WORKSHOP
Workshop Reflection
As part of our practicum, our group had a precious opportunity to present at a workshop on April 13th, themed “From English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to English as a Second Language (ESL) at Vietnamese educational institutions.” Participants included lecturers and MA postgraduates from the Faculty of English Linguistics and Literature (EF) at USSH - VNUHCM, as well as lecturers from the Naval Academy and the Telecommunications University.
Our group was the first to present, sharing the study entitled “High school teachers’ and students’ perceptions of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in STEM.” Although conducted within a limited timeframe, the study aimed to provide an overview of Project-Based Learning (PBL), its current implementation in Vietnamese high schools, participants’ perceptions, and the benefits and challenges associated with its practice. The presentation was well-received and generated active engagement and constructive comments from the audience.
The Q&A session was professional, open, and thought-provoking. Valuable feedback was offered by Dr. Nguyen Dang Nguyen, Dean of the EF, whose comments prompted us to critically reflect on whether the implementation at the research site fully aligned with the core principles of PBL.
We also had an in-depth discussion with Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Thi Thuy Duong, Deputy Head of the Basic Sciences Department at the Telecommunications University, regarding assessment rubrics, contextual constraints, and the practicality of PBL in test-oriented educational settings like high schools. She also expressed her intention to implement PBL within her faculty, which affirmed the relevance and potential impact of our topic.
Upon completion of the workshop, certificates were awarded to us in recognition of our preparation and contribution, jointly acknowledged by the EF and the Naval Academy. Our supervisor, Dr. Tran Thi Minh Phuong, also praised our efforts and encouraged us to further develop the research and discussed the potential application of PBL in military educational contexts.
The success of the workshop was the result of consistent and intensive collaboration among our group members. Group meetings were conducted regularly, in the morning, afternoon, evening, and even late at night. Although only two members delivered the presentation, all members worked collaboratively and contributed substantially to the preparation process. Together, we prepared meticulously for the workshop by reviewing and synthesizing relevant literature, designing research instruments, organizing data, structuring the presentation content, and designing visually appealing slides. We also anticipated potential questions, provided peer feedback, and rehearsed key parts to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.
We sincerely thank the respective lecturers from the EF, the Naval Academy, and the Telecommunications University, our supportive MA classmates, the participating teachers and students at the research site, and ourselves for the collective effort that made the workshop successful, meaningful, and memorable.
 |  |  |  |
|---|
Overall, this workshop was a significant academic milestone. It bridged theory and practice, strengthened our professional competence, fostered collaboration and critical inquiry, and inspired us to reflect more deeply on our future roles as reflective, responsible, and innovative educators.
The workshop roles and responsibilities checklist
