Teachers’ limited English command and qualifications are becoming a big challenge for Ho Chi Minh City to successfully make English a second language in education though its plan to enhance students' foreign language skills keeps up with globalization trends.

T., principal of a middle school in Ho Chi Minh City, said that she was delighted at the city’s plan to pilot the use of English as a second language in teaching at public schools. 

“This move is an essential trend for Vietnam’s education system to enrich a high-quality workforce for the future,” she stressed.

T. stated that at her school, many students are good at English and can speak English fluently, while teachers lack fluency in verbal English.

"While these teachers meet the regulatory requirements for English qualifications, their ability to use English in communication is limited," T. said.

She explained that the non-English working climate has eroded their English speaking skills.

"Only 10 percent of teachers at the school are able to communicate in English, which is considered a significant barrier," she said.

Tran Thuy An, principal of Minh Duc Middle School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, stated that newly graduated teachers are required to possess certain English certificates.

However, most of these teachers are not able to teach their subjects in English.

“Their command of English is enough to communicate rather than use it in teaching,” An said. “My school has only three teachers who can use English as the medium of instruction in their subjects."

Many principals believe that schools should follow a comprehensive road map to achieve their goal.

This plan includes creating favorable conditions for teachers proficient in English to promote its use on campus, thereby encouraging others to enhance their language capability.

Huynh Thanh Phu, principal of Bui Thi Xuan High School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, acknowledged that the primary concern in establishing English as a second language in schools is the teachers themselves.

He noted that many middle-aged teachers struggle with proper English pronunciation, saying that the education sector must continually provide English-learning courses to upskill teachers.

Dr. Le Xuan Quynh at RMIT University in Ho Chi Minh City suggested that apart from regular training courses for teachers, pedagogical universities should start teaching lessons in English to students.

In addition, schools should employ native English speakers to teach some subjects to improve the English skills among local teachers and students.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!