Speaker
Description
The previous global studies have explored the transformative potential of generative AI in English language education through real-world examples of diverse global contexts and from K12 to University. The senior researchers and educators have shared their innovative, collaborative AI pedagogies to support students learning English. The Vietnamese government has mandated national foreign language development projects and updated diverse policies of teaching English as a second language to foster students’ English skills. The paper reveals the results of an analysis of speaking skills among remote-area students by a critical use of GenAI, contributing to productively enhancing students’ English-speaking skills. However, these students have faced significant challenges compared to urban-area students. The paper first aims to explore students' challenges. Then, it examines students' use of GenAI to enhance their speaking skills beyond the teacher's instructions and lessons. Data was collected through 20 face-to-face interview participants, 30 to 45 minutes. The interviews, after transcribing and translation (from Vietnamese to English), were analyzed by NVivo 12 for a systematic analysis. The findings of the study show the main themes: (1) the necessity of introducing and training the use of digital tools and GenAI; (2) the importance of evaluation and assessment; (3) the necessary support from schools and teachers; and (4) a review on the national language and policy planning. Discussions and recommendations are valuable references for the Ministry of Education and Training and governmental authorities to reconsider the national language development projects throughout the years to prepare for effective students' literacy and speaking skills.
Biography
Chau Soryaly is a lecturer/researcher with BAs in TESOL at Can Tho University, Vietnam. She received the scholarship for a Master's degree in Educational Administration at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA. She also received a PhD scholarship at the Education University of Hong Kong from 2020 to 2025. Her research fields are EMI, TESL, TEFL, and educational administration. She has presented at diverse international TESOL conferences and published articles on TESOL, English language education, and educational administration.
