Speakers
Description
Low-level learners frequently experience grammar as isolated forms rather than meaningful communication, which may reduce learner engagement and motivation. As English is increasingly viewed as a tool for interaction and expression rather than only a school subject, grammar practice also needs to become more communicative and meaningful. Comics can support this shift through engaging learning experiences created by images, dialogue, and storytelling. They can also make grammar practice more memorable and help learners understand language more naturally in context. This presentation shares a practical way to repositioning grammar practice through comic-based storytelling for low-level learners. It first explains the rationale behind using comics to support grammar practice. It then demonstrates a scaffolded classroom procedure that gradually moves learners from grammar modelling to less controlled comic-based practice. In addition, the presentation discusses several implementation challenges together with practical suggestions to address them. By turning grammar practice into a scaffolded storytelling process, the presentation aims to encourage more meaningful and creative language use among low-level learners.
Biography
Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha has more than 10 years of experience in English education and is currently working as an English lecturer at The National College of Education, Ho Chi Minh City. She holds an MA in TESOL from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City. Her primary research interests include language learner motivation, learner autonomy, and professional development. She has actively participated in English language teaching conferences and professional development workshops, where she has shared practical classroom experiences and teaching practices for low-level learners. Her work mainly focuses on creating scaffolded communicative activities that promote meaningful language use, learner engagement, and greater learner confidence in English classrooms.
Le Thi Hang is an English lecturer at the National College of Education in Ho Chi Minh City with more than 27 years of teaching experience in English language education. She earned her Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from La Trobe University, Australia. Her professional interests include developing innovative teaching materials for non-English-major students and enhancing learners’ speaking and listening skills through technology-supported instruction. She is particularly interested in integrating interactive and learner-centered approaches into English language teaching to increase student motivation and engagement. In addition to teaching, she actively explores practical applications of educational technology to support effective classroom practices and promote continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
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