Phòng 3 = Room 3, a.k.a. Thịnh and Jason's ESL classroom
Thinh and I have a great bunch of kids. We stepped foot into Phòng 2 with initially very low expectations for their English abilities. But we soon realized that they are actually a very bright, motivated bunch of young adults. We teach mostly rising high school seniors. We figured that these older students would have the best grasp of English compared to the lower grades, and since they are (relatively) more mature and have to prepare for college entrance examinations soon (which include an English section!) they would be most willing to learn and cooperate.
Important to note about the English education system in Vietnam is that students begin learning English as a requirement from an early age, and these students often have pretty strong reading and writing skills by grade 12. But opportunities to practice real-life communication in English are lacking. And that's where we step in. While we don't have to worry about teaching tons of English grammar and vocab since they already receive that in school, we do provide them real interaction with native English speakers to improve their speaking and listening skills. It's comfortable knowing that we can have a real tangible impact on their English skills, which they need for college and beyond. In Vietnamese society, English communication skills open a lot of doors whether in banking, teaching, business, tourism, etc. So whether it is fair or not, English proficiency is often a key ingredient in social mobility and providing a better life for themselves and their families.
Thinh and I have a great bunch of kids. We stepped foot into Phòng 2 with initially very low expectations for their English abilities. But we soon realized that they are actually a very bright, motivated bunch of young adults. We teach mostly rising high school seniors. We figured that these older students would have the best grasp of English compared to the lower grades, and since they are (relatively) more mature and have to prepare for college entrance examinations soon (which include an English section!) they would be most willing to learn and cooperate.
Important to note about the English education system in Vietnam is that students begin learning English as a requirement from an early age, and these students often have pretty strong reading and writing skills by grade 12. But opportunities to practice real-life communication in English are lacking. And that's where we step in. While we don't have to worry about teaching tons of English grammar and vocab since they already receive that in school, we do provide them real interaction with native English speakers to improve their speaking and listening skills. It's comfortable knowing that we can have a real tangible impact on their English skills, which they need for college and beyond. In Vietnamese society, English communication skills open a lot of doors whether in banking, teaching, business, tourism, etc. So whether it is fair or not, English proficiency is often a key ingredient in social mobility and providing a better life for themselves and their families.