Speaker
Description
In Vietnam, English-medium instruction (EMI) is appreciated as an innovative strategy to improve education and conform to international standards (MOET, 2008). Students learn English in a specialized setting, which is likely to increase flexibility and employability, yet poses the risks of L1 attrition. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for participation in global academic discourse. (British Council,2020). EMI classrooms that incorporate both English and the local language pose various pedagogical and sociolinguistic challenges. As reported by García & Wei (2014), many teachers encounter difficulties in EMI classrooms. Chen (2023) underscores the importance of English listening skills in comprehending EMI lectures, resulting in advantages like improved language proficiency and increased career prospects. This study examines the effects of balancing English and local language use in Vietnamese EMI classrooms on sustainable teaching practices, student involvement, and the preservation of cultural and linguistic identity. Mixed-method data (N=120 surveys, 15 interviews, classroom observations) from a private university (March-May 2025) were analyzed via SPSS. Preliminary findings show that the EMI model in Vietnam embraces a blended methodology, effectively balancing English and Vietnamese to enhance students’ understanding. 55% of teachers suggest further training in EMI methodologies to enhance their instructional effectiveness and code-switching techniques. Surprisingly, IT & medical students tend to adapt more effectively to EMI. The learning outcomes are enhanced by the integration of local Vietnamese culture into EMI, as shown by over 80% of students. In addition, sixty percent of students believe that their English communication skills have significantly improved through EMI instruction. Governments and schools should prioritize providing resources and support for better English learning programs. Educators should focus on creating bilingual lessons with Vietnamese contextual examples alongside video lessons that integrate local cultural imagery to boost students' engagement.
Biography
Tran Thanh Nga works as an English lecturer at Nam Can Tho University, focusing on curriculum development and English language teaching. With more than a decade of teaching experience, Nga is researching innovative approaches to incorporate local languages into English-medium courses, particularly English-Medium Instruction (EMI) settings. Nga emphasizes instructional methods that are sustainable and fundamentally based on local culture. She gives greater consideration to creating multilingual classrooms that encourage diverse languages and inspire learners to think creatively. Apart from this, her goal is to combine global linguistic skills with local cultural identity, enabling learners to adapt well in diverse settings while maintaining their cultural identities and creating bilingual lessons that promote flexibility, diversity, and critical thinking in a constantly changing setting.
