Teaching practice collaborative learning in English for academic purposes writing classes at Vietnam National Economics University

Abstract

The paper is a snapshot of the current practice of collaborative learning in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) writing classes at National Economics University (NEU) to show the effectiveness of collaborative learning activities in these classes. It is clear that teachers in this situation becomes facilitators who give guides when needed and do nothing but take note of how students participate into the activities as well as how students explain, give comments, ask their peers questions, and answer these questions. Besides, with collaborative learning activities, learning process takes place in a less face-threatening atmosphere with academic assistance from similar-age peers. The learning process is shifted from a passive reception to a more active process when students have chances to involve more in discussing, negotiating and arguing.