Speaker
Description
To engage students in solving real-life problems through language, rather than solely focusing on grammar and vocabulary, English teachers can leverage many new and effective methods of teaching. In this study, students are required to work in groups to address social issues relevant to their lives, such as environmental pollution, relationships and bullying, proposing practical solutions. They will present their findings and solutions in various formats, including reports, posters, debates and oral presentations. Throughout the entire process, the teacher supports learning by guiding language use and fostering a collaborative classroom environment. This approach aims not only to enhance students’ language skills but also to promote critical thinking and a sense of civic responsibility.
The researcher has investigated the effectiveness of utilizing this teaching method to enhance students’ English competencies, analytical thinking and a strong commitment to civic duty. A survey questionnaire combined with a pre-test and a post-test was conducted to collect data from a group of 120 students from one upper-secondary school in Hai Duong.
The data analysis reveals that the above teaching techniques can improve students’ motivation, language performance, and confidence in using English for meaningful communication. Additionally, students exhibited greater awareness of community issues and developed essential 21st-century skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
Biography
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy has been a K-12 English teacher for students in a rural area in Hai Duong Province for over 10 years. She has conducted research and integrated real-life scenarios into her lessons to develop authentic materials for her teaching. She has also taken advantage of technology to enhance her student's language competencies. She has been awarded titles as an excellent teacher with many creative and innovative methods.