In IELTS low-level classes, teachers often face challenges: students lack confidence, hesitate to speak, or lose focus easily, as many are still building their awareness and emotional readiness to learn. With the goal of giving teachers more tools and inspiration to overcome these challenges, VUS Binh Duong recently hosted a special workshop: “Boosting Interactivity in IELTS Low-Level Classes.”
The session was led by Mr. Peter-John Van Der Vyver and Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Thao Vy, two dedicated VUS teachers. With their experience and passion, they not only shared practical methods but also created an inspiring space for all participants.
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Hands-on Experience in the VUS Learning Environment
At VUS, we believe that an effective class is not only built on textbooks but also on how teachers turn lessons into real experiences. This workshop was proof of that spirit, and what unfolded inside left lasting impressions for everyone involved:
- Encouraging natural interaction through activities like small talk and role-play. With the warm guidance of the hosts, teachers stepped out of their comfort zone and practiced speaking as if they were learners themselves.
- Learning by doing with active teaching models. Teachers were divided into groups, joined fun team challenges, and even practiced leading activities on their own. Thanks to the hosts’ dedicated support, every exercise became easier to understand and apply in real classrooms.
- Sharpening classroom skills, especially in guiding conversations and closing lessons for adult learners who often need more encouragement. Group practice gave teachers the chance to try out techniques and see how they could adjust them in different situations, making each method more practical and effective.
- Open discussions and sharing, where each teacher contributed their own classroom stories. From challenges to creative solutions, every voice added value and turned the session into a lively exchange of ideas, with real-time feedback where teachers helped each other improve and learned lessons on the spot.
What made this experience truly memorable was the blend of knowledge and practice, the mix of games, teamwork, and reflection. In the VUS environment—where innovation and collaboration are always encouraged—every lesson becomes easier to remember, more meaningful, and deeply inspiring.
When Connection Makes the Difference
The most valuable outcomes of this workshop were not just new strategies, but also the spirit of connection – a core value of the VUS teaching community.
Teachers laughed together when trying out new classroom routines, and they also took time to reflect on how to support shy or struggling students. These moments built stronger bonds and reminded everyone of one truth: teaching is a journey we walk together.
The workshop became more than training. It was a bridge between theory and practice, and between colleagues who share the same mission. This is what makes every VUS workshop a real example of the teachers’ spirit.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We send our deepest thanks to all the teachers who joined and contributed to the success of this workshop. Your active participation turned it into not only a learning opportunity but also an inspiring moment of teamwork.
“Boosting Interactivity in IELTS Low-Level Classes” has ended, but its spirit continues in every classroom. With creativity, connection, and courage, even the most challenging lessons can become full of energy – a place where students feel encouraged, supported, and ready to grow.
At VUS, we remain committed to walking alongside our teachers, providing tools, inspiration, and a community that believes in making every class a meaningful journey.
