Improving learner engagement in English teaching

Improving learner engagement in English teaching

RMIT Vietnam recently organised its annual Teacher Talks, a professional development series for the English-teaching community in Vietnam, in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.

This year’s series of workshops was themed Learner Engagement: Inspire, Motivate, Stimulate. English teaching professionals attending the workshops were presented with a range of tried and tested ideas to ignite active participation in learners in a way that promotes deeper engagement with themes and topics.

 

Teachers gained insight in how to use low-tech games in language classes.Teachers gained insight in how to use low-tech games in language classes.

RMIT Vietnam Director of the School of English & University Pathways Jake Heinrich emphasised the significance of students being active in learning languages, as well as the importance of creating remarkable study experiences for them. 

“Learner Engagement is an area that is pivotal to the achievement of the goals of all language learners,” Mr Heinrich said.

“English language teaching has for many years entertained a range of means by which to learn and teach, with the common thread being an 'active learner'. This is done through the provision of activities, content, inspiration and direction to a language class that engages learners.”

Daniel Holt, an RMIT English Educator and also a presenter at Teacher Talks 2019, said: “As teachers, we always hope that our lessons are meaningful enough to students that they leave the classroom with the intention of continuing to work independently.”

Participants practicing in the session of extensive listening to teach suprasegmental features of pronunciation.Participants practicing in the session of extensive listening to teach suprasegmental features of pronunciation.

Participants took home a wide range of tools which they can apply immediately to their contexts. The tools are intended to give learners and teachers opportunities to solidify learning, construct frameworks for communication, and push students towards communicative competence.

Participants took home many new ideas and skills to apply in their classrooms.Participants took home many new ideas and skills to apply in their classrooms.

For example, local language educators gained insight into how to apply technology-based games and activities such as Beat the Buzzer or Pass the Paper, and how to creatively use flashcards to ignite active participation in teens.

Ms Nguyen Thu Ha, an English teacher from Hung Yen Gifted High School shared her thoughts after attending two workshops in Hanoi.

“One of the teaching methods that I am definitely going to apply is teaching with visual aids,” Ms Nguyen said.

“Well-prepared materials developed by teachers will enable students to become active learners, and have exciting and memorable learning experiences.”

Teacher Talks 2019 attracted 250 local teachers from across Vietnam.Teacher Talks 2019 attracted 250 local teachers from across Vietnam.

“Our aim is to expand the capacity of English teaching in Vietnam,” concluded Mr Heinrich.

“I’m very proud that this year’s Teacher Talks has contributed to the professional development of hundreds of teachers across the country.”

Story: Van Doan

  • Community
  • Languages
09 April 2019

Share

Engage

Related news

hossein-davarin-school-of-english-university-pathways-rmit-vietnam-matthew-lampkin-english-language-learning-pearson.jpg

RMIT Vietnam and Pearson partner to strengthen English language education in Vietnam
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 31 Aug 2026

The partnership will explore collaboration in teacher development, English language assessment, digital education and a potential Centre of Excellence.

Instagram and Facebook app icons

Meta acts on teen safety, but questions remain
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 28 Aug 2026

Meta's new restrictions for teenage users in the US are a welcome step, but the debate should move beyond screen-time limits and towards the role platforms play in shaping online behaviour.

Medical professional holding a thumb up

Social media: a “community vaccine” against health misinformation?
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 27 Aug 2026

When young people discuss health topics together in a social media group, they are not just seeking information – they are building collective immunity against the wave of health misinformation.

Professor Scott speaking at a lectern

New English program deepens Australia-Vietnam defence partnership
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 05 Aug 2026

A new English training program for 90 Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) personnel has launched in Khanh Hoa, strengthening long-standing Australia-Vietnam cooperation in defence and education.

Load more +