Speaker
Description
Despite years of formal English instruction, many Vietnamese students still struggle to use English confidently beyond examination settings, reflecting the gap between language learning and authentic language use in many EFL classrooms. This study explores how ESL-oriented models and activities can help create an English-use ecosystem that encourages meaningful communication in real-world contexts. Besides,The paper examines the implementation of several ESL-inspired practices, including project-based learning, task-based interaction, English-speaking zones, collaborative presentations, and AI-assisted communication activities in a Vietnamese educational context. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data through questionnaires, classroom observations, interviews, and reflective journals during a twelve-week intervention involving secondary school students and English teachers.
The findings reveal that ESL-oriented activities enhanced students’ communicative confidence, classroom engagement, and willingness to use English beyond traditional academic tasks. Students became more active in spontaneous communication, collaborative learning, and digital English interaction. However, the study also identifies challenges such as exam-oriented pressure, limited exposure time, mixed proficiency levels, and teachers’ workload.
The paper argues that developing an English-use ecosystem, rather than focusing mainly on grammatical competence, can better prepare students for authentic communication in the global era. In addition, the study highlights the potential of AI-supported learning environments in extending English use beyond the classroom. The findings offer practical implications for teachers and educational institutions seeking to promote more sustainable and communicative English learning practices in Vietnam and similar EFL contexts.
Biography
Xuan Nghiem is an English language educator, academic practitioner, and independent researcher based in Nam Dinh City with substantial experience in secondary education and private language instruction. Her professional expertise centers on ESL-oriented pedagogy, communicative language teaching, project-based learning, and the pedagogical integration of emerging technologies, particularly AI-assisted tools, in EFL environments. She has a strong interest in developing innovative and sustainable English-use ecosystems that encourage learners to engage with English authentically beyond examination-oriented contexts.
In addition to classroom teaching, Mrs Xuan has been actively involved in curriculum innovation, teacher professional development, and the implementation of learner-centered educational practices designed to enhance communicative competence and learner autonomy. Her current research explores how immersive, interaction-driven, and technology-supported approaches can bridge the gap between language acquisition and real-world language application among Vietnamese learners. Through both pedagogical practice and scholarly inquiry, she aspires to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing transformation of English language education in Vietnam and comparable EFL contexts across Asia.
| Affiliate type | Vietnamese public school |
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