An English session at CGD Primary School in Hà Nội's Hai Bà Trưng District. — VNS Photos Khánh Linh

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam, like other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), needs to make collective efforts to improve English language teaching for students at schools, aiming to contribute to the prosperity of ASEAN.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day conference on advancing English language teaching for a prosperous ASEAN on Thursday, Professor Lê Anh Vinh, Director General of the Việt Nam National Institute of Educational Sciences, emphasised the global significance of the English language in connecting people from different cultures and backgrounds.

"English is not just a language. It is also a door to the world," he said.

Highlighting the importance of teaching and learning English, Vinh said the conference would be an opportunity for delegates to discuss the diverse teaching methods in English language education to meet the needs of students.

He expressed the desire for delegates to exchange ideas, share experiences, and practical results in English language instruction, with the goal of improving English language education to contribute to the prosperity of ASEAN.

Vinh said English language offered numerous opportunities for personal and professional development as learning English enriched people’s lives.

Considering the profound impact of English, he said, teaching the language was a meaningful and valuable profession that could positively transform the lives of many individuals. This played a crucial role in promoting effective communication and fostering international cooperation.

The conference on advancing English language teaching for a prosperous ASEAN takes place in Hà Nội on Thursday.

Vinh also shared his own learning journey as a student years ago. English was one of the subjects he feared the most because, at that time, he struggled to understand, pronounce words, and lacked interest in the language.

However, his English teacher helped him develop these skills. The teacher encouraged him to play with words, integrate learning and play, and instilled the confidence to practise English. This guidance allowed him to utilise the language in his career.

It exemplified how inspiring teaching methods could ignite a passion for learning.

According to Vinh, the role of educators has changed significantly in recent times. In the past, learners primarily relied on lectures from teachers and textbooks. Nowadays, learners can acquire English language skills through apps with the assistance of AI, helping them with correct pronunciation and even editing their essays and writings.

However, the role of teachers remained essential, as they guided and inspired students to develop an interest in English language.

Vinh stressed that exchanging experiences and ideas would foster mutual understanding and partnerships among ASEAN nations, and collective efforts to improve English language teaching among ASEAN countries were crucial for the prosperity of ASEAN.

Nguyễn Thị Mai Hữu, director of the Ministry of Education and Training’s National Foreign Languages Project, affirmed that proficiency in English provided a significant advantage in personal and professional life.

Hữu stated that the conference served as a platform for policymakers, educators, researchers, and teachers from ASEAN countries to facilitate the exchange of innovative teaching methods, ideas, and creative approaches to English language teaching.

It also addressed challenges and opportunities in English language teaching within the ASEAN region and outlines strategies to enhance the quality of English language instruction.

The two-day conference includes various formats, such as plenary sessions, parallel sessions, presentations, and group discussions on English language teaching. — VNS