Agenda Announcement
The 5th Mekong TESOL — 2026
OFFICIAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM
1. Timeline
2. Keynote Speakers
Beyond Language: Supporting English Language Learners as Meaning-Makers through Stories
Prof. Ika Lestari Damayanti · Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI)
The Scientific Principles of Designing a Reading Program
Prof. Rob Waring · University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM (Adjunct); Notre Dame Seishin University, Japan (Emeritus)
HAPPY CLASSROOM FOR AUTHENTIC LEARNERS’ SELF-EMPOWERMENT
Dr. Nguyen Thu Le Hang · University of Languages and International Studies, VNU-HN
Empowering postgraduate students: connections across languages and cultures.
Assoc. Prof. Erika Matruglio · School of Education, University of Wollongong
3. Invited Speakers
Invited sessions are delivered by guest experts outside the regular parallel session call.
Land Ahoy! How to Prepare Student-Sailors for Life Ashore
Mr. David Fay · U.S. Embassy Hanoi — Regional English Language Office (RELO)
Developing Language Proficiency Through Project-Based Learning
Ms. Thereza Vahlstrom · National University of Battambang (NUBB), Cambodia
Student-led questions that transform learning: Enhancing emotions and engagement in English classrooms
Assoc. Prof. Barry Bai · The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) — CLEMR
Student-led questions that transform learning: Enhancing emotions and engagement in English classrooms (p2)
Assoc. Prof. Barry Bai · The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) — CLEMR
Rethinking English Assessment in Vietnam: TOEFL iBT 2026 and the Shift from EFL to ESL
Mr. Nguyen Dang Viet Chuong · ETS
4. Parallel Sessions
35 Oral & Workshop presentations run in parallel tracks across 9 rooms in the Faculty of Medicine.
*The track categorization is a general guide. Many presentations are interdisciplinary and may span multiple themes.
Keynote & Invited sessions take place in the Hall. Posters are displayed in Faculty of Pharmacy - Lobby.
4.1 Parallel Sessions 1 — 09:30 – 10:00
“Reading Is Not Scary Anymore”: What My Students Taught Me About Scaffolding Extensive Reading
Mr. Nguyen Long Thanh · Faculty of English Linguistics and Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM
Reducing Learning Pressure through AI-Supported English Practice: Evidence from Pre-Service Primary English Teachers
Ms. Pham Thi Thang · Thai Nguyen University, Lao Cai Branch
Caring for the Caregiver: Practical SEL Strategies to Heal and Connect
Mr. Ngo Quang Tung · VUS-The English Center
Learner Development through Interactive English Club Activities: Perspectives of Children and Parents
Ms. Le Bich Tuyen · Gia Viet English
Language Center
with
Ms. Vuong Nhu Hao
Dogme in the Age of AI: Teaching Unplugged When Machines Can Talk
Mr. Michael Griffin · Unaffiliated
Navigating Contextual Tensions: EFL Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices Regarding Speaking Skills in the Mekong Delta
Dr. Nguyen Tien Ngo · An Giang University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
4.2 Parallel Sessions 2 — 10:30 – 11:00
EXTENSIVE READING IN VIETNAMESE EFL UNIVERSITY CLASSROOMS: FROM INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TO COLLABORATIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Ms. Tram Nguyen · Faculty of English Linguistics and Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM
Expressing Vietnamese Culture in English: Intercultural Competence Through CLIL
Ms. Nguyen Thi Chung Anh · Vietnam Japan University
Practice to Progress: Communicative Skills through Classroom Activities
Mr. Warren Hammond · Inspire Training & Development
The Effectiveness of Bottom-Up and Top-Down Listening Strategies in EFL Classrooms
Ms. Nguyen Thi Khac Phung · Binh Duong University
- Ca Mau Campus
with
Ms. To Khanh Bang, Ms. Nguyen Hong Lam
Beyond Pair and Group Work: Designing Tasks That Build Real Connections Among EFL Learners
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Phuc · Gia Viet English Language Center
Social-Emotional Learning in Young Learners EFL Classrooms: Teachers’ Practices, Challenges, and Recommendations
Ms. Chung Boi Ngan · Gia Viet English
Language Center
with
Ms. Tran Ngoc Bao Chau
Exploring The Gap: Factors Influencing EFL Teachers' Decision to Implement New Teaching Practices Following Continuing Professional Development Activities
Mr. Gia-Huy Lê · Gia Viet English
Language Center
with
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Sang, Ms. Nguyen Cao Yen Vy
The Impact of AI Writing Tools on Grade 12 Students’ Original Thinking and Idea Development at an International School in HCMC, Vietnam
Dr. Beverly Grace Clapano Oblina · Vinschool Central
Park (former affiliation; research conducted here); Currently affiliated with
Sekolah Nusa Alam International School, Indonesia
with
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Yến, Ms. Ngô Lê Cát Tường, Mr. Lê Tuấn Khang, Mr. Trương Trọng
Khang, Mr. Hoàng Hạc Linh, Mr. Vũ Ngọc Châu Anh, Ms. Lưu Minh Lam
AI-Powered Storytelling: Using Comics to Enhance Reading, Writing, and Connection
Ms. Dinh To Uyen · UK English Academy
4.3 Parallel Sessions 3 — 14:10 – 14:40
Navigating Between Prescription and Practice: Vietnamese EFL Teachers’ Adaptation of Textbooks to Fit Local Teaching Needs
Ms. Nguyen Cao Yen Vy · Can Tho University
FROM IDEA TO GAME IN MINUTES: USING GEMINI TO CREATE INTERACTIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Luan · Gia Viet English
Language Center
with
Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam Tien
Integrating Intercultural Communicative Competence into Task-Based EFL Instruction: Empirical Evidence from Vietnamese University Classrooms
Ms. Pham Thi Xuan Truc · Dong Nai Technology University
"Stirrers & Settlers: How to Teach Content Vocabulary and Target Language to Young Learners" A Creative Strategies and Activities for the Young Learner Classroom
Dr. Marvin Pagatpat Contapay · Apollo English and Training Education Vietnam
From ‘Tell Me’ to ‘Think Deeply’: Socratic Questioning in EFL Teaching”
Ms. Le Phuong Anh · University of Macau
Evaluating the Pedagogical Quality and Practicality of AI-Generated English Language Tests in Resource-Constrained Vocational Education
Mr. Dang Ngoc Quang · Future
University
with
Ms. Tran Huynh Thao Uyen
The MORPH Model integrating morphological instruction and ChatGPT for vocabulary development: An experimental study at the English Department, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.
Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Nhu · Ho Chi Minh City
University of Education
with
Ms. Huynh Nguyen Nhan Hoa, Ms. Pham Thuy Vy, Ms. Ho Ngoc Nhi
Emotional Well-being and Motivation in AI-assisted English Speaking Practice among Vietnamese High School Learners
Ms. Tran Thi My · Bac Lieu High
School
with
Ms. Lam Thi Thanh Uyen, Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Dung
4.4 Parallel Sessions 4 — 14:50 – 15:20
Integrated TBI-CBI Instruction for Academic Collocations: A Mixed-Methods Counterbalanced Study of Vietnamese EFL Learners
Ms. Vo Thi Diem My · School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University
English Outdoor Activities: A Pathway to Global Citizenship for High School Students
Ms. Tran Thi Le Huyen · Binh Thuy High School
Card-Based Board Games as a Pedagogical Tool for Inductive Grammar Learning and Speaking Development
Ms. Dang Vuong Bao Nhi · FPT Polytechnic College, Can Tho Campus
From Presence to Participation: Building Classroom Connection with the 3E Framework
Mr. Phong Ngo · VUS
Professional Development, Research and Pedagogical Competence on the English Language Proficiency of Foreign English Teachers in Vietnam.
Dr. Gerald Ubagan Pana · Lac Hong University
ENHANCING EFL READING INSTRUCTION: INTEGRATING AI-GENERATED LESSON PLANS WITHIN THE ADDIE INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN MODEL
Dr. Ho Thi My Linh · Nguyễn Tất Thành University
Development of Intercultural Communicative Competence and its Contributing Factors: Insights from the English Majors’ Perspectives
Mr. Le Minh Quan · Can Tho
University
with
Dr. Nguyen Hai Quan
FROM IDEA TO GAME IN MINUTES: USING GEMINI TO CREATE INTERACTIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES (Part 2)
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Luan · Gia Viet English
Language Center
with
Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam Tien
4.5 Parallel Sessions 5 — 15:50 – 16:20
Bamboo Diplomacy in Action: Cultivating Global Citizens Through English-Mediated International Community Engagement
Ms. Theia Chau Nguyen · JCI Trevi
Play-Based IPA Integration in Mixed-Age Classes
Ms. Hoang Hao Huynh · Sunflower English Centre
Design and Implementation of the L2-BRAIN Model: A Personalized Expert Knowledge System Based on Five Stages of Second Language (English) Acquisition in a Digital Technology Environment
Phan Văn Kha · Can Tho
University
with
Dr. Thai Thi Ngoc Thuy, Dr. Bui Le Diem
Towards “Transferring English As A Second Language” Investigating Negative Transfer In English Pronunciation Among Vietnamese Tertiary Non – English Majors: Status And Solutions
Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy · University of Foreign Language Studies, The University of Danang
EFL STUDENTS INTERACTIONAL COMPETENCE IN PAIRED SPEAKING TEST: AN EXPLORATION FROM STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES
Ms. Nguyen Ha Thi An · Can Tho
University
with
Dr. Nguyen Hai Quan
5. Poster Sessions
Posters are on display in the Poster Area throughout the day, with dedicated presenter time during the Lunch Break (12:05 – 13:30) and tea breaks.
Students’ Perceptions of Teachers’ Bilingual Practices in EMI Business Classes: A Survey at a Vietnamese University in the Mekong Delta
Mr. Nguyen Minh Tan · Can Tho
University
with
Ms. Tran Ngoc Bao Chau
Students’ Perceptions of AI-Mediated Learning in Vietnamese EFL Higher Education
Ms. Pham Thi Xuan Truc · Dong Nai Technology University
Exploring the impact of digital learning platforms on students’ engagement and performance
Mr. Lê Hữu Đức · Binh Duong University, Ca Mau
Campus
with
Ms. Tong Hai Dinh, Mr. Le Nguyen Bao, Ms. Nguyen Thi Khac Phung
The impact of extensive reading in enhancing vocabulary acquisition for EFL learners
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Huy · Binh Duong University - Ca
Mau
Campus
with
Ms. Dang Ngoc Thao, Ms. Le Hong Yen, Ms. Nguyen Thi Khac Phung
The Role of AI in Enhancing Personalised Learning, Automated Assessment, Intelligent Tutoring and Student Engagement
Mr. Lam Ky Nhan · Nam Can Tho University
Leveraging AI for Writing Instruction in EFL Classrooms: Opportunities and Challenges
Mr. Luong Vo Nhat Quang · Nam Can Tho
University
with
Mr. Lam Ky Nhan, Ms. Nguyen Thi My Hoa
Plugged In, Powered Up: The Rise of Autonomous Language Learners through Apps
Ms. Phan Thi Anh Nga · Ho Chi Minh City University
of Foreign Languages - Information Technology
with
Ms. Tran Quy Bao Ngoc, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Quang Giao
Revolutionizing speaking skills improvement: AI’s role in personalized language learning
Ms. Nguyen Thi My Hoa · Nam Can Tho University
Beyond Language: Re-Empowering Non-English Majors through Skills, Emotions, and Connections in EFL Classrooms at HUFLIT University
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen · Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages - Information Technology
AI-Mediated Scaffolding in a First-Year SLA Course: An Action Research Study of Achievement Gains and Learner Perceptions
Mr. Dong Trinh Duc · Ho Chi Minh City University
of Foreign Languages - Information Technology
with
Ms. Bui Thi Thanh Truc
Whole Child, Whole Language: Integrating Finnish Social-Emotional Principles into Vietnamese Early Childhood English Education
Ms. Trần Đông Bảo Châu · Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT) | ILO Preschool, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Perceptions of Freelance Teachers on Using ChatGPT to Develop TBLT Worksheet in EFL Teaching
Ms. Phan Le Cam Tu · HANU Language
Center
with
Ms. Tran Mai Chau
Bridging the Gap between Numbers and Words: A Psycholinguistic Journey in Teaching Accounting English at COFER
Ms. Pham Thi Dung Hanh · College of Foreign Economic Relations
Using AI Chatbots for Teacher Reflective Practice: An Exploratory Practitioner Research Study
Mr. Adam Seex · Interlink Education
Implementing Kahoot! as a Game-Based Learning Platform to Engage Vietnamese College Students in English Learning Vocabulary
Mr. Tran Nhat Tay · FPT Polyschool Ba Ria Vung Tau
Beyond the Classroom: How Home Environment and Parental Support Shape ESL Learners’ Engagement
Mr. Chandrahas Rathod · Independent ESL Researcher, Vietnam
Vietnamese Novice EFL Teachers’ Satisfaction with a Mentoring Program: A Study at a Private English center in the Mekong Delta
Ms. Le Vu Thuy Vi · Gia Viet English Language Center
