VietTESOL International Convention 2026

This research explores the integration of STEAM into English 8 to address persistent ELT challenges, particularly low student engagement and limited communicative competence. Centered on the Global Success 8 textbook, this study implements STEAM project-based learning through the 5E instructional model — Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Rather than treating English as just another academic subject to memorize, this approach encourages students to use the language as a practical tool for solving everyday problems. To facilitate this, students learn to utilize tech tools such as Canva, CapCut, PowerPoint, and even AI to co-create their own projects and streamline teamwork. The research involved 171 Grade 8 students at a lower secondary school in Tay Ninh Province, comparing an experimental group using STEAM-based projects with a control group using traditional methods. The experimental group achieved a 35.7% increase in learning interest alongside a 29.9% growth in communication competence. Beyond linguistic gains, students have developed 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. These findings provide practical evidence for repositioning English as a second language through experiential and creative pedagogies, providing a scalable model for secondary school teachers aiming to innovate their instructional practices.