Speaker
Description
This study empirically investigates the current practices of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teaching and its assessment at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV). We ground this research in established needs analysis theories, notably the framework advanced by Munby (1978) focusing on the 'Communicative Needs Processor,' and the comprehensive distinction between target and learning needs articulated by Hutchinson and Waters (1987). Our aim is to determine how existing ESP pedagogical approaches align with the specific linguistic and communicative demands of diplomatic contexts. Furthermore, we critically examine the efficacy of current assessment methods, guided by fundamental principles of language assessment theory, particularly the emphasis on validity and reliability as underscored by Bachman and Palmer (1996). Drawing insights from previous research on ESP effectiveness in professional settings (e.g., Johns & Dudley-Evans, 1991; Flowerdew & Peacock, 2001), this study seeks to contribute to the understanding of how these theoretical underpinnings translate into practical and effective language programs. Recognizing the inherently context-specific nature of ESP, this research implicitly acknowledges the tenets of situated learning theory, suggesting that effective language acquisition occurs when integrated within authentic professional environments. Employing a quantitative research methodology, we will gather data through surveys administered to a sample of 300 participants at the DAV. This approach was specifically chosen to systematically collect measurable data, enabling robust statistical analysis and the identification of generalizable patterns and relationships across a substantial sample. This quantitative design allows us to compare our findings with, and potentially expand upon, insights from similar previous studies, reinforcing the empirical basis for our conclusions. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for enhancing ESP curriculum design and assessment strategies at the DAV, ultimately contributing to improved English language competence in specialized professional contexts. This research contributes to the broader understanding of ESP implementation within a unique institutional setting and offers practical implications for language program development informed by established theoretical, methodological, and empirical frameworks.
Biography
Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Lien is currently the Head of the English Department at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), where she has been actively involved in English language education and curriculum development since 1994. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan, awarded in 2009, and has extensive academic training in English Language Teaching from the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University.
Dr. Lien’s research and teaching interests lie at the intersection of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), international communication, and sustainable development in education. Her latest research, titled "English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Teaching and Assessment at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam: An Empirical Study," investigates how ESP instruction aligns with the specific linguistic and communicative demands of diplomatic contexts. It also examines the effectiveness of current assessment practices through a quantitative lens, grounded in key theoretical frameworks such as needs analysis and language assessment theory. This research supports the integration of sustainability into curricula by enhancing communicative competence in specialized professional settings.
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Lien has authored and co-authored numerous ESP textbooks and materials for students of international relations and economics at DAV. She is fluent in both English and Japanese and has contributed to several international research projects on global economics, higher education reform, and Vietnam’s international cooperation.
At the convention, Dr. Lien will present her work through an oral presentation in the research field of sustainability in curricula, sharing insights that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in language education for diplomacy and global affairs.
