Teachers Talking: Showcasing our Classrooms

RMIT Vietnam’s School of English and University Pathways is pleased to announce our events schedule for the second Teacher Talks event of 2023 “Teachers Talking: Showcasing our Classrooms”.

Through this event, we aim to celebrate the timeless principles of teaching while incorporating innovative perspectives and approaches. Connect with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for your teaching practice.

As usual, we will be running events at our three campuses, Saigon South (HCMC) and Hanoi on Saturday 21 October, and Danang on 28 October.

HCMC

Workshops in HCMC

Saturday, 21 October 2023

Link to photos

Unlocking engagement: Emphasizing the significance of pronunciation instruction and addressing typical Vietnamese learner errors

Nguyen An Thai Tran (Thai)

Presentation

Abstract

This workshop is dedicated to enhancing English pronunciation skills for Vietnamese learners, a crucial area often overshadowed in schools due to a packed syllabus. The session offers an engaging exploration of pronunciation teaching, with a specific focus on the prevalent errors faced by Vietnamese students. By dissecting the phonetic patterns of both English and Vietnamese languages, participants will uncover shared and distinct traits that significantly impact pronunciation.

Given our emphasis on pronunciation instruction, this workshop aims to captivate participants through practical activities, dynamic discussions, and comparative analysis. Participants will navigate the intricate connections between these languages, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. Armed with actionable strategies, participants will be equipped to refine their teaching approaches and effectively tackle pronunciation challenges within the Vietnamese context. Furthermore, this workshop empowers educators to cultivate interactive learning environments that prioritise clear and intelligible pronunciation.

Bio

Nguyen An Thai Tran (BA English Language Teaching, MA TESOL), is an experienced ELICOS/EAP English Language Teacher and brings over 5 years of dynamic teaching experience to the realm of language education. Currently serving as an English Language Educator at RMIT English Worldwide (REW) and Monash College, Thai Tran's journey has encompassed teaching roles in various language schools and higher education institutions, both in Vietnam and Australia. These experiences have honed her skills in adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving. Thai Tran is deeply passionate about creating optimal learning experiences and fostering engaging atmospheres among students from diverse backgrounds, employing digital tools and technology. She has recently collaborated with Study Melbourne HCMC Hub and is also gearing up to initiate a series of practical English learning sessions set to take place in Melbourne and HCMC.

Board work: Back to basics

Rebecca Elliott

Presentation

Abstract

Not all teachers in Vietnam have access to high-tech resources, boards are usually a staple in every classroom. With so much technology in young people's lives, having a low-tech classroom can actually improve focus and engagement. Even teachers who have access to technology can benefit from understanding how clear and concise board work can supplement their lessons.

This workshop will be about using board work to maximise students’ learning and understanding. There will be examples of good and bad board work, tips for how to maximise board use for all 4 skills and activities where the participants will get an example scenario and plan/present the board work. These will include basic board work for teaching grammar and lexis, or more complex scenarios such as setting up a writing or speaking class.

Participants will take away a fresh perspective of going back to basics and using the board to really engage their students rather than trying to use lots of technological tricks.

Bio

Rebecca Elliott (BA in TESOL, DELTA, TYLEC and certificates in Teacher Training and Jolly Phonics), is a Senior Educator and the Student Engagement Coordinator at SEUP, RMIT University in HCMC. She has been teaching English in Asia for over 11 years and has experience teaching all ages from 12 months! She particularly enjoys finding ways to make grammar and pronunciation teaching interesting for students.

Differentiating the listening classroom: Supporting and challenging learners effectively

Simon Worden

Presentation

Abstract

Listening can be a challenging skill to develop. With limited classroom time it’s often difficult to provide enough support for learners who find listening challenging and stronger, unchallenged ones can become disengaged. While many teachers are aware of differentiation, it is often not implemented due to a perception of being difficult or timely to do so but there are solutions.

This workshop outlines a number of quick, effective methods of differentiating listening activities. Attendees can expect to reflect on their own previous experiences with differentiation, learning quick, simple methods to support weaker learners with their listening through working with real adapted materials and explore ways that stronger learners can be further challenged by exploiting texts and considering future learning objectives. This includes how to easily scaffold materials, differentiate response options, provide useful and engaging extension tasks, and exploring how to adapt to the learning environment can be effective.

As well as a greater understanding of why differentiation is needed for listening in the language classroom, attendees should take away several simple, easily implemented and practical strategies that can be applied to cater more to the specific needs of different students in the classroom.

Bio

Simon Worden (DELTA) is currently a Senior Educator and the Acting National Teen Program Coordinator for the School of English and University Pathways (SEUP), RMIT Vietnam. He has been teaching in Vietnam for the past 10 years through variety of roles and locations. Through these roles he has taught a range of students and courses including IELTS preparation, English for University, Young Learners, Corporate English and English for Specific Purposes. His main area of interest is in finding ways to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment to create a more holistic classroom.

Getting the most out of learning portfolios

Trần Vũ Bảo Uyên

Presentation

Abstract

This workshop covers the use and the effectiveness of two different forms of portfolios – physical and electronic - in language learning and teaching. After years of applying this

form of formative assessment into personal teaching, the presenter is excited to share how portfolios can help to improve students’ language and learning skills, create autonomous learners, and promote stakeholders’ engagement in students’ learning journey. Crucial activities priming students for a piece of the portfolio completion will be showcased. After having a look at authentic student work, participants will experiment with making one in the session. Step-by-step instructions will also be given to assist participants in their future practice. Participants will take away ideas to help students create an easy and simple, yet personalized and efficient portfolio that they can take pride in.

Bio

Trần Vũ Bảo Uyên (MA TESOL), taught English to Young Learners aged from 6 to 11 for nearly 3 years. After returning to Vietnam, Uyen founded Be U English in Ho Chi Minh City and has served over 200 learners of different ages and academic backgrounds. Uyen has presented at various domestic conferences and was also a mentor and trainer for Teaching Training Courses at ECHO. Her area of interest covers English Teaching to Young Learners, Learners’ Autonomy and Teacher Education.

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Facilitated by experienced RMIT educators, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity to discuss key themes from the day, share ideas and experience, and learn from your peers.

With its informal and inclusive atmosphere, the Unconference offers a unique collaborative experience. More information on the World Café method World Cafe Method | The World Cafe.

Hanoi

Workshops in Hanoi

Saturday, 21 October 2023

Link to photos

Paper Strips: A low-tech method of facilitating learning in the classroom

Adam Walford

Presentation

Abstract

In an age where technology is increasingly integrated into the classroom, there is value to be found in simple, low-tech teaching tools. By using paper strips in creative and effective ways, teachers can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Participants will take away techniques for how paper strips can be used to collect, answer, and develop questions on topics; organize ideas for writing or speaking activities; and facilitate error-correction for review. Participants will be invited to develop their own ideas for using paper strips in their language teaching contexts and explore ways to make learning more visible through this simple yet effective teaching tool.

Bio

Adam Walford (BA, NCTJ, CELTA, IDLTM) is a British educator, currently a Senior Educator with the Hanoi campus School of English & University Pathways, RMIT Vietnam. With over 20 years of experience teaching English, Adam has taught in Seoul, South Korea, and extensively in Hanoi. He guides learners through a variety of English programs as both a teacher and a specialist advisor in language learning. Adam’s educational interests include student motivation and autonomy.

Interactive reading: Three methods to foster in exam-oriented classes

Nguyễn Thị Như Ngọc

Presentation

Abstract

In many test preparation classes, it is often silent as many teachers unintentionally test reading skills too soon instead of teaching them. As a result, they have a tendency to spend a large proportion of their class time on exam questions, causing students to be passive and quiet. Another problem is that in many reading classes, students focus mainly on individual reading, leaving limited opportunities for interactive activities.

This workshop will share three methods to make exam-oriented classes more engaging and interactive while promoting creativity and engagement via planned interactivity. Participants will take away three methods to create interactivity in reading lessons by integrating different language skills to make reading lessons more interesting and have an understanding of why exam-oriented classes should go beyond testing only.

Bio

Nguyễn Thị Như Ngọc (CELTA, TESOL, MA TESOL) is a teacher trainer at Educap, where she contributes her extensive experience in language teaching, particularly in test-oriented classes. Ngoc has worked as a teacher trainer, teacher, and curriculum developer, with a special focus on adult learners. Her particular interest lies in practical teaching methods, and she firmly believes that exam-oriented classes can effectively combine productivity and enjoyment.

The power of comic books in Second Language Learning: Useful activities to explore and exploit comic books in the classroom

Paul Stanton

Presentation

Abstract

Comic books have usually been unfairly judged as reading material for children only. They are often referred to as having no value for learning, with course books and academic texts often taking precedence. However, research has suggested comic books can be a powerful tool in learning any second or additional language. Whether comic books are used for in class activities targeting grammar and vocabulary, or used outside the class for extensive reading activities, comic books could prove to be the most powerful way to study and learn any language successfully.

This workshop will share successful tried and tested classroom activities that could help learners study language more effectively and deeply; becoming more fluent in the second language of their choice in the process. Participants will leave the session with practical ideas of how to use and exploit comic books so their learners can learn new language points and improve all the four skills in English. This, in turn, will make the lessons fun and engaging for learners who are already familiar with comic books and the characters they know from these worlds.

Bio

Paul Stanton (CELTA, DELTA, MA TESOL) is an English Language Educator with RMIT University, and a Teacher Trainer with over 15 years’ experience of teaching in Vietnam within academic institutions and private language centres. He is also fluent in the Vietnamese language and has a deep interest in the mysteries of how languages are learnt.

Using digital technology as a management tool for large class sizes

Kevin Franklin

Presentation

Abstract

With the increasing demand for English language education, many schools in Vietnam face the challenge of managing large class sizes. In response, the use of technology has become an increasingly popular solution. This workshop will provide practical guidance on how to utilize technology to manage large classes and engage students, including classroom management platforms, educational video games, and a host of other digital tools. The demonstration of these tools will be further supported by interviews with ELT teachers at Marie Curie Secondary and High schools, and how they use these technologies in their large sized classrooms. This interactive and hands-on workshop will provide opportunities for participants to explore and experiment with different digital tools and platforms. By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained practical skills and knowledge that they can apply to their own teaching practice to better manage large class sizes. Overall, English teachers of all contexts will leave equipped with the tools they need to provide more engaging and effective classroom management.

Bio

Kevin Franklin (BA, CELTA, MSW) has been working as an ESL educator since 2008, teaching in South Korea, China, Ecuador, the USA, and Vietnam. He currently works as an Educator for the School of English & University Programs, at RMIT Vietnam’s Hanoi campus, primarily as an instructor in the New Initiatives and corporate English programs. Kevin is an experienced teacher trainer and manager, and has presented at several national education conferences, including the COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education), Teacher Talks, LaoTesol and Mekong TESOL. He is primarily interested in exploring avenues for applying digital tools to classroom management and enhancing learning through education technology.

Facilitated by experienced RMIT educators, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity to discuss key themes from the day, share ideas and experience, and learn from your peers.

With its informal and inclusive atmosphere, the Unconference offers a unique collaborative experience. More information on the World Café method World Cafe Method | The World Cafe.

Danang

Workshops in Danang

Saturday, 28 October 2023

Link to photos

Using grammar as a starting point to teach workplace and Business English

Jack Crean

Presentation

Abstract

As the economy and development of tourism grow in Vietnam, the demand for business English and English for communication purposes is increasing as well. This workshop will raise awareness for current and future corporate English teachers about various ways that grammar can be interlinked with real world situations in business and identify how grammatical structures can be taken from a curriculum and developed into engaging, practical, and meaningful lessons for learners who are using or plan to use English in their place of work. Participants will be shown how language teachers, regardless of their personal experience in business, can use learners’ workplace experiences alongside these structures to facilitate training in corporate situations.

In the workshop, we will look at a range of grammatical structures and create links to specific and applicable scenarios. These situations will include negotiations, mentoring and coaching, rules and regulations, interview scenarios, and proposals for business meetings and making invitations. By the end of the workshop, participants will be better able to take language forms and transfer them into scenarios which provide practice for the real world through the medium of English.

Bio

Jack Patrick Crean (BA, MA Education, CELTA), is an Educator with the School of English & University Pathways for RMIT Danang. He has 4 years of experience teaching IELTS English, Teaching corporate business English, physical education, independent learning skills, social science, and public speaking. His areas of interest in teaching and learning include active learning strategies, collaborative learning, inquiry-based learning, teaching critical thinking, and pronunciation strategies.

Developing vocabulary and paraphrasing skills through IELTS reading tasks

Philip Morris

Presentation

Abstract

Vocabulary knowledge is a fundamental aspect of language proficiency and the ability to paraphrase, in both receptive and productive skills, is essential for our learners’ success in the IELTS test, as well as their future academic study. After often feeling dismayed by my students' limited success with in-class IELTS readings, I wanted to try a new approach that makes better use of IELTS reading materials and improves learner engagement through collaboration and achievable outcomes.

This approach involves learners collaboratively writing their own question items for IELTS reading texts and, in turn, developing their vocabulary range, paraphrasing skills and knowledge of the different IELTS reading question types. The workshop aims to guide participants through a typical lesson using this approach as well as provide take-away activities for different question types in the IELTS reading test. The session will finish with participants sharing and comparing the activities as well as having a chance to input their own ideas.

Bio

Philip Morris (BA Hons. CELTA, CELTYL, MA App Ling and ELT) is an English teacher at RMIT International University in Vietnam, currently teaching at the Danang campus. He has over ten years’ experience teaching in Vietnam in various locations with a wide range of levels, ages and course types and has also spent time teaching in Portugal and Ecuador. He is interested in vocabulary development, first language use in English language learning, curriculum design and developing learner autonomy.

Teaching mixed-level classes in ELT: Embracing diversity and enhancing engagement

Hoang Phuong Anh

Presentation

Abstract

This workshop will explore effective strategies for teaching mixed-level classes in English Language Teaching (EL T) settings. The workshop aims to equip educators with practical techniques to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that caters for diverse student proficiency levels.

Participants will delve into the challenges posed by mixed-level classes and understand the importance of addressing individual learning needs. We will discuss differentiated instruction, personalized learning paths, and grouping strategies that promote collaboration among students with varying proficiency levels. Through interactive activities and case studies, participants will experience hands-on practice in designing adaptable lesson plans that ensure engagement and progress for all learners.

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive toolkit of pedagogical approaches tailored to mixed-level classes. They will acquire the ability to design and implement dynamic lesson plans that promote inclusivity, challenge advanced learners, and support struggling students effectively.

Bio

Hoang Phuong Anh (MA International Education, MA Leadership and Management in Education) is the CEO of Pingo English Language System. She began as a language educator, equipping her with valuable insights into the needs and challenges of learners. As her passion for education grew, she transitioned into teacher training. Her areas of interest are in ELT, Project Based Learning, and developing 21st century skills in her learners.

Facilitated by experienced RMIT educators, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity to discuss key themes from the day, share ideas and experience, and learn from your peers.

With its informal and inclusive atmosphere, the Unconference offers a unique collaborative experience. More information on the World Café method World Cafe Method | The World Cafe.