Speaker
Description
This study explores what EFL learners actually do during group work and identifies factors influencing their collaborative performance. The participants included 150 English-major students from Can Tho University. They completed a 38-item questionnaire grounded in five key aspects of effective group work: positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction, individual responsibility, interpersonal and small group skills, and group reflection. Responses were rated on a five-point Likert scale, and mean scores were calculated to assess the frequency of behaviors. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gain deeper insights into students’ experiences. Findings revealed that students most frequently emphasized individual responsibility and that face-to-face interaction was the least practiced. A significant challenge was the tendency to use Vietnamese during discussions, which limited English practice. Other issues included low motivation, lack of confidence, and unfamiliarity with group members. To enhance the effectiveness of group work, we recommend designing clear, engaging tasks, promoting the use of English, and providing training to develop collaborative skills.
Biography
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diem is currently a master's student at Can Tho University, specializing in Principles and Methods in English Language Education. Her goal is to improve quality English language teaching in Vietnam by using research-based approaches. Her academic interests include English language teaching methodology, curriculum design, learner-centered instruction, and teacher professional development. Diem is particularly interested in how reflective teaching practices, continuing education, and collaboration among educators can improve learner outcomes. As part of her professional development, she engages in teacher training workshops, academic seminars, and collaborative research projects that highlight useful innovations in EFL classrooms.
Nguyen Thi Phuong Hong is a distinguished faculty member at the School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Vietnam. She earned her PhD in 2014 from the University of Groningen. Her academic and research interests focus on English Language Education, emphasizing a dynamic usage-based approach to second language teaching. She is particularly interested in student engagement, fostering a warm and safe learning environment for EFL learners, and translation studies. Dr. Hong is dedicated to bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications in English language teaching and mentoring aspiring educators and researchers in the field.
