Speaker
Description
In the context of Vietnam’s ongoing educational reform and the effort to reposition English from a foreign language to a second language, creating authentic English-use environments has become a key priority in high school education, especially in rural areas where students have limited opportunities for real communication. This study investigates the implementation of interdisciplinary English extracurricular activities to enhance students’ communicative competence and holistic skill development at Kim Thanh High School. It addresses two questions: (1) To what extent do interdisciplinary extracurricular activities improve students’ English communication skills, confidence, and engagement? (2) How do students perceive the use of English as a tool for exploring interdisciplinary knowledge and real-life issues? The initiative was implemented through thematic programs integrating English with History, Natural Sciences, environmental education, and social issues during the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 school years. Activities included public speaking contests, poster exhibitions, historical role-play performances, eco-fashion shows, and English-based academic games. The model emphasized experiential learning, collaboration, creativity, and authentic communication through the coordinated involvement of teachers, students, English clubs, and school organizations. Data from observations, performance assessments, and surveys of 120 students revealed significant improvements in motivation, confidence, communicative ability, teamwork, and interdisciplinary understanding. Students also reported positive attitudes toward using English in meaningful contexts beyond the classroom. These findings suggest that interdisciplinary extracurricular activities can effectively foster a school-wide English-speaking environment and support the transformation of English into a functional second language.
Biography
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh is an experienced K–12 English teacher with over 25 years of teaching in rural educational contexts in Hai Phong. Her professional practice strongly aligns with the theme of VietTESOL 2026, “Reposition English: From Foreign to Second Language,” as she has continuously promoted the use of English as a meaningful tool for communication, creativity, and real-life engagement rather than merely an academic subject.
Throughout her career, she has actively conducted classroom-based research and developed authentic learning materials connected to students’ daily lives and local contexts, helping learners use English in practical and purposeful ways. She has also integrated technology and AI-powered tools into her teaching to create interactive learning environments and enhance students’ communicative competence, learner autonomy, and digital literacy.
As a core teacher and Head of the English Department at Kim Thanh High School, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh has undertaken numerous professional responsibilities assigned by the Hai Phong Department of Education and Training. She has been recognized as an excellent teacher for her innovative and learner-centered teaching approaches that foster both language proficiency and holistic student development.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh has actively contributed to professional ELT communities through her participation in major conferences and conventions, including as a participant at VIC 2018, a speaker at VIC 2022, a presenter at VIC 2023, LaoTESOL 2023, and VietTESOL International Convention 2024 and 2025. Through her research and presentations, she continues to advocate for practical, technology-enhanced, and context-responsive approaches that support the transformation of English into a functional second language in Vietnamese schools.
| Affiliate type | Vietnamese public school |
|---|