Workshop: Recent Trends in Language Education and Applied Linguistics

07 Nov, 2024

On November 4, 2024, the School of Foreign Languages - College of Economics, Law and Government (UEH-CELG) - successfully organized a workshop on "Recent Trends in Language Education and Applied Linguistics" with the participation of more than 100 UEH lecturers, students and alumni. The event provided important updates on trends and methods in foreign language education.

Having a keynote speech at the workshop with the topic "5 Hot Topics in TESOL and Applied Linguistics", Associate Professor Dr. Jonathan Newton, an expert in the field of TESOL from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) has collaborated with UEH for a long time, many prestigious universities in the world and major universities in Vietnam. The content of his talk revolves around advanced knowledge and new perspectives on prominent trends in English teaching and Applied Linguistics. His talk includes 5 prominent topics: (i) Research trends in the field of English teaching, (ii) Application of technology in English teaching and learning, (iii) Emotional factors in foreign language education, (iv) Global and multilingual English, and (v) Trends in classroom assessment and professional development community for teachers. These contents have explored and highlighted elements of methodological relationships, recent research developments, and practical implications for language teaching and learning.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Jonathan raised interactive questions with the students present at the event.

“Warm-up” session for attendees

A representative of the School of Foreign Languages - Mr. Bui My Ngoc - presenting a souvenir to Associate Professor, Dr. Jonathan Newton

Following the keynote speech, the panel discussion with the topic "Postgraduate Journeys in TESOL and Applied Linguistics" by guest speakers include Dr. Ton Nu Tuy Anh (School of Foreign Languages, CELG); Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh (Ho Chi Minh City University of Education); and Mr. Vu Tran Lap Nhan (TESOL, Simple Education) shared their journeys of studying and researching after graduation. The content shared by the speakers at the panel discussion provided necessary information and guidance on pursuing postgraduate studies, creating and maintaining motivation in studying and career paths in English Teaching and Applied Linguistics, from the practical experiences they have gone through or the challenges they have encountered, and how to overcome them along with the positive results they ultimately achieved.

In addition, the discussion revolved around the development of the Master's program that the School of Foreign Languages has been implementing with the hope of not only meeting the needs of the industry but also inspiring and supporting future TESOL professionals. The stories and lessons learned from the speakers inspired and motivated the students and attendees.

Presentations by three guest speakers

To have a practical perspective, lecturers and staff of the School of Foreign Languages who are studying for their Doctoral degrees at prestigious universities domestically and abroad presented short reports summarizing research around the topic "Emerging Studies in TESOL & Applied Linguistics":

Mr. Ho Minh Thang presented the topic “The Effects of Augmented Reality Technology on Vietnamese EFL Undergraduate Students' Speaking Skills in English for Tourism and Hospitality.” The report highlighted how augmented reality (AR) technology is helping Vietnamese students improve their English speaking skills in tourism and hospitality, with initial results showing that AR can help create realistic communication situations, increase confidence and language reflexes.

Mr. Ho Minh Thang with his presentation

Ms. Kieu Huyen Tram reported on the topic “Teacher Change Through a Professional Development Program: A Case Study at a Vietnamese University.” The research focuses on the effectiveness of professional development programs and how they impact teachers’ changes in teaching methods, emphasizing a specific case at a university in Vietnam.

Ms. Kieu Huyen Tram with her presentation

Ms. Le Thi Tuyet Minh presented “Leveraging the 4Cs Framework for Effective EAL Instruction.” The report proposes using the 4Cs framework (Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity) to improve the quality of teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL), showing that this method can promote the necessary skills for students in learning and practical application.

Ms. Le Thi Tuyet Minh with her presentation

Ms Ha Thanh Bich Loan introduces the topic “Self-determination Theory and Vietnamese EFL Learners' Motivation: Future Directions.” The study proposes the application of Self-determination Theory to enhance the learning motivation of Vietnamese students in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), and points out new directions for future research.

Ms. Ha Thanh Bich Loan with her presentation

Associate Professor Dr. Jonathan Newton presenting gifts to the reporters

The workshop ended successfully with meaningful connections, opening up many opportunities for cooperation in research and teaching for lecturers and students. The content shared at the program created a lot of motivation and inspiration for participants on their learning and teaching path. Hopefully, the event will be the beginning of many academic and research cooperation activities in the future.