Talkshow “The Changing Landscape of ELT: A Conversation Among Stakeholders”

On the morning of July 29, the English Language Department organized an industry networking talk show entitled “The Changing Landscape of ELT: A Conversation Among Stakeholders.” The event provided a multidimensional forum for representatives from academia, industry, and educational publishing to discuss the significant changes taking place in English Language Teaching (ELT) in the digital age, while also proposing solutions to help teachers and learners adapt effectively to the new landscape.

The talk show featured education and English language training experts, including Mr. Josh Donner, Teacher Trainer and Academic Consultant at Macmillan Education ELT; Mr. Lê Duy Anh, Product Director at IELTS Vietop English Center; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Huy Cường, Dean of the Faculty of English at UEF.

The program attracted the participation of numerous lecturers, learners, and professionals from the ELT sector.

During the event, the speakers shared their perspectives on the key challenges currently facing English teachers. According to Mr. Josh Donner, the rapid development of technology, particularly AI, has left many teachers feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, the growing trend toward personalized learning and the need to teach classes with diverse proficiency levels require teachers to be more flexible in lesson planning and to adapt their teaching methods in real time.

From the perspective of language centers, Mr. Lê Duy Anh noted that learners’ attention spans and engagement have declined significantly due to the influence of social media and digital platforms. Today’s learners often question the value of learning a foreign language when AI can provide extensive support. Therefore, teachers need to help learners recognize the practical value of English for their studies, careers, and personal development.

Sharing further insights into the role of teachers in the new context, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Huy Cường emphasized that there is no single teaching model that works for everyone. What matters is for each teacher to clearly define their teaching philosophy, identify their individual strengths, and leverage those strengths to support learners in achieving their educational goals. In his view, modern teachers are not simply knowledge providers; they also motivate learners, create positive learning environments, and connect classroom learning with students’ real-world needs.

The speakers shared both academic and practical perspectives on ELT.

Another topic that received particular attention was digital competence and the responsible use of AI. Mr. Josh Donner stressed that teachers need to develop digital competence not only to use technology effectively, but also to guide students in evaluating information, identifying misinformation, and using AI ethically. Rather than simply worrying about students using AI to complete assignments, teachers should design learning tasks that require greater levels of critical thinking, creativity, and independent thought.

From the perspective of professional development, Mr. Lê Duy Anh proposed a collaborative internship model between universities and language centers. According to him, language centers could serve as “teaching laboratories,” where students can observe classes, gain hands-on experience, and practice teaching before officially entering the profession. This approach would help narrow the gap between theoretical teacher education and real-world teaching practice.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Huy Cường emphasized the role of research in teaching. He argued that teachers should maintain a continuous research mindset, whether through formal or informal research, by consistently asking questions, analyzing classroom issues, and seeking appropriate solutions grounded in both practical experience and scientific theory.

Participating lecturers raised a wide range of issues for further discussion and clarification with the speakers.

As the program concluded, the speakers agreed that the future of ELT will depend not only on technology but also on effective collaboration among universities, businesses, and educational publishers. Professional learning communities, including seminars, roundtable discussions, and joint training programs, will serve as an important foundation for helping teachers stay up to date with emerging trends, share experiences, and grow together professionally.

The talk show “The Changing Landscape of ELT: A Conversation Among Stakeholders” not only offered fresh perspectives on the current landscape of English language education but also reaffirmed the UEF English Language Department’s commitment to strengthening industry connections, keeping pace with international trends, and enhancing the quality of English teacher education in the digital age.