Speaker
Description
In the context of the 2018 General Education Curriculum in Vietnam, integrating local cultural values into STEAM education has emerged as a vital approach to enhancing language proficiency and national identity. This study evaluates the impact of "The Roots of Our Land," a cultural STEAM project, on high school students' learning motivation in the light of Keller’s ARCS model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction).
The research employed a mixed-methods approach, involving 120 students at a gifted high school in the Mekong Delta. Data were gathered through an adapted Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS), student reflections, and project artifacts. Preliminary findings suggest that the integration of local heritage significantly boosts the Relevance and Satisfaction components of student motivation. By connecting English language learning with tangible cultural products, students demonstrated higher engagement and a stronger sense of ownership over their learning process.
More importantly, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on repositioning English in Vietnamese schools. The results indicate that when English is utilized as a vehicle for interdisciplinary inquiry rather than a mere academic subject, it fosters an environment where the language functions more effectively as a second language. This shift not only improves communicative competence but also prepares students for global integration while preserving local roots. The paper provides practical implications for educators aiming to design culturally responsive and motivationally sound English programs in the modern era.
Keywords: STEAM education, ARCS model, student motivation, cultural heritage, English as a second language.
Biography
Chau Thi Ngoc Nguyen is a dedicated English educator and educational leader with over 26 years of experience in high school education. She currently serves as the Head of the English Section at Nguyen Quang Dieu Gifted High School in Dong Thap, Vietnam. Throughout her career, Ms. Chau has been a strong advocate for engaging, student-centered learning environments that foster both language proficiency and critical thinking. Her leadership extends to mentoring teachers, designing innovative curricula, and implementing strategies to elevate the quality of English education.
An alumna of the Master of Arts in TESOL (2016), Ms. Chau’s professional journey is marked by prestigious international recognitions. She was a fellow of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program (2025) at Florida Gulf Coast University and completed professional training at Estero High School in Florida. Additionally, she has successfully completed multiple courses under the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program in 2024 and 2025.
Ms. Chau is a seasoned presenter at international ELT conferences, including CamTESOL (2013, 2017), VietTESOL (2015), and The Happy Schools Symposium (2023), where she shares her expertise in pedagogy and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous accolades, such as the "Excellent Teacher at Provincial Level" award (1998) and the second prize for "Innovative for Online Teachers" by the British Council (2012). Since 2020, she has also served as a VSTEP examiner and test designer. Beyond the classroom, she leads impactful school projects, including "The Roots of Our Land," focusing on interdisciplinary STEAM education and heritage preservation.
| Affiliate type | Vietnamese public school |
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