Tran Mai Truc's reflection

A journey of growth: My practicum at FTU

Near the end of July, our MA TESOL class had the valuable opportunity to join a 5-day, 4-night practicum at Foreign Trade University (FTU) in Hanoi. This trip was more than just an academic requirement—it blended theory with real-life teaching, connected us with new peers and teachers, and gave us space to grow both professionally and personally. More importantly, it helped us build stronger bonds with teammates and sharpen essential soft skills through every task we handled.

 

Before departure: Getting everything ready

Getting ready for the practicum was a long but necessary journey. There were many things to prepare: designing lesson plans, preparing presentations for the workshop and seminar, printing handouts, and even wrapping small gifts. One of the highlights, the GALA night, also required detailed planning and teamwork. Although the schedule was tight and we were often racing against time, we managed to get everything done and were ready for the big week ahead.

 

Departure Day – April 20: Slightly nervous, but excited

We arrived in Hanoi under light rain. As soon as we checked into the hotel, my teammates and I rushed to finalize a few tasks. We revisited our lesson plans and spent hours micro-teaching in our rooms. The feedback I received from other group members was incredibly helpful and boosted confidence for the real class. I made significant last-minute changes to an important part of the lesson, aiming to make the reading activity more interactive and easier for students to follow. Despite going overtime, we all tried our best to stay on schedule, understanding that time management was key to a smooth team performance.

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Observation Day – April 21: A lively learning environment

Foreign Trade University has a reputation for academic excellence and competitive students, and it lived up to those expectations. I observed an A2-level class of non-English majors, but their language ability seemed far above that level. The classroom had about 20 students, most of whom were engaged and eager to participate. Ms. Thanh, the teacher, created a relaxed, friendly, and open learning environment where students felt comfortable expressing their ideas and participating actively. Her approachable manner and gentle guidance seemed to encourage even the quieter students to engage with the lesson. Watching her teach helped us better understand the learning style of FTU students, and we adjusted our lesson accordingly to suit their needs.

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Teaching Day – April 22: A rewarding challenge

Tuesday was our teaching day. This time, the class had more than 40 students, which brought both excitement and pressure. Our goal was to deliver a lesson that met the needs of as many students as possible. As the university specializes in economics and trade, English here is often taught with a business focus. During the lesson, although there were a few moments that didn’t go as smoothly as planned, the students remained cooperative and were willing to respond to our questions.

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Although my original teaching slot was 20 minutes, I had to shorten some parts due to time constraints. Still, I understood it was necessary for the sake of our shared goal. Still, we covered the key points and maintained a good flow. It felt like a personal success. Teaching FTU students was a completely new experience for me, even with two years of teaching experience.

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After the lesson, I spent time reflecting on what went well and what could be improved. While our class was engaging and interactive, I noticed FTU students prefer directness and fast-paced delivery. They are highly autonomous learners who want to gain as much as possible from each class. Games and fun activities are useful, but they shouldn’t overshadow the content. In short, there is no single best method, only the one most appropriate for the learners you are working with.

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Workshop Day – April 23: New ideas, new horizons

On Wednesday, we joined a well-organized workshop led by teachers and students from both FTU and USSH. As presenters, we worked hard to prepare and aimed to deliver our ideas clearly and effectively. The discussions that followed were full of interesting insights. One topic, which is assessment in the AI Era, sparked a heated and meaningful debate among FTU teachers, each offering sharp, thought-provoking perspectives. When observing the debate, I was especially impressed by the open-mindedness and confidence of the teachers and students at FTU. Inside the seminar room, every concern was addressed directly and clearly, without hesitation or holding back. Yet outside the classroom, everyone remained friendly and supportive, still laughing and enjoying each other’s company, which I found truly admirable. Innovation, integrity, and professionalism, while promoting a global perspective, seem to be the central values that guide the students here. This spirit is likely what drives their students to succeed. On the bus ride back to the hotel, I found myself reflecting on my university experience and how different it might have been if I had taken a more proactive approach.

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Seminar and GALA Night – April 24: A day to remember

Thursday began with a helpful seminar for students, followed by a signing ceremony where the two universities celebrated the success of the practicum with an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that opened the way for future collaboration. Then came the GALA night, a truly unforgettable experience. I stayed until the very end and joined every activity, especially the dancing and singing. Both teachers and students from FTU and USSH participated enthusiastically, making the night full of laughter and joy. As one of the game planners, I felt proud that our efforts paid off and everyone had fun. It was a perfect ending to our trip, one that captured the spirit of "work hard, play hard."

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Goodbye, Hanoi – A Sweet memory

This field trip helped me grow in many ways. It not only sharpened my teaching skills but also gave me hands-on experience in planning, teamwork, communication, and organization. I also built new networks, which may lead to future career opportunities.

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This was my second time in Hanoi, and the city still kept its poetic charm with its historical corners and lively streets. Besides our academic work, we also explored Hanoi’s highlights—tasting local dishes, visiting Ba Dinh Square for the flag-raising ceremony, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife at Train Street and Phung Hung mural street. Although the trip was brief, it was a meaningful chapter in my teaching journey, one that broadened my perspective, strengthened my confidence, and reinforced my dedication to becoming an educator who learns and grows through every experience.