This development comes in the backdrop of a burgeoning English language teaching market in Vietnam.
This development comes in the backdrop of a burgeoning English language teaching market in Vietnam.
The Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam has recently mandated a comprehensive training program for foreign nationals employed as English language teachers at various language centers across the country.
Spearheaded by Vu Minh Duc, the head of the Teacher and Education Management Officials Department under the Ministry, the initiative was launched last month with the primary objective of elevating the pedagogical standards of language instruction.
Broad spectrum
The directive targets a broad spectrum of educators, encompassing native English speakers, foreigners possessing an associate degree in English, or those with an associate degree supplemented by a foreign language proficiency certificate of level 5 or higher. This level aligns with the C1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, a widely recognized benchmark for language proficiency.
Comprising 11 distinct topics, the training spans 160 periods, each lasting 45 minutes. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to address various facets integral to the teaching profession in Vietnam. It includes foundational knowledge about Vietnamese culture and the education system, along with pertinent regulations governing teaching and learning in the country.
Additionally, the program encompasses modern English language teaching methodologies, tailored approaches for instructing Vietnamese children and adolescents, assessment techniques, and the integration of information technology in developing English language teaching resources.
Mixed reactions
The introduction of this program has generated a mix of reactions among language centers that employ foreign teachers. There is prevailing confusion regarding the applicability of this program to their current teaching staff, especially concerning those who already possess international English teaching certifications like TESOL. The Ministry’s document does not explicitly address these scenarios, leading to uncertainties.
Addressing these concerns, Vu Minh Duc clarified that the program is specifically designed for individuals with English language proficiency but lacking formal pedagogical training. He emphasized that foreign teachers who already hold recognized English teaching certificates and meet language proficiency requirements are not compelled to undergo this new training.
Recognized certifications in Vietnam include TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, among others, as per the International Cooperation Department of the ministry. Furthermore, the Ministry has granted autonomy to universities with pedagogy departments to devise and deliver this training program, either online or in-person. These institutions are obligated to ensure that their facilities, faculty, materials, and teaching methodologies adhere to specific standards, subject to the Ministry’s oversight for quality assurance and evaluation.
Several universities have already initiated the enrolment process for this program. The University of Foreign Languages, Hue University, for instance, is offering the course with a tuition fee ranging between VND 17.9 million and VND 19.9 million (approximately $724-809) per participant.
Burgeoning market
This development comes in the backdrop of a burgeoning English language teaching market in Vietnam. Statistics from 2019 indicated the presence of around 4,000 foreign language centers in the country, predominantly concentrated in major urban areas like Hanoi, which alone hosts about 750 centers. Many of these establishments promote the exclusive use of foreign teachers in their marketing strategies.
While existing regulations permit foreigners to obtain work permits for teaching English in Vietnam provided they possess appropriate teaching qualifications or a relevant degree coupled with a recognized English teaching certificate, the reality often diverges. There is a noticeable trend of language centers hiring foreign nationals without these certifications for part-time teaching roles, driven by the demand for native speakers. This practice has raised concerns about the overall quality of English language education being imparted.
The Ministry’s recent initiative is a strategic step towards standardizing and elevating the quality of English language education in Vietnam. By ensuring that foreign teachers are not only proficient in the language but also well-versed in effective teaching methodologies and familiar with the Vietnamese educational context, the Ministry aims to foster a more robust and effective language learning environment. This move not only addresses the immediate need for quality assurance but also reflects a long-term commitment to educational excellence in Vietnam.
