In the context of the current information network development, information and communication assessment is an important and necessary skill, especially for scholars, researchers and teachers of English subjects to practice reading, writing and professional development skills. Understanding that, the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the US Embassy in Vietnam plans to conduct a series of training programs on information and communication assessment methods in July-August 2023 across Vietnam.
In Ho Chi Minh City, RELO chose Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT) to coordinate the organization of this meaningful program, called “Media Literacy” with Dr. Elizabeth Plummer – PhD in Foreign Languages and ESL, University of Iowa, USA as the trainer. The program took place on August 4, 2023 and attracted nearly 40 lecturers and English teachers from universities and high schools in Ho Chi Minh City.
The program also welcomed the presence of representatives from the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City: Mr. Tony Jones – Foreign Relations Attaché and Ms. Tran Nguyen Hanh Nguyen – Specialist in charge of educational programs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu – Vice Principal of HUFLIT expressed his thanks to RELO and the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City for trusting and accompanying HUFLIT in organizing this event, and said that HUFLIT will try to maintain activities like this regularly to improve teaching expertise and training quality.
In response, Mr. Tony Jones said that the cooperation activities of this training are examples of the commitment of the US Consulate General to develop the relationship between the two countries, and this is always a top priority for the US Embassy and the US Consulate General.
The program was held in a smart classroom space with tables and chairs arranged appropriately for group work activities, contributing to improving the quality of the lesson. Contents such as Creating/Adapting Lesson Plans, Producing Media/Engaging Students, Building a Professional Development on Media Literacy for Colleagues were conveyed by Ms. Plummer in turn with many vivid visual forms, making participants excited and confident in expressing their views and opinions.
Exciting activities include the Getting to Know Activity – passing the ball and answering questions about Digital/Media, then discussing the terms: Media, Information, Technology; the “Telephone” activity to learn about the “duplicate” nature of news as well as the diversity of news from each individual’s perspective; the Pair Discussion Activity: What do students use media for in life? Dr. Plummer also provided some websites to help check the authenticity of information such as: snopes.com; factcheck.com; politifact.com.
Phan Quang Truong – a participant from HUFLIT, shared: “ I feel like I have the ability to use different tools to better select information. A workshop that surprised me because it did not give too much information or slides full of words but let participants experience and realize the lessons through different interactive activities: between participants, between groups, between participants and speakers. It was really interesting and memorable.”
It can be said that the program has provided tools to teach information and communication assessment skills in English subjects, helping teachers to develop lesson plans for learners to develop information assessment skills and apply knowledge in practice. Hopefully, the program has contributed to improving Vietnam’s English teaching and learning capacity, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding and promoting comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
