JALT2025 - Tokyo

“Inspired to Be a Teacher Seriously”: An Autoethnography of Student Engagement in a Vietnamese TESOL Training Programme

Oct 31, 2025, 2:50 PM

30m

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

Research-oriented Presentation (30-minutes) Teacher and Professional Development Room 301

Speaker

Mr Hoang Huynh (Monash University)

Description

This autoethnography examines student teacher engagement in a 120-hour TESOL training program in Vietnam. Student teachers range from novices entering the field to experienced educators refining their skills. Drawing on my experiences as a TESOL trainer and anonymous feedback from 30 student teachers over eight months, the study highlights key engagement factors: theoretical-practical synthesis, pedagogical climate, and professional clarity. Findings offer insights into enhancing TESOL teacher training through cognitive, emotional, and behavioural dimensions.

Summary

This autoethnography examines student teacher engagement in a 120-hour TESOL training program in Vietnam. Student teachers range from novices entering the field to experienced educators refining their skills. Drawing on my experiences as a TESOL trainer and anonymous feedback from 30 student teachers over eight months, the study highlights key engagement factors: theoretical-practical synthesis, pedagogical climate, and professional clarity. Findings offer insights into enhancing TESOL teacher training through cognitive, emotional, and behavioural dimensions.