Behind every successful lesson are not just theories, but the lived experiences of VUS teachers and teaching assistants (TAs). Each workshop brings those insights to life, turning classroom challenges into lessons of assurance, adaptability, and growth.
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A Day Of Experience With Countless Lessons
At the VUS Dong Nai – Phan Trung campus, teaching assistants spent a special day that was as inspiring as it was practical. The sharing session opened with lively warm-up activities, where the host and participants quickly broke the ice and created a friendly atmosphere.
The heart of the session came when TAs shared their insights on Student Induction. This was not just theory on paper, but knowledge based on experience that gave participants a clear framework to approach their work. Adding depth and authenticity, the campus’s own TAs stepped forward to share their real classroom stories, including challenges they faced, solutions they found, and lessons they learned, guided by the support of their Teaching Quality Manager (TQM).
What made the day unforgettable was its balance between theory and practice. Instead of listening passively, TAs engaged in hands-on exercises. From guiding young learners to handling different personalities, each scenario became a chance to practice, reflect, and grow.
Helping Learners Take Their First Bright Steps
This workshop was created to equip teaching assistants to guide learners through their first steps, ensuring a smooth start while supporting teachers with professionalism. At its core were methods and techniques that, though simple in form, proved highly effective in real classrooms and could be applied immediately.
TAs practiced:
Instead of starting with roll call, TAs opened the class with a cheerful greeting and a short warm-up game to build excitement right away.
TAs co-created a “Class Promise” with students by asking guiding questions and writing down their suggested rules with simple visuals, making rules easy to remember and student-friendly.
When students performed well, TAs rewarded them with stickers or affirming words; when students struggled, TAs still gave encouraging feedback to maintain motivation.
While students worked in groups, TAs walked around and used short, familiar English phrases to guide and support learners, reinforcing both classroom management and English exposure.
The ultimate purpose of these activities was to standardize the student support process, so that every learner in every class receives the same dedicated care and guidance from the very first day.
What made this session truly special was that it was designed and delivered by TAs themselves. With firsthand understanding of the worries and challenges new TAs often face in their first days of class, they turned real experiences into practical skills. These insights not only helped TAs grow more capable of handling classroom situations but also created a positive atmosphere where every student felt supported and motivated.
Moments That Stay With Us
The workshop was filled with energy, teamwork, and practical learning. From small group discussions to role-play activities that mirrored real classroom situations, every TA had the chance to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes.
The laughter that came from practicing classroom management, or the excitement of finally finding the right way to calm an active class, turned into moments that felt real and unforgettable. These experiences will continue to guide them long after the workshop ends.
These memories were more than highlights of a single day. They became milestones that shaped how TAs view their role in the classroom and reminders that teaching is built on both knowledge and courage. In many ways, these experiences laid the groundwork for what comes next at VUS, where every workshop carries them further on their journey of growth.
Let Your Journey Begin At VUS
In this session, teaching assistants found more than effective methods. They shared stories, exchanged lessons, and honed skills side by side with colleagues.
Beyond methods and skills, these practices found real meaning in the classroom. Warm greetings, clear rules, and timely encouragement turned the very first day of class into a welcoming and inspiring experience for students.
