Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh (Dr.)
ULIS, VNU-Hanoi
Vietnam
Dr Linh holds a Doctor of Applied Linguistics degree from the University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Currently, she is actively engaged at the Faculty of English, University of Foreign Languages, VNU. Her academic pursuits encompass a wide range of fields, including intercultural communication, ICT, and language assessment.
Strategies to Foster Engagement in Online English Classes: Lessons from VSTEP Teaching
26/07/2025 12:00 UTC
Based on my experience running 11 intensive VSTEP online courses, this session explores key challenges in engaging students in synchronous English classes—especially when learners join last-minute with no prior connection. I share tested techniques such as personalized lesson planning, controlled class sizes (10–25), and interactive tasks to foster trust and participation. Lessons highlight the importance of teacher presence, adaptability, and creating a supportive online learning community.
Key takeaways:
Online engagement starts with intentional presence – Build trust even when you’ve never met by showing up consistently, listening actively, and designing learner-centered experiences.
Engagement is a product of design, not chance – Iterate your lesson plans through trial and error, and use feedback loops to refine what works.
Your observation is your superpower – Every moment in your Zoom class offers clues about learners’ needs. Be curious, responsive, and ready to adjust.