Hue English Lessons

High School-Level Lesson

This lesson for B1/B2 learners focuses on developing students' English listening and speaking skills, emphasising self-reflection and understanding accents and identities in the context of English as an International Language (EIL). 

Here's how this lesson could unfold in a classroom:

Step 1 - Warm-up

Imagine the students gathering in small groups, sharing their experiences with using English in real-life scenarios. They would engage in a reflective discussion, expressing what they felt worked in their conversations and what didn't, delving into details like emotions felt, choice of words, clarity of expression, and cultural nuances.

Step 2 - Listening

The teacher plays the recordings while the students listen and note down the key points. This task provides an opportunity to practice listening skills and understand the main idea as well as specific details. Using voices from Hue also allows students to be exposed to teaching materials that use a variety of English (Hue English) besides the commonly used 'RP' British accent or 'Standard' American accent.

You can listen to the audio recordings yourself! Just click play on 'Audio 1' and 'Audio 2'

Step 3 - Speaking

After listening, students would compare their own views with those of the speakers. This conversation would be introspective, allowing students to reflect on their own linguistic journey. It would also encourage them to appreciate the diversity in language use and recognize the unique identity that their accent represents.

Step 4 - Group Presentation

Students would transition into a collaborative environment, forming groups to create a presentation on selected topics related to English-speaking advice for Vietnamese learners or the significance of their English accent. They would brainstorm, script, and practice, aiming to communicate effectively and confidently for at least three minutes.

Step 5 - Presenting

The energy in the classroom would shift to one of performance and feedback as each group presents their topic. Students would have the opportunity to showcase their work, perhaps feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as they stand before their peers.

Homework Task

Finally, the focus shifts to the individual, with students tasked to record their own presentation on one of the topics. They would prepare this as a personal project, perfecting their delivery, with the added incentive of a prize to motivate them. (These prizes were from the successful video competition held in November 2023 - January 2024. Click here to see the details)

Lesson Plan

Secondary School-Level Lesson

In this secondary school lesson for B1 level learners, students engage with their local culture of Huế and personal identity through various language tasks, including descriptive vocabulary and expressing personal opinions.

Here's how this lesson could unfold in a classroom:

Step 1 - Warm-up

Students start by individually reflecting on the aspects of Huế or their local area they cherish. They then engage in a lively exchange with a partner, sharing and comparing their opinions and ideas.

Step 2 - Writing

The conversation becomes tangible as each pair writes down the details they have shared. The room buzzes with activity as the students think hard to list the attributes that make their city special to them, practising their vocabulary and sentence structures.

Step 3 - Listening

The teacher plays the audio tracks, and students listen and add speakers' comments about Huế to their lists. A tick signifies a match with their own observations, creating a sense of connection with the broader perceptions of their city.

You can listen to the audio recordings yourself! Just click play on 'Audio 3', 'Audio 4' and 'Audio 5'.

Step 4 - Creating a Poster

Creativity flows as groups design posters that answer questions about their local area. These visual representations include favourite places, the character of the people, and the excellent local cuisine. For those who complete the activity quickly, an extra question seeks suggestions for improvements to the city, sparking discussions about community development.

Step 5 - Presenting to the Class (Sharing and Reflection)

This stage brings the class together in a collaborative review and presentation session. The classroom takes on the dynamic of a forum, with each group stepping forward to present their poster. They articulate the uniqueness of their local area, inviting questions and insights. The rest of the class, along with the teacher, provides constructive feedback, creating a supportive environment that values each student's perspective and efforts.

This final activity offers rich opportunities for students to refine their language skills, learn from one another, and develop a deeper appreciation for their own and their peers’ cultural perspectives.

Homework

Students individually present their posters through a video, sharing it on the class portal for collective viewing. They not only practice their presentation skills but also engage in community feedback by watching and commenting on their classmates’ presentations. This multilayered task reinforces the lesson's aims to celebrate local culture and take pride in one's identity while utilising English in an emotionally engaging context.

Lesson Plan