The Contributions of Teacher Humor in EFL Classes in Vietnam: University Students’ Perspectives

According to several studies on English teaching and learning, English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers tend to avoid humor in their classrooms. However, many studies have shown that teachers’ sense of humor plays an essential role in EFL students’ learning process. Therefore, this study utilizing a mixed-method design was conducted to determine students’ perceptions of the impact of teachers’ humor (TH) on their learning. Data were collected through a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale comprising twenty-one items and semi-structured interviews. The study involved 158 university students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Quantitative data from the questionnaire were analyzed by using SPSS 20.0, and data from the interviews were analyzed according to themes. The survey results revealed that the students showed positive attitudes toward the effects of TH in EFL classrooms, especially reducing boredom (M=4.59), strengthening teacher-student rapport (M=4.53), decreasing sleepiness (M=4.47), promoting students’ cheerfulness (M=4.47), increasing students’ consciousness (M=4.46), and solving conflicts in classrooms (M=4.42). Additionally, non-majored students were appreciated for TH more than their counterparts. Moreover, students’ perceptions positively correlated with their gender. The interviews also showed that cultural factors affected the effectiveness of TH in EFL classes. EFL teachers are encouraged to use TH in their classes in order to foster its benefits. However, careful consideration should be taken before using TH in teaching different students with different learning styles or characteristics

University Students’ Preferable Types of Teacher Humor in English Classes

The current study aimed to explore what types of teacher humor EFL students prefer in their classes. The study was designed as a mixed-method approach, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect data in two different Vietnamese universities. One hundred fifty-eight university students responded to the survey, and eight out of them were recruited as the participants for the interviews. The study results revealed that the types of jokes (M=4.41), riddles (M=4.08), and language play (M=4.15) were most favored. Besides, the participants' demographic information, including their gender and majors, affected their preferable types of teacher humor. Specifically, males showed more positive attitudes towards teacher humor than their counterparts. In terms of students’ majors, there were differences between non-English majors and English-majored students’ perceptions of irony, teasing, language play, visual and physical humor. Regarding the students’ positive attitudes towards teacher humor, EFL teachers should learn more about valuable strategies for using teacher humor in their classes due to the fact that they do not need to have a sense of humor to use it effectively

The Contributions of Teacher Humor in EFL Classes in Vietnam: University Students’ Perspectives

According to several studies on English teaching and learning, English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers tend to avoid humor in their classrooms. However, many studies have shown that teachers’ sense of humor plays an essential role in EFL students’ learning process. Therefore, this study utilizing a mixed-method design was conducted to determine students’ perceptions of the impact of teachers’ humor (TH) on their learning. Data were collected through a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale comprising twenty-one items and semi-structured interviews. The study involved 158 university students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Quantitative data from the questionnaire were analyzed by using SPSS 20.0, and data from the interviews were analyzed according to themes. The survey results revealed that the students showed positive attitudes toward the effects of TH in EFL classrooms, especially reducing boredom (M=4.59), strengthening teacher-student rapport (M=4.53), decreasing sleepiness (M=4.47), promoting students’ cheerfulness (M=4.47), increasing students’ consciousness (M=4.46), and solving conflicts in classrooms (M=4.42). Additionally, non-majored students were appreciated for TH more than their counterparts. Moreover, students’ perceptions positively correlated with their gender. The interviews also showed that cultural factors affected the effectiveness of TH in EFL classes. EFL teachers are encouraged to use TH in their classes in order to foster its benefits. However, careful consideration should be taken before using TH in teaching different students with different learning styles or characteristics

In-action reflective teaching in Vietnam: A qualitative exploration of practices, influences and implications

Reflective teaching plays a crucial role in the field of education though its intricacies in particular cultural contexts like Vietnam are still little understood. This study aims to investigate reflective teaching practices in more detail within the context of Vietnamese education.  This study used a qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews with twelve Vietnamese teachers, each representing a different stage of their careers to shed light on the many forms of in-action reflective practices and their implementation, benefits, drawbacks and even cultural influences. The results of this in-depth investigation provided an overview of the wide range of in-action reflective practices that are actively used in the classroom.  The enhancement of adaptive teaching methodologies and the bolstering of student engagement are prominent among the many advantages that were noted.  Teaching in the Vietnamese context also presents unique challenges. Teachers often struggle with the demands of multitasking, the complexities of navigating uncertainties in real-time classroom scenarios   and the predominant challenge of managing large class sizes. Moreover, it was surprising to learn how many Vietnamese cultural, social   and educational factors influenced teacher understanding and use of in-action reflection.  The understanding of reflective teaching practices is enhanced by the research findings which also have broad implications for areas such as instructional strategies, teacher preparation programmes, academic research perspectives and even the development of educational policies.  The study strongly emphasizes the pressing need for more context-specific investigations into reflective teaching and underscores the indispensable role of reflection in fostering an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning

Multi-faceted identities of teacher assessors: A qualitative study in the Vietnamese educational context

Within the educational landscape of Vietnam, the professional identity of teachers when acting as assessors remains a comparatively uncharted domain and requires further explorations. Consequently, this qualitative investigation was initiated to delve deeper into the intricate identities Vietnamese teachers adopt in their capacities as assessors. Relying upon frameworks such as Constructivist Grounded Theory and Identity Theory, the study meticulously analyzed self-reported narratives from 15 tertiary lecturers based in Vietnam. Through this rigorous analysis, a spectrum of fifteen distinct identities was uncovered. These identities included “Gatekeepers of Knowledge and Competency”, “Nurturers”, “Diplomatists”, “Auditors”, “Confusian Sages”, “Innovators”, “Social Justice Advocators”, “Cultural Mediators”, “Emotional Anchors”, “Scalfolders”, “Technological Navigators”, “Lifelong Learners”, “Community Builders”, “Ethical Guardians”, and “Democratic Facilitators.” Intriguingly, these identities were not merely seen as additional layers to their professional duties; instead, they emerged as foundational components of teachers’ professional self-image. The forces molding these roles are diverse, encompassing deep-seated cultural values, prevailing educational paradigms, and personal lived experiences of educators. Unraveling these identities offers consequential implications for the broader educational sector. It underscores the imperative to holistically re-envision teacher training programs and assessment design, ensuring they resonate with the multifaceted roles educators play in steering both academic achievements and wider societal outcomes

Challenges of Implementing Outcome-Based Assessment in Vietnamese Higher Education – A Qualitative Inquiry

This qualitative study investigates the key challenges faced by university lecturers in implementing outcome-based assessments (OBA) in higher education institutions in Vietnam, a country currently undergoing significant educational transformation. Utilizing a qualitative research design, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 lecturers from diverse academic fields in a institution. The data were thematically coded and interpreted through the lenses of Constructivism, Institutional Theory, and Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Nine major challenges emerged from the findings, including pedagogical hurdles, lack of training and resources, institutional constraints, and technological limitations. These challenges are contextualized within the existing theoretical frameworks and related literature. The study offers critical insights that are deeply rooted in cultural, institutional, and structural variables. These findings are pertinent for educators, administrators, and policymakers in Vietnam and potentially for those in similar educational settings, and they hold broader implications for professional development, institutional policies, technological infrastructure, and cultural shifts within the educational landscape

Vietnamese Teachers’ Perspectives of the Impact of Reflection-on-action Teaching on Educational Quality: A Grounded Theory Study

In the midst of Vietnam’s surge towards English bilingualism and traditional teacher-centric methodologies, the uncharted territory of on-action reflective teaching among English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers emerges as a potential avenue for enhancing pedagogical efficacy and holistic student development. This study delves into the qualitative examination of on-action reflective teaching among EFL teachers in Vietnam, a vital element of professional teaching that has not been adequately explored within the Vietnamese setting. The study is anchored on the model of reflective practice and the ecological systems theory, probing into the manner in which teachers involve themselves in on-action reflection and its subsequent impact on the caliber of teaching and learning. The data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews with 15 teachers who teach English across various academic levels. The thematic analysis showed that the teachers participated in both individual and cooperative reflection. It was discovered that the ramifications of reflective teaching go beyond merely improving teaching efficacy to encouraging professional advancement, cultivating a culture of constant enhancement, and bolstering ethical teaching practices. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating reflective practices into teacher professional development, nurturing a reflective atmosphere within schools, and establishing supportive policy structures. While the research provides valuable perspectives on reflective teaching in Vietnam, it also highlights areas requiring further exploration, such as extending the research to rural scenarios and utilizing diverse data gathering techniques

University Students’ Preferable Types of Teacher Humor in English Classes

The current study aimed to explore what types of teacher humor EFL students prefer in their classes. The study was designed as a mixed-method approach, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect data in two different Vietnamese universities. One hundred fifty-eight university students responded to the survey, and eight out of them were recruited as the participants for the interviews. The study results revealed that the types of jokes (M=4.41), riddles (M=4.08), and language play (M=4.15) were most favored. Besides, the participants' demographic information, including their gender and majors, affected their preferable types of teacher humor. Specifically, males showed more positive attitudes towards teacher humor than their counterparts. In terms of students’ majors, there were differences between non-English majors and English-majored students’ perceptions of irony, teasing, language play, visual and physical humor. Regarding the students’ positive attitudes towards teacher humor, EFL teachers should learn more about valuable strategies for using teacher humor in their classes due to the fact that they do not need to have a sense of humor to use it effectively

Intersecting Traditions and Modernity: Perceptions of Quality Assurance in Outcome-Based Education among Vietnamese University Lecturers

In the continuously evolving landscape of global education, the role of Quality Assurance (QA) in fortifying and maintaining the relevance of teaching and learning processes has grown ever more critical. In this context, Vietnam—a country delicately balancing its rich traditions with a strong push towards modern educational paradigms—offers a unique vantage point. The primary aim of this study was to delve deep into Vietnamese university lecturers’ perceptions regarding the intersection of QA and Outcome-Based Education (OBE), particularly focusing on its ramifications on their academic practices. Adopting a qualitative methodology, we engaged with ten lecturers from two distinct universities in the Mekong Delta. Through semi-structured interviews, participants shared their narratives, which were subsequently analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. This analysis was enriched and contextualized through the lens of established theoretical frameworks. The emergent themes painted a multifaceted picture. While recognizing the transformative potential that QA can bring within the OBE framework, lecturers often found themselves grappling with the challenges of seamlessly integrating traditional teaching methodologies with the demands of OBE. Adding to this complexity were concerns about the potential erosion of the ‘human touch’ in teaching as technological interventions become more pervasive in QA processes. Another intriguing dimension was the interplay of deeply rooted Vietnamese cultural norms with contemporary QA practices, serving at times as barriers while at others as catalysts for innovation. The revelations from this study underscore the imperative for establishing culturally resonant QA systems, crafting comprehensive and contextual training modules, and ensuring a judicious blend of technology and traditional pedagogical practices. While resonating with universal themes in education, the findings also spotlight the nuances specific to Vietnam’s academic landscape, making a case for contextually tailored educational interventions

An insight into reflective teaching levels of Vietnamese EFL teachers in a premier language center

AbstractThe purpose of this inquiry was to examine the degrees of reflective teaching (RT) amongst English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers working at a private language center in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, and to provide suggestions for its successful implementation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating a quantitative survey and a qualitative interview. The results evinced that although the majority of participants perceived themselves as being involved in RT practices, their self-reported levels did not consistently correlate with their actual practices. Most teachers were categorized as contextual levels, with only a minor number attaining the dialectical level. In the meantime, a few teachers were classified under the technical level. Demographic information had an insignificant impact. The results imply that supplementary professional development (PD) opportunities could be advantageous for EFL teachers in the area to enhance their RT skills. Despite being conducted in a solitary English language center, the findings of this study may have far-reaching implications for EFL teachers in other developing nations