I have had many chances to study with foreign teachers and the person I love the most is Mr. Bill MacDonald. He comes from USA and he has made a lot of efforts as well as contribution for English language teaching (ELT) in Vietnam generally and School of Foreign Languages- Thai Nguyen University particularly. I have made an interview to him andThis following interview will help you understand more about his job of teaching English language in Vietnam.
(Mr. Bill is taking a photo with students of English Bachelor Class K34, School of Foreign Language, Thai Nguyen University on their graduation day)
Dear teacher, can you let me know how long you have stayed in Vietnam and how many Vietnamese universities you have worked for?
I have been in Vietnam for 8 years. During that time I have taught at the University of Education and at the School of Foreign Languages, Thai Nguyen University. As a faculty member of the SFL, I have also taught lecturers at the College of Business Administration and, I also taught teachers from Viet-Duc School in Song Cong
Can you explain the reasons why you chose Vietnam to work and have you ever thought of leaving Vietnam for another country?
My wife & I became convinced that coming to Vietnam, me teaching English in a university and my wife supporting that work was our next “assignment|” in life. We became convinced that our role was to enhance the lives of as many people as possible so that they would have as good, enjoyable and productive lives as possible and even experience and acquire life more abundantly than ever imagined previously. The reason we came and are still here was and is because we believe it is our life’s purpose.
We have never considered going to another country since coming to Vietnam.
What do you think about Vietnamese students in general and students of School of Foreign languages-Thai Nguyen University in particular?
Most Vietnamese students realize that obtaining a good education is a good way to increase the likelihood of enjoying a “successful” life, i.e. getting a good and secure job. Most Vietnamese students grossly underestimate their own potential and value. To date, we have been involved with approximately 1,000 undergraduate students at the University of Education and at the School of Foreign Languages. Most have an incredible ability to memorize facts and prose effectively and quickly. Many are hardworking and determined toward excellence in their studies and work. Students at the SFL are some of the most creative people I have ever encountered, being able to create Ao Dai out of plastic bags, for example, and produce a seemingly real microwave oven out of cardboard, for another.
Unfortunately, students are bent (have a strong tendency) towards cheating. Students also have a strong tendency to be late for class-sessions; and students often assume that their absence is “OK” if they notify a lecturer. Generally, students of foreign languages do not seem to appreciate how much work and application is required to master just one foreign language in just four years.
You have taught English in SFL for a long time, what are the strong points and weak points of students learning English here?
In addition to those things mentioned previously, a few students seek out the personal help of “native speakers” in improving their own acquisition of English. This characteristic seems to be increasing as the fact that what is required for success on an IELTS, an ability to actually use the language rather than simply repeat facts and rules of grammar, becomes well-known. Students at SFL seem to know what they must do to succeed and this is an asset.
Another “weakness” would be the tendency to wait until the last minute, believing that “cramming” for hours and memorizing facts, to prepare for examinations is a good option. In addition to the practice being ineffective, it is physically and mentally demanding and may contribute to relying on the relative ease in cheating.
In your opinion, what is the most difficult thing when you teaching English in a foreign country?
The most difficult thing has been and is the obstacles to working at an optimum level of effectiveness with colleagues because of misunderstanding the expectations, intentions, and methods of communication and needs of each other. For example, there is a tendency to notify a “foreigner” when there is a special event (e.g. Teacher’s Day), even at the last minute, but disseminating information about class schedules or requirements of a specific course’s content is rarely done on-time or at all.
Because of the language barrier between Vietnamese and English language, sometimes, it is difficult for students to understand and pay attention to your lectures, did you have any techniques or measures to overcome it?
Particularly for students coming from rural areas in northern Vietnam, this is a problem. There are many things I have employed to overcome this barrier. First, speaking slowly, as clearly as possible and repeating things several times helps. Second, providing students with written copies of what will be discussed, most often in summary form, but sometimes word-for-word, helps students recognize what I am speaking and eventually increases their general ability to “hear & understand”. A third thing that I have done is speak to every student personally, i.e. at breaks. This has helped get students used to my speaking and it helps me understand their (sometimes) basic English speaking.
What is your main goal when teaching in SFL or what are your expectations on your students?
My main goal for teaching in SFL is two-fold; first, the goal is to graduate students who are able to walk into an IELTS test center, soon after graduating, and score an 8 or a 9 on that test. Second, the goal is to make the jobs of the English Department leaders as stress-free and as successful as I possibly can. My third aim is to see the School of Foreign Languages become the University of Foreign Languages, DHTN!
My expectations of students are pretty simple: allow me to direct them toward excellence in accomplishing their educational goals; for them to work hard, apply themselves and use the talents they have as best they can to do the best they can, honestly.
This is the conversation between I and my dear teacher – Mr. Bill MacDonald. By his sharing, I believe that you can find out the reason why most students in SFL love and respect him so much. If you are wondering about him, let visit SFL!
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(the interviewee: Mr. Bill MacDonald - lecturer at SFL, TNU and the interviewer: Bui Thi Chi, student at SFL)
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