Tan Tao University and The HCMC TESOL Association have successfully co-organised the 2019 TESOL Camp in the morning, 12th of July, 2019. The camp started with a two-session multi-topic discussions led by experienced camp facilitators before it concluded by a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony.
In each of the two sessions in the camp prelude, there were various rooms discussing various topics that ESL teachers and enthusiasts can choose to join in. For instance, Mr. Jonathan Lankford from School of Humanities & Languages, Tan Tao University, facilitated a topic about the cross-cultural ESL as a facet of international communication.
Participants in Mr. Lankford’s room had a chance to explore the dynamics of language connotations from place to place, especially non-verbal communication. Mr. Lankford brought to the attention of participants how different the OK gesture may be perceived differently, and the need to integrate body language awareness into their ESL lessons to help students succeed in their communication.
The 2019 TESOL Camp also had other sessions discussing other topics, including Teaching English the Fun Way led by Anna Ngan Le from the Australian-American Center, IELTS Know-How: Tips and Tricks by Kristoffer Danzalan from Teaching English to Young Learners by Dr. Tran Quang Minh from HUFLIT University, Hands-on Classroom Teaching Practice by Peter Huynh from Tan Tao University, The Opportunities and Challenges of Globalization in Education by Bishop Nick from University of Economics and Finance, Theater Arts Robotic English Terminator Program (P.E.P) by Robert Goldberg from Horizon TESOL, and English Proficiency Among Students and its Correlates: A Basic for an EFL Training Program by Prof. Dr. Duong Vuong from Vietnam Institute for Entrepreneur Training and Development.
The TESOL participants all gathered in the Levy Hall where remarks were delivered by Dr. Loc Do, President of HCMC-TESOL Association and Mr. Nhon Dang, Deputy Dean of School of Humanities & Languages, Tan Tao University.
“Ho Chi Minh City TESOL Association is the professional body established by Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee with the mission to build a strong TESOL community where members can discuss and update the latest achievements and trends of English language teaching,” Said Dr. Loc Do, President of HCMC TESOL Association.
Then, they all witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the HCMC-TESOL Association and Tan Tao University in the Levy Hall. The MOU aims to promote future cooperation and interaction between teachers, program coordinators, professionals and students between the two institutions. Additionally, an MOU between Tan Tao University and American Academy English Language Center Joint Stock Company (AMA) was signed for academic exchange and cooperation as well as graduate student employment opportunities.
The TESOL attendees bid goodbye to each other after having lunch. They all express a hope for another academic gathering in the near future.