Speaker
Description
Guided by Graves’ (2000) principles of course development, this essay proposes a systematic framework for a Basic Communication Skills course for adult learners in Vietnam. The course aims to help learners communicate in English at the A1 level of the CEFR, taking into account contextual factors, beliefs about teaching and learning, syllabus design, needs analysis, assessment, and evaluation. The first section explores the teaching environment, providing insights into learner demographics, physical settings, and available resources. It also examines the author’s pedagogical beliefs, emphasizing the role of language as a tool for communication and the importance of fostering learner autonomy. A functional, situational syllabus is proposed, designed to offer practical learning experiences for effective language acquisition. A needs analysis is conducted to define specific aims and objectives aligned with the CEFR. Assessment strategies—including diagnostic and achievement-based assessments—are outlined to measure learner progress and course effectiveness. Finally, the essay reflects on the dynamic nature of course design. Rather than adhering rigidly to theory, it advocates for a responsive approach that encourages learners to apply English beyond the classroom, confronting the valuable challenge of bridging language learning with real-life communication.
Biography
Thi Kim Trang Nguyen is an accomplished educator with a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. With approximately six years of experience in the field, Trang has successfully taught English to a diverse range of students, from young children to adults, adapting their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each learner.
In September 2022, Thi Kim Trang Nguyen was honored to be a speaker at the VietTESOL Convention 2022 held at Nha Trang University in Vietnam. During this notable event, Trang presented a poster that fostered interactive discussions among educators and participants, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and feedback in professional development. This experience not only showcased Trang's expertise but also highlighted their commitment to advancing the field of TESOL.
Throughout their teaching career, Trang has focused on creating engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environments. By employing innovative teaching strategies and leveraging technology, they have empowered students to achieve their language goals. Trang believes that every student has the potential to succeed, and they strive to inspire confidence and enthusiasm for learning English.
Additionally, following the VietTESOL Convention, Trang's accepted papers are set to be published, contributing valuable insights to the academic community through VIC 2022's Proceedings Book. This publication opportunity reflects Trang's dedication to sharing knowledge and best practices in English language teaching.
With a passion for education and a commitment to lifelong learning, Trang continues to make a positive impact on the lives of their students and the broader educational community.
