Speaker
Description
This study investigates the effectiveness of sustainability-themed English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction in enhancing the debate skills of B2-level students at Hanoi University. Grounded in communicative language teaching and content-based instruction, the course integrated global sustainability issues – such as climate change, renewable energy, and urban planning – into structured debate activities. Using a mixed-methods case study design, the research analyzed pre- and post-course debate performance scores, student feedback surveys and classroom observations over 12 weeks. Quantitative results revealed statistically significant improvements in students’ argumentation, fluency, and vocabulary usage. Qualitative findings indicated high levels of engagement, increased confidence in public speaking, and a deeper understanding of sustainability topics. Classroom observations confirmed active participation and skill development through scaffolded practice and peer collaboration. The study concludes that sustainability-themed ESP instruction, when combined with debate, enhances language proficiency and cultivates critical thinking and global awareness. Implications for curriculum design suggest that thematically rich, dialogic approaches can transform ESP instruction into a platform for interdisciplinary learning and communicative competence.
Keywords: ESP, debate skills, sustainability, B2-level learners, communicative language teaching, Vietnam, task-based learning, student engagement
Biography
Ta Thi Thanh Hien is a lecturer at Hanoi University. Her primary responsibilities include teaching English skills and English for specific purposes, developing curriculum and materials, designing tests, test marking, conducting research in education and language learning. She has written numerous articles about language acquisition, learner autonomy, education and technology, teaching methodology, multiple education which have appeared in educational conferences and journals. She has 17 years of industry experience both teaching at university and on the national television broadcaster of Vietnam. She has also published several books for high school and university students, making her a significant professional. Her dedication towards her work and her students has shown her efforts. Her commitment to excellence has engrained into her students and her work for professional development. Through her passion for research and her commitment to teaching, Hien defines what it means to teach at Hanoi University.
