Speaker
Description
In today's globalized world, intercultural competence (IC) is a useful skill for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners to acquire in order to understand and communicate with people of other cultures. This study explores the use of argumentative writing as a useful tool for the development of IC in the EFL classroom. Based on celebrated theories by Byram (1997) and Deardorff (2006), the study explains noteworthy concepts from previous research and also offers actual classroom practical strategies.
The study adopts a mixed-methods design, collecting data from the students' writing tasks, reflections, and interviews with the teachers in three Vietnamese EFL classrooms. The results show that the use of debate topics, comparison of cultural attitudes, and scaffolding the students with reflective writing tasks can advance both their language development and awareness of other cultures. Yet some students found it difficult to discuss sensitive topics or were ignorant of other cultures, showing the need for careful planning on the teachers' behalf.
This research offers much-needed insight as it combines theory and classroom practice. The research stresses the importance of the teacher in creating a positive and welcoming classroom environment. The research also offers concrete suggestions for teachers who wish to use argumentative writing to improve English language proficiency as well as intercultural sensitivity among students.
Biography
Full Name: Nguyen Thi Nhuyen
Position: Ph.D student, Department of English Language
Affiliation: Can Tho University, Can Tho City
Email: nhuyen2911@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5351-8683
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nhuyễn is an experienced teacher at Cần Thơ City, Vietnam. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Pedagogy in 2010 and Master of Arts in English Language Teaching Theory and Methodology from Cần Thơ University in 2014. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in the same field in the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Cần Thơ University. She has over 15 years of teaching experience and has assisted numerous students in preparing them for various exams such as TOEIC, VSTEP, IELTS, and PTE. She also instructs general English to non-major students on a regular basis with innovative teaching methods to encourage and optimize their learning performance. She also assists numerous other English teachers in optimizing their proficiency and teaching style.
Ms. Nhuyễn strongly believes that a good teacher not only teaches, but also inspires the students to become lifelong, self-motivated learners. She is sure that anyone can do anything if they work hard, are determined, and make a special effort every day. She is a tech enthusiast and keeps incorporating new tools in her instruction, making learning more engaging and effective.
Among others, in her research project Ms. Nhuyễn is most concerned with critical thinking ability, English teaching methodology, professional training and motivation of learners. Through this study, besides indicating that she is committed to the job, it also means she has a progressive mind on new-style training.
