Speaker
Description
Developing effective business communication skills is a pressing need for university students in English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts, particularly in light of increasing global workplace demands. This research explores how project-based learning (PBL) can be implemented in a Business Communication course to foster practical communication competence among undergraduates in Foreign Trade University of Vietnam (FTU). Employing a mixed methods design, the study collected data from pre- and post-intervention assessments, student surveys, and in-depth interviews with both students and the instructor. Findings indicated marked improvements in students’ ability to communicate in professional settings, especially in writing emails, delivering presentations, and conducting negotiations. Most participants reported increased engagement and motivation, although some encountered initial challenges related to autonomy and collaborative learning structures. The instructor observed higher levels of classroom interaction and noted the need for consistent scaffolding. The study offers empirical support for PBL as a contextually relevant and effective approach for improving business English proficiency in TESOL programs. It also highlights the importance of institutional backing to ensure sustainable implementation.
Biography
Dr. Nguyen Thi Dung Hue, Dean of the Faculty of Business English, Foreign Trade University. Her research focuses on ESP, language pedagogy, business communication, and international business.
