Speaker
Description
Choosing a major is an important decision that shapes students' career paths and future opportunities. At Tay Nguyen University, the rising number of students opting for English Linguistics and English Pedagogy raises questions about the factors driving their choices. This study investigates the subjective and objective factors affecting first-year English-majored students' decisions and evaluates their level of impact. Data was collected from 100 English-major freshmen at Tay Nguyen University via a survey questionnaire. The study revealed that both subjective and objective factors shaped students’ choices. Subjective factors include perceived academic ability, personal aspirations, enjoyment of the subject, and self-efficacy, all of which significantly influence major selection. Conversely, objective factors such as social encouragement, family income, university reputation, and job opportunities also affect students' choices, though to a lesser extent. Understanding these factors provides valuable insights for educational institutions to guide students more effectively during enrollment counseling, helping them make well-informed choices that align with their aspirations and strengths. However, the study's focus on Tay Nguyen University limits its generalizability, highlighting the need for further research in diverse regions and disciplines. Expanding future studies to multiple universities across Vietnam would provide a broader understanding of the factors influencing major selection.
Biography
Duong Nu Tuong Van is an English teacher at Hoang Viet School. She was a new graduate in English Pedagogy from Tay Nguyen University in 2024. She has over four years of experience in teaching English to non-English speakers at an English center. Her professional interests include language learning, teaching, and blended learning methodologies. Her research focuses on learning motivation, major selection, and educational decision-making.
Dr. Le Thi Hong Van is a senior English lecturer in Tay Nguyen University. She received her Doctoral degree in TESOL from University of Central Florida, USA in 2021. Her research interests involve strength-based teaching, oral communication, instructional technology, language skill development for English learners, and ESL/EFL teacher education.
Ngoc Gia Han NGUYEN is now a lecturer of Medical English at Buon Ma Thuot Medical University. She graduated from Tay Nguyen University with highest distinction in English linguistics in 2021. Her research interests consist of ESL/EFL teaching, English for Vocational Purposed, cultural studies, translation studies and sociolinguistics.
