VietTESOL International Convention 2026

In response to the growing need for communicative competence in English education, this session presents a scalable school-based model for transitioning from English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to English as a Second Language (ESL) in a Vietnamese high school context. Drawing on classroom-based inquiry informed by communicative language teaching and second language acquisition principles, and supported by data from teacher surveys and classroom observations at High School, the study identifies key challenges, including limited authentic language exposure, uneven teacher readiness, and a continued reliance on grammar-focused instruction. To address these issues, a three-stage framework—Immersion, Internalization, and Implementation—is developed and implemented through coordinated school-level practices. These include establishing an English-rich environment, enhancing teacher professional development, adopting communicative and learner-centered pedagogy, organizing structured extracurricular activities, integrating technology and AI-supported tools, and promoting authentic interaction beyond the classroom. Evidence from implementation indicates improvements in student engagement, confidence, and communicative use of English, alongside shifts toward more interactive teaching practices. The session offers practical and transferable strategies for educators seeking sustainable ESL-oriented innovation in similar EFL contexts. Participants will gain practical strategies and actionable insights to adapt and implement the model in their own teaching contexts.