Speakers
Description
This presentation, grounded in critical pedagogy and communicative language teaching, explores two complementary classroom practices that develop students’ critical thinking, global awareness, and communication skills.
In the first part, participants will examine how analyzing authentic public speeches—such as Emma Watson’s UN address—can help students identify rhetorical techniques, persuasive language, and social context. Through guided speech analysis, students are encouraged to reflect on how language influences public opinion and can be used to advocate for change, particularly in relation to social and environmental sustainability.
The second part of the session introduces the use of TED Talks from the Perspectives series to support listening comprehension. These curated talks engage students with timely global issues such as climate change, gender equity, and social innovation. Learners practice identifying main ideas, understanding argument structure, and interpreting speaker purpose, while gaining exposure to diverse voices and perspectives.
Although distinct in focus—speech analysis versus listening comprehension—both approaches aim to equip students with the analytical tools to navigate complex global issues. Participants will leave the session with adaptable teaching strategies and sample classroom activities that foster student engagement with real-world content. Together, these methods show how language instruction can be a powerful platform for empowering global citizens and supporting sustainability education.
Biography
Biography—Hồ Hạnh Hảo
I am an English teacher at Scotch AGS, where I teach secondary students and design learning experiences that connect language with real-world issues. I hold a Master’s degree in Education (TESOL) from Edith Cowan University. My teaching focuses on integrating critical thinking, communication skills, and global citizenship into the English classroom. I am particularly passionate about using authentic materials—such as speeches and TED Talks—to engage students in meaningful discussions about sustainability, gender equity, and social change. These resources not only improve students’ language proficiency but also deepen their understanding of global challenges. My approach is grounded in critical pedagogy and communicative language teaching, with the aim of empowering students to become confident, reflective, and socially aware language users. Through my work, I hope to inspire young learners to see English not just as a subject, but as a powerful tool for understanding and shaping the world around them.
Biography—Nguyễn Ngọc Hải
I am an English language educator with a Master’s degree in TESOL from Edith Cowan University. Over the past few years, I have worked in bilingual school settings, focusing on academic coordination, curriculum support, and teacher development. Beyond my administrative work, I have a strong interest in classroom teaching and have spent several years helping students prepare for IELTS and improve their academic English skills. My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that language education should nurture critical thinking and real-world communication. In my upcoming role as Academic Manager at Anne Hill Bilingual School, I aim to continue exploring ways to make learning more engaging and meaningful. I am particularly drawn to using TED Talks and authentic materials to spark discussion and global awareness. Joining VietTESOL is a valuable opportunity for me to learn from fellow educators and share practical approaches that empower students' voices.
