learning in the blink of an eye. This disrupted the foundational academic development in young learners. In Costa Rica, the pandemic left an impact specially in elementary schools. Students are still trying to catch up on very basic and essential communication skills. At Amadita Primary School in Coronado, the sixth-grade students are facing different challenges with their fluency and speaking skills. This emphasizes the need for more meaningful and engaging experiences that students can relate with in a realworld context. This research thesis originates from the urgent need to change the traditional teacher centered methods into something more innovative. Old approaches have always been focused on grammar, translation, memorizing, etc. and leaving aside communication. This has made students feel insecure or lose motivation when learning another language and perform poorly in front of other people. This study proposes the integration between active methodologies like role-play and the “I see, I think, I wonder” thinking routine with play based and project-based learning.Item The benefits of implementing the digital tool Educaplay in the learning English as foreign language process for fifth graders at Cabecera de Cañas School located in Tilarán, Guanacaste during the II quarter 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Vásquez Barrios, Jennifer; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Vargas Vindas, Ariel Gustavo; Enseñanza del inglésThis study aimed to examine the advantages of the Educaplay digital platform for fifth-grade pupils at Cabecera de Cañas School in terms of their acquisition of English vocabulary. A multi-phase data collection and analysis process was designed to accomplish this. First, a pretest based on terminology previously taught in English lessons was given out using paper and pencil. This tool assessed students' levels of retention and memorization in a conventional manner. Based on these preliminary findings, a second phase was carried out with the same questions but included into Froggy Jump, an interactive game from Educaplay. This allowed for a direct comparison of student performance in a fun technology setting against a traditional evaluation setting. Students participated in sessions that involved digital activities in Educaplay for four weeks in a row. Participation, interest, level of focus, teamwork, and openness to learning were all recorded during each session using observation rubrics, questionnaires, interviews and a Likert scale. Students' motivation and active participation gradually increased, according to the data gathered.Item The effectiveness of applying “Spell and Pronounce” APP through the Audio-lingual Approach and drilling techniques to improve the pronunciation of phonemes /θ/ and /ð/ on eight grade students from 15 to 41 years old from the Quepos Night School during the first quarter of 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Vargas Solís, Gabriela; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Montero Nuñez, Jeffrey; Enseñanza del inglésThis research project, titled “The Effectiveness of Applying the ‘Spell and Pronounce’ APP through the Audio-lingual Approach and Drilling Techniques to Improve the Pronunciation of Phonemes /θ/ and /ð/ on Eighth Grade Students from 15 to 41 Years Old from the Quepos Night School during the First Quarter of 2025”, required to assess how using technology in conjunction with conventional language teaching techniques could improve Spanish-speaking learners' English pronunciation. The research topic was defined in Chapter 1 as students' consistent mispronunciation of the English phonemes /θ/ and /ð/, which impairs their general oral communication abilities. Because of the phonetic variations between the two languages, this problem is especially prevalent among L1 Spanish speakers. The theoretical and historical framework was introduced in Chapter 2, which also covered the Audio-lingual Approach, the application of drilling techniques, and the advantages of using mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) resources in EFL contexts, such as the "Spell and Pronounce" app.Item "The effectiveness of using the digital tool ReadWorks Reading Program for improving the reading comprehension skills of eight year students at the Miramar High School in the first quarter of 2025"(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Quesada Alvarado, Ana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Vargas Vindas, Ariel Gustavo; Enseñanza del inglésThis study revolves around the effectiveness of using the digital tool ReadWorks Reading Program for improving the reading comprehension skills of eight year students at the Miramar High School in the first quarter of 2025. This study takes into a count 22 eighth graders students at Miramar high school taking into a count the Computer Assisted Language Learning Methodology (CALL) and in the same way a mixed of qualitative instruments such as one observation, checklists and teacher interview, and quantitativ e including students´ questionnaire, pre test and post test. This research shows the reality of the difficulties that students have with reading comprehension skill; however, in the same way shows that is needed to implement different strategies to in that promotes the practice of this skill and in that way have improvements in this skill. This study ends showing the main results of the investigation which includes that is notice a partial improvement of reading comprehension after students use and practice this skill with the tool, besides that this study yields that student had good acceptance with the use of the tool in classes.Item The Effectiveness of using The Communicative Approach with The Genially Tool in Enhancing English Fluency in an eighth-grade class at Instituto Superior Julio Acosta Garcia High School in 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Chavarría Hernández, Susana María; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Montero Nuñez, Jeffrey; Enseñanza del inglésThe main objective of this research is to determine the effectiveness of using The Communicative Language Teaching approach with the Genially tool in enhancing English fluency in an eighth-grade class at Instituto Superior Julio Acosta Garcia High School in 2025. This study`s addresses the low level of English fluency among high schoolers by creating engaging activities based on games in an interactive learning environment. The study follows a research design where an observational assessment and teacher interview are first applied to obtain general information of the group and students in order to address them. Then, a pre-test along with a checklist is developed to identify student`s initial challenges in fluency, and after the first stage of the research, six sessions using the Genially tool based on a CLT approach are caried out. After applying the Genially activities, a post-test along with a checklist is applied to measure the student’s level of fluency after the use of the tool. Finally, a third checklist is carried out to analyze the features of the tool in terms of how well Genially influences students' engagement and interest in learning English. The activities developed in class are game-based using genially templates encouraging students to speak through interactive tasks. Results showed significant improvement in student`s English fluency, with an increased willingness to participate in oral activities. The study concludes that integrating the CLT approach with the Genially tool effectively enhances English-speaking fluency.Item The Benefits of Implementing the Context-Based Learning Approach in Improving the Comprehension and Usage of Idioms in EFL Students of Universidad Técnica Nacional in Puntarenas during the Second Quarter of 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Arias Medina, Manuel Alejandro; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Montero Nuñez, Jeffrey; Enseñanza del inglésThis paper aims to determine the advantages of utilizing the Context-Based Learning Approach in English as a Foreign Language students in Universidad Técnica Nacional in Puntarenas to evaluate how effective it can be at allowing EFL learners at acquiring and understanding new idioms. As part of the learning approach selected, literature plays a crucial role in creating context-rich sentences that can provide an environment where students can attempt to acquire idioms on their own. The methodology used involves using a pre-test, post-test, and other instruments such as surveys to collect both quantitative and qualitative information that is analyzed extensively to conclude upon the benefits of this approach.Item The effectiveness of implementing conversational podcasts in English lessons with the Communicative Language Teaching Approach in improving the use of English Business vocabulary on 10th-grade students at Colegio Técnico Profesional del Este in Santo Domingo, Heredia during the first quarter of 2025(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Delgado Lobo, Nicole Francella; Apuy Rojas, Adriana; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Vargas Vindas, Ariel Gustavo; Enseñanza del inglésThe purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of implementing conversational podcasts in English lessons with the Communicative Language Teaching Approach in improving the use of English Business vocabulary on 10th-grade students at Colegio Técnico Profesional del Este in Santo Domingo, Heredia during the first quarter of 2025. An observation, a survey, and an interview were applied to collect all the fundamental information for research purposes as analyzing the previous students’ knowledge of business vocabulary, also to develop conversational podcasts for them to improve the implementation of business vocabulary and to gather the teacher perception and opinion of applying this strategy to the classroom and at the same time considering the students succeed and development during this applications. The results confirm that the 10 grade students are in the proper year to start implementing business word, and to always seek to impulse their use of the speaking skill, therefore, it could be confirmed that the conclusions of this investigation revealed that the conversational podcats to improve English business vocabulary is an effective and innovative strategy for the students learning and educational process.Item The Benefits of Implementing ChatGPT as a Pedagogical Tool in Improving Speaking Skills in Eighth Graders from Unidad Pedagógica El Roble in Santa Barbara, Heredia during the III quarter 2024(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Arrieta Araya, Rolando José; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Montero Nuñez, Jeffrey; Enseñanza del inglésEste proyecto de graduación busca validar el uso de una aplicación de inteligencia artificial comúnmente conocido como robot conversacional ChatGPT, el cual se emplea como una herramienta pedagógica con el objetivo de determinar sus beneficios en la mejora de las habilidades de habla de la generación de octavo grado de la Unidad Pedagógica El Roble en el cantón de Santa Barbara en la provincia de Heredia durante el tercer cuatrimestre del año escolar 2024.Item The Impact of Using Educational Platforms in Enhancing Oral Production Skills Through the Action-Oriented Approach in 7th Grade English as a Foreign Language Students at Liceo de Higuito, San José, During the Second Quarter of 2024(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2025) Chen Lei Kava; Avalos Charpentier, Karla; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Herrera Araya, María José; Enseñanza del inglésThis study investigates the impact of integrating educational platforms, specifically Educaplay and StoryJumper, on enhancing oral production skills in 7th grade English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Liceo de Higuito in San José, Costa Rica, during the second quarter of 2024. Using an Action-Oriented Approach, the study aims to assess how these digital tools influence students’ confidence, engagement, and proficiency in oral production skills in English. Data were collected through pre- and post-test questionnaires and classroom observations, analyzing changes in students’ attitudes and oral skills. Conclusions indicate a distinguished increase in student confidence, particularly with Educaplay, which fostered active engagement through gamified activities. StoryJumper also positively impacted oral skills, however it presented challenges for some students due to its focus on storytelling and grammar integration. Overall, the study concludes that integrating Educaplay and StoryJumper promotes improved oral production skills and confidence among EFL studentsItem The application of the shadowing tecnique through the audio-lingual approach using AI tex-to-speech platform to improve pronunciation of content and function words in students aged 17 to 20 at centro panamericano de idiomas in the III quarter 2024(2024) Zúñiga Vega, Fiorella; Apuy Rojas, Adriana; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Enseñanza del inglésThe present investigation aims to analyze the impact of applying a language learning technique called Shadowing through Play HT an AI text-to-speech platform, to improve pronunciation of content and function words in students at Centro Panamericano de Idiomas. The research was conducted with thirteen students from three groups (A1-2, A2+, and B2). An observation, interviews, and a survey were carried out to gather the data required for the research, including the pronunciation skills the students presented before the application of Shadowing, the teachers' experience and perspective towards the technique and students’ performance, and students' opinions regarding the Play HT platform and Shadowing technique in improving pronunciation. The findings revealed that students did not accurately intonate content and function words before the intervention process. However, according to the teachers, after the Shadowing session, students demonstrated a significant improvement in the intonation of content and function words. The investigation concluded that the Shadowing Technique through Play HT can have a significant impact in improving student’s pronunciation skills and that it can be an effective method for teaching English as a second languageItem The Effectiveness of Using Poetry with the Task-Based Approach Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT-4o) to Improve Language Proficiency and Critical Thinking in the Post-Pandemic Educational Context with Conversational English Technology 10th Graders at Colegio Madre del Divino Pastor (CMDP)(2025) Rodriguez Quiros, Angie; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Vargas Vindas, Ariel Gustavo; Enseñanza del inglésThis thesis explores the innovative integration of poetry, Task-Based Learning (TBL), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, specifically ChatGPT-4o, to revolutionize language learning and promote critical thinking among 10th-grade students in the Conversational English Technology program at Colegio Madre del Divino Pastor (CMDP) in Costa Rica. By harnessing AI's creative and analytical potential, this study demonstrates how traditional literary forms, such as poetry, can be reinvigorated in the post-pandemic classroom to re-engage learners and develop higher-order thinking skills. Over three dynamic extracurricular sessions, a carefully selected cohort of 20 students used poetry as a medium to explore language and critical analysis while leveraging AI for innovation and collaboration. The comprehensive data from questionnaires, entry-level and exit-level tests, an observable behavior checklist, and reflective feedback underscore the significant growth in student engagement, linguistic proficiency, and critical thinking abilities. Through the ethical AI use, this study provides a replicable model for 21st-century pedagogy. Addressing modern education's challenges, this research offers a forward-thinking framework for teaching practices in an era of rapid technological evolution.Item The use of task-based approach to determine effectiveness of elllo's web page audio resources using interactive question-based activities to enhance speaking fluency in adult students of an intermediate level at Anglo-American High School during the III quarter 2024(2025) Sandi Godinez, Alvin; Apuy Rojas, Adriana; Facultad de Educación; Universidad Hispanoamericana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Enseñanza del inglésThe purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of ELLLO's website in combination with the Task-Based approach (TBLT) to improve oral fluency in intermediate-level teenagers who are learning English as a foreign language. ELLLO's website is a site that allows having a variety of audio by categories (levels and topics). The website also implements activities as suggestions that teachers can use to increase the results of their students through the Task-Based approach, which allows group participation of students to have spontaneous learning through the different activities proposed within the strategy, which can be mentioned: Circle talk, problem-solving, questionnaires, debates, among others. The study was conducted at the Anglo-American High School during the third quarter of 2024. This research employed interviews, questionnaires, and classroom observation of the four groups observed with a total sample of twenty students. The research shows that using ELLLO's website in interaction with the Task-Based approach is an effective and enriching method that gradually improves the students' oral fluency according to the data obtained from the instruments. It also demonstrates that it is possible to improve not only the students' fluency in class but also to motivate the participation and integration of the students due to the group dynamics and the naturalness of the group activities.Item The impact of implementing the Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) approach using the Nearpod platform in improving phrasal verbs vocabulary among adult learners at the virtual institute Centro de Matemáticas e Idiomas Segura in San Isidro de Alajuela, during the third quarter of 2024(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2024) Molina Sánchez, Luciana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Villalobos Montero, Judy; Enseñanza del inglésThe results suggest that Nearpod, as a CALL tool, effectively enhances engagement, promotes vocabulary acquisition, and supports diverse instructional approaches. The study highlights the importance of contextual and autonomous learning in mastering complex vocabulary, aligning with recent CALL research. Recommendations include incentivizing attendance, fostering student autonomy, introducing phrasal verbs prior to CALL-based activities, and expanding sample size in future studies to strengthen findings.Item The Effectiveness of Using ProWritingAid AI software with Scaffolding Strategies to Develop Coherence of Ideas in Writing on Eleventh Grade Students from New Hope Bilingual School During the I Quarter 2024(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2024) Gutiérrez Campos, Adriana; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Facultad de Educación; Villalobos Montero, Judy; Enseñanza del InglésIn the last years, the use of technology has rapidly advanced in every field, such as engineering, science, administration, education, etc. Technology has been part of humans’ daily life, and it is a tool that is needed to do almost any job. Nowadays, the use of technology not only alleviates work, but also facilitates life in such an easy way. Also, AI can be a great tool for implementing and using in any environment; however, it can raise concerns in people about privacy, automation on jobs, providing answers, etc. It is important to build up a balance between the new technologies and the use people are giving them.Item Effectiveness of the cooperative learning approach to enhance simple present tense for fifth grade students at saint michael school during the second quarter of 2023(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2023-11-17) Lescouflair Madrigal, Arlette; Vargas Vindas, Ariel; Educación; Alfaro Alfaro, Roy; Enseñanza del InglesLa investigación tiene como objetivo determinar los efectos del enfoque de aprendizaje cooperativo en la habilidad gramática en estudiantes de quinto grado del Saint Michael School. La implementación de la estrategia brinda alternativas a los estudiantes para que interactúen entre sí, además de promover la autonomía de su propio aprendizaje. Las habilidades gramaticales son parte esencial en las clases de inglés donde el profesor puede utilizar diferentes tipos de actividades donde los alumnos participan y practican sus habilidades para pulirlas de forma correcta. El presente trabajo es una investigación cualitativa donde se implementaron encuestas y se realizaron diferentes observaciones para recolectar información en el cual los encuestados son veintiún estudiantes del grupo 5B de Saint Michael School. Este proyecto incluye información sobre el aprendizaje cooperativo y habilidades gramaticales tomando en cuenta puntos importantes sobre los términos que son esenciales para el presente trabajo. Es primordial que los profesores incluyan diferentes estrategias para abordar las habilidades gramaticales de manera cooperativa y colaborativa para con los estudiantes, ya que esto les beneficia tanto fuera como dentro de la institución.Item The impact of the cognitive mindful learning process to strengthen English Speaking Skills in students from 16 to 18 years old from Instituto de Desarrollo de Inteligencia, Hatillo, San José, during July and august of 2023.(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2023) López Arcia, Melissa; Herrera Araya, María José; Facultad de Educación; Arguedas Carballo, Yanory; Enseñanza del InglésEnglish speaking skills are one of the doors to enter a new cultural experience. It can be said that English is the global language, it can be seen in every country, every business: restaurants, schools, companies, museums, and even transportation. However, this does not mean that it is easy to improve English speaking skills, especially when there is not much time, when grammar is prioritized, and most importantly: when native language is not English. Therefore, there are some techniques that can help students to learn and improve their English speaking skills. This research will be based on Mindfulness Cognitive Skills applied into classes to bring awareness of pronunciation, fluency, pace, intonation, but even most important: clarity on transmitting ideas.The purpose of this paper is to provide educators with resources and ideas on how to have an actively mindful class to keep students as engaged as possible during their learning process to improve their english speaking skills.Item Interactive Teaching Strategy to Improve Fluency Skills Through Visual Aids in Eight Graders at Colegio Tecnico Profesional San Juan Sur in Cartago During the Second Quarter of 2023(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2023-09) Fallas Hidalgo, Olger; Alfaro Alfaro, Roy; Facultad de Educación; Vargas Vindas, Ariel; Enseñanza del InglésThis research focused on improving one of the most important problems regarding, retention, grammar, speaking skill through the use of different proposals. Most of the resource’s techniques are related to several general aspects. Therefore, the retention of the target language using Visual Aids not always is using in the best way which represent weaknesses during the development of English classes. For this reason, this research is intending provide an achievable and concrete solution to this problem. The current investigation was carried out at Colegio Tecnico Profesional San Juan Sur. Through various theories that were analyzed throughout this research, it was possible to conclude that long-term memory and techniques for retention are essential components of any learning process. The application of any activity proposed was based on visual Aids, increases the levels of retention in the brain. It also activates long-term memory and develops a new vocabulary through images. This guarantees a more effective and lasting learning through English classes.Item The Effectiveness of Using Social Media to Enhance Fluency Communication on Eleventh Grade Students in Marco Tulio Salazar in Aserrí(Universidad Hispanoamericana, 2023-11) Cisneros Esquivel, Ricardo; Alfaro Alfaro, Roy; Facultad de Educación; Vargas Vindas, Ariel; Enseñanza del InglésThis research project is based on the problems in the public education system specifically talking about the English teachers who do not use the foreign language to teach their classes. This project implements the use of Duolingo as a multimedia tool that allows the improving process of the Speaking skill and self-confidents in eleventh graders students in the academic English classes at Marco Tulio Salazar high school in Aserrí during the second semester of 2023. Teachers have a new teaching tool on social networks such as Duolingo for using a new tool in to improve speaking skills and self-confidents in high school students. The purpose of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of using. This research is important because Duolingo is expected to help improve students speaking skills if used optimally. Duolingo is a website and an application designed to learn different languages to do a certification in English.