Speaker
Description
As Vietnam moves towards treating English as a second language rather than a foreign one, outlined in Decision No. 2371/QĐ-TTg dated 27 October 2025, there is a growing need for classrooms that can support this transition; yet most existing classrooms still follow a traditional layout that lacks both the immersive atmosphere and technological tools necessary for effective language learning. To address this gap, the paper proposes a detailed model for a modern, technology-equipped ESL classroom designed to align with Vietnam’s digital transformation goals in education, drawing on human-centered design principles and SLA theory to establish clear standards for spatial layout, sound quality, and lighting. A central feature of this model is a flexible dual-zone layout combining open collaborative areas with soundproofed spaces for testing and focused practice, which allows the classroom to serve multiple learning purposes simultaneously. Building on this physical framework, the paper further outlines a recommended technology ecosystem covering essential hardware, such as interactive displays and Wi-Fi 6/7 infrastructure, alongside artificial intelligence tools to support computer-assisted and mobile language learning, and presents architectural zoning diagrams, minimum equipment specifications, and a digital training framework for teachers. Taken together, these standards enable school administrators to make more informed investment decisions regarding facility, reduce dependence on native-speaking teachers, and foster meaningful connections between language learning and STEM education, ultimately offering a scalable and practical pathway for accelerating Vietnam’s national ambition of repositioning English as a second language.
Biography
(1) Bui Hai Anh is the Manager of the Center for Research and Transfer of Educational Technology at the Institute for Research and Design of Schools, Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. With over a decade of experience specializing in IELTS Academic instruction and holding a CELTA qualification, he has dedicated to bridging advanced language pedagogy with modern instructional tools. Currently, his professional focus centers on pioneering digital transformation initiatives within Vietnamese general education, specifically driving institutional research aimed at standardizing smart ESL classroom designs. Through his combined expertise in educational management, linguistic assessment, and technology integration, Mr. Bui actively develops practical frameworks that enhance pedagogical efficiency and elevate English language proficiency standards for teachers and students nationwide.
(2) Nguyen Sy Nam is a Senior Researcher and Deputy Director in charge of the Center for Research and Transfer of Educational Technology at the Institute for Research and Design of Schools, Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. With over 15 years of experience bridging technical and educational science, he is a leading expert on K-12 digital transformation. Mr. Nam is the lead author of the national STEM textbook series (Grades 1–9) and partly shaped the 2018 General Education Program. In 2025, his project on digital STEM/STEAM lab models won the SEI Smart Education Initiative Award. In March 2026, MoET appointed him to the Committee for STEM Classroom Models for Digital Transformation. Currently pursuing a PhD in Pedagogy, his research focuses on optimizing AI-enhanced learning environments.
(3) Le Tien Binh is in charge of the STEM/Robotics division at the Center for Research and Transfer of Educational Technology at the Institute for Research and Design of Schools, Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. Specialized in educational robotics and hardware-software synchronization, he is responsible for creating practical training modules, technical infrastructure designs, and experiential learning pathways for schools. Mr. Le has played a notable role in organizing national student innovation initiatives and technical workshops, focusing on translating abstract digital transformation concepts into tangible classroom assets.
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