MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING QUY NHON UNIVERSITY HUYNH THI TUYET SUONG AN INVESTIGATION INTO TEACHERS’ PROMOTION OF STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING IN EFL SPEAKING CLASSES AT ETHNIC MINORITY BOARDING HIGH SCHOOLS Field: Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching Code: 8140111 Supervisor: Dr. TRUONG VAN DINH BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC QUY NHƠN HUỲNH THỊ TUYẾT SƯƠNG NGHIÊN CỨU VIỆC GIÁO VIÊN THÚC ĐẨY VIỆC HỌC LẤY HỌC SINH LÀM TRUNG TÂM TRONG CÁC TIẾT HỌC NÓI TIẾNG ANH TẠI CÁC TRƯỜNG DÂN TỘC NỘI TRÚ Ngành: Lí luận và phương pháp dạy học bộ môn tiếng Anh Mã số: 8140111 Người hướng dẫn: TS. TRƯƠNG VĂN ĐỊNH i STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP I confirm that the work presented in this research report has been conducted by myself. Except where reference is made in the text of the thesis, no other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgement in the thesis.
I confirm that this work is submitted in partial fulfillment for the M. thesis in English at Quy Nhon University and has not been submitted elsewhere in any other form for the fulfillment of any other degree or qualification. Binh Dinh, October 2023 Huỳnh Thị Tuyết Sương ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all those whose unwavering support and contributions have played an indispensable role in bringing this research to fruition. First and foremost, my deepest appreciation goes out to the dedicated teachers who willingly participated in this study.
Their invaluable insights, wholehearted cooperation, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of English language education within ethnic minority boarding high schools have been pivotal to the success of this research. I am profoundly indebted to my academic advisor, Dr. Truong Van Dinh, whose guidance, sagacity, and steadfast support have been instrumental throughout this academic voyage. Truong Van Dinh's expertise and mentorship have been a cornerstone of this thesis, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and guidance provided.
Acknowledgment is also due to the esteemed staff and administrators of the ethnic minority boarding high schools in Gia Lai province, Vietnam, for their gracious permission and provision of indispensable resources, which have been instrumental in the completion of this research. Last but certainly not least, I wish to express my appreciation to the broader academic community and the numerous scholars whose prior research and publications have formed the bedrock upon which this study is constructed. This research endeavor would have remained but a dream without the invaluable contributions and support of these exceptional individuals and institutions. I offer my heartfelt thanks to all who have been an integral part of this remarkable journey.
iii ABSTRACT This thesis explores the application and perceptions of student- centered learning (SCL) within the framework of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) speaking courses offered at boarding high schools serving ethnic minority populations in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. The central objective of this research endeavor is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how EFL instructors conceptualize, implement, and are impacted by SCL in their pedagogical practices. The research methodology employed a mixed-methods approach, encompassing the administration of questionnaires, classroom observations, and interviews, in order to amass data from a cohort of eight EFL educators functioning within the designated educational institutions. The outcomes of the study have disclosed that the majority of instructors operating in this context actively endorse the principles of SCL.
These principles revolve around nurturing learner autonomy, fostering active participation, encouraging collaborative learning, and accommodating flexibility within the instructional setting. Nonetheless, the research has also identified several formidable impediments to the complete integration of SCL, including challenges related to the varying proficiency levels among students, inadequacy of classroom resources, and the constraints imposed by the prevailing curriculum requirements. The findings underscore the limited institutional support and resources available to instructors as they endeavor to adopt SCL techniques, thereby underscoring the pressing necessity for comprehensive professional development opportunities and curricular guidance. Moreover, this study underlines the critical importance of recognizing and addressing the distinctive challenges that instructors face in classrooms characterized by ethnic diversity.
In summary, this research endeavor furnishes valuable contributions to the field of EFL pedagogy in the particular context of ethnic minority boarding high schools in Vietnam. It also offers profound insights into the multifaceted nature of SCL implementation. Ultimately, the study advocates for customized support mechanisms and resource provision to aid instructors in surmounting obstacles and establishing more inclusive and efficacious learning environments. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP.
ii TABLE OF CONTENTS. iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS. vii LIST OF TABLES. viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.
Aim and Objectives of the Study. Aim of the Study. Objectives of the Study. Scope of the Study.
Significance of the Study. Organization of the Study. 7 CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND LITERATURE REVIEW. EFL Teachers' Role in Promoting Student-Centered Learning.
Importance of Speaking. Classroom Speaking Activities. Assessment of Speaking Skills. Ethnic Minority Boarding High Schools in Vietnam.
Previous Research Related to the Study. 19 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. Data Collection Instrument. Section One: Demographic Information (Questions 1-4).
Section 3: Student-Centered Approaches (Questions 7-9). Section 4: Factors Influencing Instruction (Questions 10-12)38 4. Section One: Preparation and Planning. Section 2: Teacher’s activities.
Section 3: Students’ activities. Interpretations of Student-centered Learning. Key Principles and Characteristics of Student-centered Learning. Strategies for Promoting Student-centered Learning.
Challenges in Implementing Student-centered Learning. Institutional Support and Professional Development. Discussion of Questionnaire Findings. 54 Section 1: Demographic Information.
Discussion of Observation Findings. Discussion of Interview Findings. 58 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS. Perceptions of Student-centered Learning.
Implementation of Student-centered Approaches. Benefits of Student-centered Learning. Factors Influencing Instruction. Support and Resources.
Challenges in Implementation. Suggestions for Further Studies. 64 REFERENCES APPENDICES vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS EFL English as a foreign language SCL Student-centered Learning % Percentage EMBHS ethnic minority boarding high schools viii LIST OF TABLES Table 3. Teachers’ Demographic Information.
Teachers’ Gender Distribution. Teachers’ Age Distribution. Teachers’ Educational Qualification. Frequency of teaching EFL speaking classes.
Key Principles or Characteristics of Student-centered Learning. Student-Centered Activities Used. Benefits of Student-Centered Learning. Factors Influencing Decision.
Support/Resources for Student-Centered Learning Challenges. Challenges in Implementing Student-centered Approaches in EFL Speaking Classes. 42 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapter introduces the study and is divided into five main sections: the rationale, the aims, the objectives, the research questions, the scope, the significance, and the structure of the study. Rationale In the landscape of modern education, student-centered learning has gained significant recognition as an effective pedagogical approach that empowers students to assume responsibility for their learning and actively participate in the educational process (Corley, 2010).
In the sphere of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education in Vietnam, conventional teaching methods have predominantly prevailed, emphasizing rote memorization and teacher-centered instruction. Nonetheless, with the escalating global demand for proficient English communication skills, a shift towards student-centered approaches has become imperative. This shift entails reorienting the focus from teaching to learning and creating learning opportunities wherein the learner evolves from a passive recipient of knowledge into an "active participant in learning and co-constructor of knowledge" (Meece, 2003, p. The role of the instructor has transformed from being a primary source of knowledge to becoming a facilitator who designs and oversees suitable opportunities and contexts.
In such settings, students assume responsibility for achieving self-defined group objectives. This transformation necessitates a departure from content-intensive curricula towards curricula centered around learners. Content-intensive curricula often constrain the development of vital skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and self- and peer-assessment (Diekelman, 2002; Ironside, 2004; Tanner, 2004). These competencies can be more effectively cultivated through student-centered teaching approaches, applicable across all levels of education, including higher education.
2 The implementation of student-centered learning is particularly salient in the context of English as a Foreign Language instruction. In Vietnam, the teaching and learning of English have been underscored by the National Foreign Language 2020 Project, which emphasizes confident and proficient use of English by most Vietnamese students. The project calls for innovative approaches that transcend traditional teaching methods, urging educators to actively engage students in the learning process. The English Subject Curriculum (issued along with Circular No.
32/2018/TT-BGDĐT dated December 26, 2018 by the Minister of Education and Training) stipulates that English is a compulsory subject in the general education curriculum from grade 3 to grade 12. As one of the foundational subjects in the curriculum, English serves not only to help students develop their English communication skills but also contributes to the cultivation and enhancement of broader competencies. These competencies are essential for more effective living and working, excelling in other subjects, and engaging in lifelong learning. The English language curriculum in general education ensures that students' learning activities assume a central role in the teaching process.
Students' English communication skills are nurtured through active, self-directed, and creative learning activities. Teachers serve as organizers and guides in the teaching process, encouraging students' active participation in language practice activities to the fullest extent, gradually enhancing their self-learning capabilities. Ethnic minority boarding high schools (EMBHS) in Gia Lai province represent a distinctive educational context. These institutions cater to students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, each characterized by distinct linguistic and cultural traits.
The integration of student-centered learning in EFL speaking classes at these schools presents additional complexities, necessitating educators to address the specific needs of these learners. While the 3 advantages of student-centered learning are well-recognized, its successful implementation within the specialized domain of EFL speaking classes in ethnic minority boarding high schools remains underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by delving into the perceptions, practices, challenges, and factors influencing teachers' efforts to promote student-centered learning. Consequently, an investigation into how teachers navigate these intricacies to foster student-centered learning is imperative for advancing educational practices in these schools.
Aim and Objectives of the Study 1. Aim of the Study The primary aim of the research is to comprehensively investigate and understand how EFL teachers promote student-centered learning within the context of English as a Foreign Language speaking classes at ethnic minority boarding high schools in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. This is carried out by delving into teachers' perceptions, strategies, challenges, and influencing factors to provide valuable insights that contribute to enhancing the implementation of student-centered pedagogies in this specific educational setting and offer a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between student-centered learning principles and the diverse needs of ethnic minority students. Ultimately, the study aspires to bridge the gap between theoretical principles of student-centered learning and their practical application in EFL speaking classes at ethnic minority boarding high schools.
Through its findings, the study seeks to provide actionable recommendations for educators, policymakers, and educational institutions, thereby contributing to the advancement of student-centered pedagogy in the pursuit of improved learning outcomes and holistic development for ethnic minority students. Objectives of the Study The research is underpinned by precise objectives that provide guidance 4 for the investigation into the facilitation of student-centered learning by teachers within EFL speaking classes at Ethnic Minority Boarding High Schools (EMBHS) in Gia Lai province. These specific objectives serve as focal points, systematically directing the inquiry to address the research questions and attain a comprehensive grasp of the phenomenon at hand. This study is oriented towards the following specific objectives: - To scrutinize the perspectives of EFL teachers regarding the concept of student-centered learning.
- To delve into the instructional practices employed by EFL teachers in the promotion of student-centered learning within EFL speaking classes at EMBHS in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. - To pinpoint and analyze the factors that exert an influence on EFL teachers' efforts to promote student-centered learning in EFL speaking classes at EMBHS in Gia Lai province.