PTC 30th-Anniversary OPEN FORUM
Forum theme
ENHANCING THE EFL LEARNERS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES
An effective language-rich environment and AI-driven support
Notice: Registration for this event has been closed as we reached full capacity.
DANH SÁCH THẦY CÔ ĐÃ ĐĂNG KÝ THAM DỰ FORUM
In addition to the appropriate amount, intensity of instruction and learner motivation, a language-rich environment is a remarkable factor affecting the learning outcomes. The classroom as a language-rich environment provides interaction through which the teacher’s input is processed and turned into intake, then becomes L2 knowledge as resources for learners’ output. The learner ability to use English is developed through this classroom interaction with meaningful, targeted input supported by comprehensible and interactive teacher-talk and relevant activities/tasks that intrigue learner output with accuracy, fluency and are relevant to the learner’s levels.
In the age of AI, the classroom environment is also greatly enhanced and expanded to outside the classroom by several technological tools.
The PTC Thirtieth-Anniversary Open Forum will be a chance for us - Vietnamese teachers of English – to share our experience in enhancing the learner’s learning outcomes with technological support and an effective language-rich environment.
Various output-based activities, tasks and techniques – whether traditional or with cutting-edge technology – will be recommended by the Forum speakers, who are experienced and knowledgeable researchers, managers and classroom teachers from various language-education institutions in Phu Yen, HCMC, Can Tho, and Khanh Hoa.
Forum sessions
Plenary sessions
Phiên trình bày toàn thể
Plenary 1
AI - A Teacher's Best Friend Forever
Le Dinh Bao Quoc, EdD (Pro.Ed Education Solutions, HCMC)
Plenary 2
Practical Tips for Using AI in Creating Teaching Content
Huynh T Ai Nguyen, PhD (VUS, HCMC)
Management Forum
Diễn đàn Giám đốc các trung tâm
“Success in Developing Language Centers”
Dr. Ha Van Sinh (Chair) & Directors from Language/ English centers
Parrallel sessions
Phiên trình bày song song
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Embracing Inclusivity: Differentiated Instruction in EFL Grammar Teaching for YLE
Huynh Thi Thanh Truc, MA-TESOL (Resolist Academy, HCMC)
& Nguyen Minh Quan (HCMC Open University)
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Enhancing Classroom Engagement with Canva
Tran T Ngoc Chau, MA-TESOL (SEAMEO RETRAC, HCMC)
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Incorporating Technology And Multiple Intelligences-Based Classroom Activities To Promote EFL Students’ Learning Experience
Chau Van Don, PhD (Phu Yen University) &
Nguyen Viet Trinh (New World English Center, Tuy Hoa)
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Expanding EFL learning opportunities via Blended Learning ‘prior tasks’ – Rising to the challenge
Ha Van Sinh, EdD (PTC)
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Use of multiple AI-powered tools for practical activities boosting the learner’s language skills and learning outcomes
Nguyen Hong Nhat Huy (PTC)
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Enhancing Student Engagement and Comprehension: A Focus on White Space for Learning
Nguyen T. Thanh Tran (PTC)
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Fostering students’ engagement in the blended learning environment with EdPuzzle
Nguyen T Hoai Trang, MA-TESOL (PTC)
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Inquiry-Based Learning: Cultivating Curiosity and Deepening Understanding of students
Nguyen T My Hanh (PTC)
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From Pictures To Texts – Developing the Learner’s Writing Skills
Dinh V An (PTC)
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Classroom Application of AI-Driven Tools to Enhance Learner Engagement
Ng T Tra Giang (PTC)
Forum Agenda
OUR SPEAKERS' ABSTRACT & BIO
Plenary 1
AI - A Teacher's Best Friend Forever
Le Dinh Bao Quoc, with a Doctorate in Education, boasts 20+ years in ELT. He founded Pro.Ed Education Solutions, offering school consultancies. Author of "The Art and Science of ChatGPT in Education," he highlights EdTech's role in enriching teaching, learning, and educational practices. Research spans EdTech's impact, teacher growth, and educational management. Dr. Quoc is acknowledged by LinkedIn as a Top Educational Leadership Voice in 2024.
In the fast-paced world of education, artificial intelligence (AI) offers immersive learning opportunities and valuable support for both teachers and students. In order to successfully incorporate AI into their teaching practices, educators must be open to innovation, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning. They also need to develop the necessary skills and tools to effectively navigate AI technologies. This presentation highlights the importance of teachers embracing AI and incorporating it into their teaching practices to enhance educational outcomes. Adopting the essential mindset, toolset, and skillset needed to utilize AI effectively, teachers can transform AI into their best friend forever (BFF) alongside them in their teaching journey.
Plenary 2
Practical Tips for Using AI in Creating Teaching Content
Huynh Thi Ai Nguyen, Curriculum Development Director, VUS.
Going up the hill of career as a teacher, Nguyen is herself travelling on the side of the hill as an educator in the role of a curriculum developer. She was a high school teacher for the gifted, then continued to work in a university for over ten years in teaching and management positions. Driven by her core value of life-long learning, she has always found a lot to learn along the way. With the development of technology and especially AI, she recognized the immense potential these tools have in transforming education. This passion for continuous improvement and innovation has led her to present on the topic of using AI in teaching, sharing her insights and experiences with fellow educators.
In this presentation, "Practical Tips for Using AI in Creating Teaching Content," Nguyen will share valuable insights and practical strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the development of educational materials. This session is designed for educators looking to integrate AI into their teaching practice to streamline the creation of texts, questions, lesson plans, and PowerPoint presentations. Nguyen will introduce a range of AI tools and demonstrate their application in the educational context. Participants will learn how to use AI to generate high-quality content quickly, tailor lesson plans to meet diverse student needs, and create engaging and interactive presentations. By the end of the session, educators will have a toolkit of AI resources and practical tips to enhance their teaching content, ultimately improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
Differentiated Instruction is crucial for teaching grammar to Young Learners of English (YLE) in EFL classrooms, as it fosters an inclusive environment. This approach raises critical questions about how educators can tailor instruction to accommodate individual linguistic skills, cultural contexts, and learning preferences in grammar teaching. What strategies can they use to ensure inclusivity and active student participation, creating a classroom where every learner feels valued and supported? This presentation emphasizes the importance of implementing differentiated instruction, empowering educators to adapt their methods and materials to meet each student's unique needs. By adopting this approach, teachers can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that leverages students' diverse strengths and addresses their challenges, enhancing engagement and fostering a sense of belonging and equity. Attendees, primarily teachers, will participate in a hands-on practical exercise during the conference. They will collaborate to design tailored grammar lessons that meet the varied needs of young EFL learners. This interactive session aims to provide concrete examples and strategies that teachers can implement to promote inclusivity and support the success of all students.
Workshop 1
Embracing Inclusivity: Differentiated Instruction in EFL Grammar Teaching for YLE
Truc Huynh Thi Thanh – Training Director, Resolist Academy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Huynh Thi Thanh Truc, an experienced EFL educator and certified TESOL trainer accredited by Intesol Worldwide, holds three Bachelor's degrees and a Master's in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. As the Training Director at Resolist Academy, she leads teacher training, professional development initiatives, workshops, webinars, TESOL courses, and Cambridge Teaching Training to enhance educational quality.
Quan Nguyen Minh - Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Mr. Quan Nguyen Minh is currently a visiting lecturer of English at Ho Chi Minh City Open University and is about to take the Master's Degree in TESOL and Applied Linguistics this August. With 11+ years of experience as an EFL teacher, he has taught various levels of students and helped many achieve their desired certificates, such as KET, PET, TOEIC, and IELTS. He also led two workshops regarding learning English and the components of TOEIC.
Workshop 2
Use of Multiple AI-powered Tools for Practical Activities Boosting the Learner’s Language Skills and Learning Outcomes
Nguyen Hong Nhat Huy
Having been a member of PTC for around 22 years, I thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the opportunity of working in a highly professional environment and the culture of collaboration and support that PTC has offered. This environment has instilled a sense of belonging and support, and encourages teachers’ collaboration to develop and sharing experiences and resources to spark creativity and innovation in teaching. This is why I am eager to share my hands-on experiences and ideas in appying a multi-technological approach to enhance my students’ learning outcomes at PTC, ensuring that every learner's learning styles and abilities are catered to
The emergence of AI-powered tools offers exciting ways for teachers to make foreign language learning more engaging and effective for our students. I have been trying to leverage AI-powered tools and a multi-tech approach, and in this workshop, I will showcase my experience in boosting student engagement, personalized feedback, and learners’ learning outcomes. Let’s explore how AI-powered technology tools (e.g. Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text, MindMap) can be used to create learning materials for integrated skill activities, facilitate interactive vocabulary learning, and foster speaking and writing practice through idea generation and thought structuring. Additionally, I have tried utilizing AI to provide personalized, engaging corrective feedback and promote paraphrasing skills, which are crucial for all language domains.
Technology can provide EFL students with the effective tools through which they may demonstrate and present their commands of the language skills. (Katya Arpon, USA, Montana ESOL Conference, 2009). In general, technology has strong impact on nearly every aspect education, particularly English language teaching and learning. Therefore, when technology is integrated in the classroom activities, opportunities for interaction, engagement and collaboration among students will be enhanced. This workshop mentions, discusses and demonstrates the impact of digital or technological interaction on the students’ multiple intelligences as depicted in Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. It is obvious when technology is incorporated into the curriculum, learning improvements will be significantly achieved. Our research have found that EFL students tend to learn better with technology as it taps into many of their intelligences. Learning outcomes of the workshop: Participants will be able to: 1. Discuss some key issues regarding incorporating multiple intelligences-based classroom activities and technology to promote EFL students’ learning experience. 2. Analyze the components of technologically integrated MI-based classroom activities and identify strategies to support student participation in MI-based teaching and learning environments 3. Design MI-based classroom activities integrated with technology
Workshop 3
Incorporating Technology and Multiple Intelligences-Based Classroom Activities to Promote EFL Students’ Learning Experience
Chau Van Don, PhD (Phu Yen University)
Don is Senior Lecturer in English Language Teaching Methodology at Phu Yen University. He has been teaching English Language Teaching Methodology and English Language Skills Development for the students at Phu Yen University since 1990. He was a Fulbright Exchange Scholar at the State University of New York at Albany (2010-2011). His main interest is to apply Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences in teaching English as a Foreign Language in Vietnam.
Nguyen Viet Trinh (New World English Center, Tuy Hoa)
Trinh is currently an MA student at Quy Nhon University, specializing in TESOL. He has had 4 years of teaching EFL at New World English Center in Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen province. His main interest is to apply Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences in teaching English as a Foreign Language for upper high-school students in Vietnam.
Workshop 4
Expanding EFL Learning Opportunities via Blended Learning ‘Prior Tasks’ –
Rising to the Challenge
Dr Ha Van Sinh completed his MA-TESOL study (University of South Australia) in 1997 and has been widely engaged in EFL teacher-training since then. More opportunities to work with EFL teachers of different levels, regions, sectors (public/private), projects have been offered since he finished the Doctor of Education study (La Trobe University, Australia) in 2003, specializing in language-teacher education and his research in language teacher education in America (University of Pennsylvania, USA, 2006-7). He is currently Director of PTC Language Center (Nha Trang), much interested and involved in the training of EFL classroom teachers’ competences.
One of the Blended Learning (BL) modes that has been applied to maximise the learners’ exposure to the English environment is “combines a face-to-face classroom component with an appropriate use of technology” (Sharma and Barrett, 2007: 7). The integration of “prior tasks” has been an effective strategy to connect relevant online materials and classroom activities, providing learners with a further 30% access to English. These ‘prior tasks”, different from the usual textbook-based homework, provide a web-link to give the learner access to certain online listening or/and reading materials asking them to listen to or/and read in order to complete a task which could be as used as a class lead-in or a pre-activity. This is a strategy of using online tools to support and extend face-to-face lessons in a face-to-face language learning course as categorised by Dudeney and Hockly (2007: 138-139). This workshop will show how such prior tasks are integrated into the syllabus via workshop participants’ engagement in a sample task, followed by a discussion of what online materials are relevant and what challenges EFL classroom teachers need to rise to.
Blended Learning (BL) combines face-to-face and technology-based instructions to create a variety of learning environments to enhance student learning. A common practice of BL is providing students with pre-class videos to learn content materials prior to learning activities in class. Videos are considered an essential part of blended learning programs since they can increase learner involvement and participation, encourage learners to take ownership of their learning, and provide a simpler and more hands-on learning experience in a cost-effective way (Kucsera and Kishi, 2010; Chang, Yang and Wu, 2011; Pang, 2011; Smyth, 2011). This presentation provides a description of the fundamental features of EDPUZZLE, an intuitive online video editing platform and efficient formative assessment tool allowing teachers to engage students with interactive videos, followed by the demonstration of its implementation in the blended learning context at PTC and the evaluation from the personal perspectives of the presenter. It is observed that with well-instructed video lessons, EDPUZZLE can substantially improve learners’ engagement and foster a sense of autonomy in the blended learning context.
Workshop 5
Fostering Students’ Engagement in the Blended Learning Environment with EdPuzzle
Nguyen Thi Hoai Trang holds an MA in Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching from Hue University of Foreign Languages. She has 20 years of experience teaching English at PTC Language Center, where she has worked with various teaching programs. Ms. Hoai Trang is dedicated to a student-centered approach, focusing on creating a supportive classroom environment that encourages students to explore diverse perspectives, express themselves confidently, and become independent users of the English language. She is a strong advocate for lifelong learning, actively seeking innovative teaching methods and eager to share best practices with her colleagues.
Workshop 6
Inquiry-Based Learning: Cultivating Curiosity and Deepening Understanding of students
Ms. Nguyen T. My Hanh brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation to her English teaching. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in English from Nha Trang University, she has dedicated 9 years to helping students of all ages excel in the language. Ms. Hanh is driven by a desire to make English learning engaging and effective. She believes in the power of creative lesson plans that go beyond traditional textbooks, and she's adept at utilizing innovative teaching methods aligned with 21st-century pedagogy. Her ultimate goal is to empower her students to achieve strong learning outcomes and develop a lifelong love of the English language.
Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is viewed as an approach to solving problems and involves the application of several problem solving skills (Pedaste & Sarapuu, 2006). It emphasizes active participation and learner's responsibility for discovering knowledge that is new to the learner (de Jong & van Joolingen, 1998). This workshop demonstrates how IBL can be applicable in an EFL classroom, enabling the learner to shift their passive knowledge acquisition to exploration and investigation. This workshop also visualises the IBL stages and the teacher's role in facilitating student questioning and critical thinking skills during a class activity. It will then address the benefits and challenges associated with this approach, concluding with its potential to enhance student engagement, deepen their understanding, and empower their lifelong learning.
Workshop 7
Enhancing Student Engagement and Comprehension: A Focus on White Space for Learning
Ms. Nguyen T. Thanh Tran has over 6 years of experience teaching English as a Second Language. She is an English teacher at PTC Language Center, dedicated to creating comprehensive and dynamic learning experiences for her students. Passionate about innovative teaching methods, Ms. Tran constantly seeks new ways to engage her students and make learning more effective.
The concept of White Space for Learning (WSL) emphasizes deliberately building and designing space within learning activities to allow learners to think, imagine, and shape their own ideas and learning (Hall and Leskelä, 2017). This workshop focuses on the practical application of WSL principles, particularly the incorporation of structured reflection intervals in the learning environment. By creating conducive periods and physical spaces for deep thinking, reflection, and information processing, alongside opportunities for exploration and active engagement, WSL facilitates numerous benefits, including heightened engagement, deeper comprehension, and personalized development.
Workshop 8 & 12
Management Forum
Diễn đàn Giám đốc các trung tâm, chia sẻ kinh nghiệm phát triển trung tâm
Ngôn ngữ: tiếng Việt
Bên cạnh các phiên báo cáo về giảng dạy sẽ có 1 phiên song song từ 9:45 đến 11:00 dành riêng cho các giám đốc trung tâm, cơ hội cho chúng ta chia sẻ về: (1) mô hình phát triển thành công của trung tâm mình, (2) những thách thức đang vượt qua. Hy vọng đây sẽ là cơ hội hiếm có mà chúng ta có thể tạo ra được để học hỏi cùng nhau. Mỗi GĐ trung tâm sẽ có 10 phút trình bày mô hình và chia sẻ thách thức của trung tâm.
In today's digital age, integrating technology into the classroom is essential for enhancing student engagement and facilitating dynamic learning experiences. This 30-minute workshop, "Enhancing Classroom Engagement with Canva," is designed for educators who seek to leverage Canva's powerful design tools to create visually appealing and interactive teaching materials. With 10 years of experience in the education sector, I will share participants through the basics of Canva, demonstrating how to design compelling presentations, infographics, and classroom resources that capture students' attention and improve retention of information. The workshop will cover essential features of Canva, including templates, graphics, and collaboration tools, enabling teachers to produce professional-quality visuals with ease. Attendees will learn practical tips for incorporating Canva into lesson plans, assignments, and projects, making content more accessible and engaging for diverse learners. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped with the skills to enhance their teaching strategies, foster creativity, and create a more interactive classroom environment. Join us to discover how Canva can transform your teaching practices and elevate your students' learning experiences.
Workshop 9
Enhancing Classroom Engagement with Canva
Tran T Ngoc Chau, a dedicated and experienced educator, holds a Master’s degree in TESOL in Ho Chi Minh Open University. With 10 years of experience teaching English to learners of all ages, from young children to adults, she has honed her skills in language instruction and curriculum development. Chau's research interests include creativity, social-emotional learning, and self-directed learning, which she integrates into her teaching practices to foster a holistic and engaging learning environment. Passionate about enhancing student outcomes and promoting innovative educational methods, Chau is committed to creating supportive and dynamic classroom experiences.
Workshop 10
From Pictures to Texts – Developing the Learner’s Writing Skills
Mr. Đinh Văn An holds a BA in English Teacher Education from Phu Yen University. Working as an English teacher for around 5 years, he is experienced in working with various levels of students from young to adult learners. Moreover, he has also been a presenter at several PTC workshops and PTC Open Forums. He is passionate about exploring innovative approaches to language teaching. He is particularly interested in the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance student learning outcomes and personalize the educational experience.
Preparing for EFL writing tasks can be extremely challenging for learners with insufficient background knowledge or language skills. To improve their writing skills, EFL teachers have to design various activities, of which the use of pictures throughout a pre-writing activity is obviously efficient when useful vocabulary, idioms, and sentence structures are contextually provided and will be utilised for the writing task. In this workshop, I would like to demonstrate how pictures or images can be served as prompts and sequenced ideas for the writing task. Furthermore, vocabulary and grammar can also developed while their critical thinking skills are triggered by the pictoral illustrations. Pictures, when appropriately used, can improve their descriptive and narrative writing skills and allow the teacher to develop not only a wide variety of tasks but also a sequence of tasks.
Workshop 11
Classroom Application of AI-Driven Tools to Enhance Learner Engagement
Nguyen Thi Tra Giang holds a BA in English from Phu Yen University and has been involved in English language teaching for ten years. She is experienced in working with various levels of students from young learners to adults. Besides, she has also been a presenter at many PTC workshops. She is interested in improving teaching quality and creating a friendly and lively learning environment and developing students' language skills as well as knowledge systems.
AI-driven tools can be applied in EFL classes to enhance the learner’s learning outcomes. By incorporating AI technology, teachers can personalize the learning experience for each of the students, tailor it to their unique needs, abilities and hobbies and thus engage them in the lesson. This workshop demonstrates several applications of AI for enhancement of learner engagement such as AI chatbots for interactive learning, AI-integrated Padlet, Zoom, and Zalo for peer feedback (comparing and contrasting answers or giving instant feedback). By combining these approaches into their teaching strategies, teachers can create an engaging learning environment to help students succeed in the classroom and improve their learning outcomes.