Speakers
Description
Amid Vietnam’s national push toward educational standardization, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has been widely promoted as a foundation for English language assessment. While prior studies have focused on CEFR adoption at national and urban levels, little is known about how regional universities interpret and operationalize CEFR-based assessment in their localized contexts. This study investigates current practices, perceptions, and challenges surrounding CEFR-aligned English testing at three Vietnamese regional universities. Using a mixed-method approach—including surveys with 250 students, interviews with 15 lecturers and 6 academic administrators, and content analysis of six institutional English tests—the study reveals significant gaps between intended CEFR alignment and actual assessment design. Findings highlight the lack of teacher training, inconsistent institutional guidance, and limited availability of CEFR-informed test models. The paper contributes original insights by examining internal test development and offering locally responsive recommendations for integrating CEFR into assessment frameworks at under-resourced institutions.
Biography
Dr. Luong Manh Ha is a lecturer and researcher currently serving as the Head of the Foreign Languages Division under the Faculty of Education at Tan Trao University, Vietnam. He holds a master’s degree in English Language Teaching and a doctorate in social work. With over 25 years of continuous teaching experience at Tan Trao University, Dr. Ha has actively contributed to the development of both English language education and social work training. His research interests include competency-based education, English language pedagogy, curriculum innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches to social sciences.
