English teaching and learning in Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Vietnam

Nowadays, English is known as a global language. A great deal of research in teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) has been carried out. However there has been little research in this area conducted in higher education institutions in Vietnam. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap. It focused on English teaching and learning in Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH). A mixed methods case study design was used in this study. Data collected quantitatively from students’ questionnaires were utilized to analyze students’ perspectives towards English teaching and learning in HUTECH. 272 students in HUTECH were involved. Eight classroom observations were done to construct a snapshot of English teaching practices in HUTECH. Qualitative interviews with 12 EFL teachers and two managers were conducted to understand the perspectives of the teachers and managers about English teaching and learning in HUTECH. Data collected were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Both positive and negative factors affecting English teaching and learning in HUTECH have been presented.<br><br>The study adds meaningful contributions to the knowledge of EFL teaching and learning at HUTECH. The research will help to improve English training in HUTECH particularly and in Vietnamese higher education generally. It will also encourage other researchers in Vietnam to conduct more studies in this field in order to steadily improve English teaching and learning in Vietnam.