Speaker
Description
In many Vietnamese primary schools, English is often taught as an academic subject with limited opportunities for authentic communication. As a result, students may acquire vocabulary and grammar knowledge but lack confidence and motivation to use English in real communication. This presentation explores how school-based English Clubs can bridge the gap between learning English and living English by providing meaningful opportunities for language use beyond the classroom.
Based on practical experience from a primary school English Club, this study highlights how extracurricular activities promote authentic communication and learner engagement. Activities such as games, role-plays, storytelling, performances, collaborative projects, and team challenges encourage students to use English purposefully, interact with peers, and express ideas in a supportive environment. These experiences shift learners’ focus from language practice to language use, helping them view English as a tool for communication rather than a school subject.
Classroom observations and student feedback show that participation in English Club activities enhances students’ speaking confidence, willingness to communicate, and overall engagement. More importantly, learners gradually perceive English as a living language for interaction, creativity, and self-expression today.
The presentation suggests that English Clubs serve as effective spaces for meaningful communication in primary education in Vietnamese contexts today.
Biography
The presenter is a primary school English teacher in Vietnam with experience teaching English to learners from Grade 1 to Grade 5. She is passionate about creating engaging and supportive learning environments that help young learners develop confidence and interest in using English.
Her teaching approach focuses on communicative language teaching and learner-centered practices. In her classroom, she regularly integrates games, songs, storytelling, role-play, and collaborative activities to encourage students to use English in meaningful and enjoyable ways. She is particularly interested in reducing students’ anxiety and increasing their willingness to communicate in English from an early age.
In addition to classroom teaching, she has been actively involved in designing and implementing school-based English Club activities. These clubs provide learners with opportunities to practice English beyond the textbook through interactive tasks, performances, team challenges, and creative projects. Through these experiences, she has observed significant improvements in students’ speaking confidence, participation, and motivation to learn English.
She is also interested in applying educational technology to enhance language learning, including the use of digital tools, interactive platforms, and AI-supported learning activities to make English lessons more engaging and effective.
Her current professional focus is on exploring practical and innovative strategies to bridge the gap between formal English instruction and real-life language use in primary education. She aims to share classroom-based experiences and practical ideas to support other teachers in developing dynamic and meaningful English learning environments for young learners.
| Affiliate type | Vietnamese public school |
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