Engaging language learners in speaking activities in virtual and physical classrooms
QI Consultancy with RMIT University Vietnam
22 February 2022 I The Queensland Institute
CASE STUDY
In August 2021, The Queensland Institute (QI) was engaged by RMIT Vietnam to deliver a series of continuing professional development (CPD) workshops to explore principled approaches to engaging learners in speaking activities in the physical and virtual classroom.
In Brief
RMIT Vietnam offers English programs for students intending to study at an international university. Since 2020, RMIT English language educators have delivered programs online.
QI’s project brief was to work with 40 experienced educators currently teaching on the university pathway programs by facilitating a series of practical, interrelated CPD workshops exploring active learning approaches to setting up speaking activities successfully.
One of the project aims was for educators to evaluate how the activities presented support learners who have English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD). The workshop series culminated in participants applying their learning by preparing demonstration activities to share with peers and discussing their use in the virtual or physical classroom environment.
English-language educators joined the workshops via Zoom from four different RMIT campus locations, namely, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Hanoi and Melbourne.
QI Involvement
QI collaborated closely with the RMIT Professional Learning and Academic Management team over a series of months to:
understand the RMIT Vietnam context and CPD workshop goals
design three customised workshops for up to 40 educators
deliver workshops at weekly intervals and cater to morning and afternoon shifts
evaluate the workshop outcomes and make recommendations for future training
Testimonials
"[The workshop series] was really engaging and every single task we did can be adapted for my teaching. It was relevant to my students’ needs, extremely well-organized and enjoyable. I’ll be adopting almost all of it! Thank you.”
— RMIT workshop participant
"Very well presented and well paced course with lots of useful information as well as plenty of opportunities for teachers to share their own ideas.”
— RMIT workshop participants
"I think teaching online will continue to increase in popularity and this course offers a continuation of ESL methodology through the new digital medium.”
- RMIT workshop participant
"I’d love to attend any future workshops you hold, even if I need to cover the cost myself. I was very impressed with the professionalism of the presenters.”
- RMIT workshop participant
Project Completion
In December 2021, QI completed the final consultation phase and presented a written report to RMIT Vietnam, which included positive participant feedback on the workshops delivered.
It was a pleasure to work with such experienced language educators. We also extend our gratitude to the RMIT School of English and University Pathways Academic Management and Professional Learning teams for their leadership and support.
We wish RMIT University Vietnam every success as they continue to demonstrate excellence in English-language education in both virtual and physical classroom contexts.
QI Team
Fiona Wiebusch and Philippa Coleman, Directors, The Queensland Institute
RMIT University Vietnam
Learn more about Pathway Programs HERE.
Release granted by RMIT 9.03.22
RMIT University Saigon South campus (source)
Fast Facts
RMIT Vietnam
Established in 2000
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, and Hanoi, Vietnam
Student enrolment 10,500+
RMIT University Australia
Established in 1887
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Student enrolment 96,125+
Sources
Courtesy: RMIT University Vietnam
Contact us to learn more about our consultancy to support global educators.
Never miss a story.
Connect with QI below:
