Speaker
Description
Abstract
Vocabulary acquisition remains a fundamental component of language proficiency and plays a critical role in Vietnam's strategic transition from the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to the English as a Second Language (ESL) framework. Within this evolving educational macro-context, high school students frequently struggle with dense lexical input, often relying on rote memorization that rapidly degrades over time. Digital mind mapping platforms that utilize visual associations mitigate these challenges by organizing vocabulary textually, thereby minimizing extraneous cognitive load. To address the critical need for scalable, technologically integrated learning strategies, this study has investigated the pedagogical effectiveness of digital mind mapping - specifically utilizing Canva and Wordwall - in improving English vocabulary retention among twelfth-grade students navigating the "Global Success" curriculum. The researcher implemented a practice-based initiative during the 2024-2025 academic year at Phan Boi Chau - Phan Thiet High School in Lam Dong province. The intervention involved 78 participants across two classes and employed a structured, five-stage instructional cycle ranging from schematic activation to gamified evaluation. The pedagogical intervention significantly enhanced both the students' learning experience and institutional efficiency. Quantitative survey results revealed that an overwhelming 94% of participants reported vastly improved long-term vocabulary recall and noticeably reduced assessment anxiety. Economically, the transition to digital distribution saved 250,000 VND per class in departmental printing costs each year. Furthermore, sharing these materials on social media successfully expanded the learning ecosystem, reaching an active audience of 1,400 followers. Digital mind mapping can effectively transform passive memorization into engaging semantic networking. Educators should proactively integrate these interactive visual tools into their teaching methodologies to build a sustainable English-speaking ecosystem.
Key words: digital mind mapping, educational technology, ESL, vocabulary acquisition.
Biography
I am Nguyễn Thị Cẩm Vân, a dedicated English teacher at Trần Hưng Đạo High School for the Gifted in Lâm Đồng province. Having graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education with a degree in Business English, I bring a unique, practical perspective to language instruction. Over the past 16 years, I have cultivated a deep expertise in English language teaching, proudly guiding high-achieving students to completely unlock their linguistic potential. My pedagogical approach is heavily informed by my ongoing research interests, which encompass second language acquisition, the dynamics of classroom interaction, and the integration of emerging technologies in education. Currently, I am actively engaged in an exciting research project titled “Repositioning Vocabulary Acquisition via Digital Mind Mapping.” Through this specific work, I am deeply passionate about continually improving daily classroom practices, enhancing student retention, and creating highly interactive learning environments that prepare students for truly lifelong success.
| Affiliate type | Vietnamese public school |
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