Main Article Content
Abstract
English language assumes a pivotal position in the socioeconomic advancement of Vietnam. The adoption of extracurricular mechanisms for English language acquisition is recognized as an innovative and potent overhaul of the pedagogical framework for English learners in Vietnam. This study was executed employing a quantitative methodology to ascertain the perceptions of tertiary level students regarding the advantages and obstacles encountered in their engagement with extracurricular activities directed at English language acquisition. Data was accumulated from 1,032 students pursuing higher education in an institution situated in the Mekong delta, facilitated by a questionnaire. The findings highlighted significant expectations students harbored for these activities. Particularly, they anticipated that engagement in these extracurricular endeavors would yield a positive influence on their linguistic competencies, while also fostering a conducive and collaborative environment for English language acquisition, thereby expanding their social networks with fellow participants. Nevertheless, the participants also acknowledged potential drawbacks. They expressed concern that participation in these activities might be time-consuming and could potentially diminish their motivation to partake, especially if the activities were not in alignment with their individual competencies and areas of interest. The findings of this study propose implications for enhancing the effectiveness of extracurricular activities for English language acquisition. Specifically, adequate financial and human capital investment is crucial, and the activities need to be meticulously planned to avoid an excessive time commitment from the students.
Keywords
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
In submitting the manuscript to the FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching, the authors certify that:
- They are authorized by their co-authors to enter into these arrangements.
- The work described has not been formally published before, except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, thesis, or overlay journal.
- That it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere,
- The publication has been approved by the author(s) and by responsible authorities – tacitly or explicitly – of the institutes where the work has been carried out.
- They secure the right to reproduce any material that has already been published or copyrighted elsewhere.
- They agree to the following license and copyright agreement.
License and Copyright Agreement
Authors who publish with FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors can enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or edit it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) before and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
References
- Bartkus, K. R., Nemelka, B., Nemelka, M., & Gardner, P. (2012). Clarifying the meaning of extracurricular activity: A literature review of definitions. American Journal of Business Education, 5(6), 693-704. https://doi.org/10.19030/ajbe.v5i6.7391
- Cao, P. T. H. (2018). Task-based language teaching: Affordances and challenges in TBLT implementation at the Vietnamese tertiary level. Journal of Asia TEFL, 15(2), 510-515.
- Dev, S., & Qiqieh, S. (2016). The relationship between English language proficiency, academic achievement and self-esteem of non-native-English-speaking students. International Education Studies, 9(5), 147-155.
- Gurler, I. (2015). Correlation between self-confidence and speaking skill of English language teaching and English language and literature preparatory students. Curr Res Soc Sci, 1(2), 14-19.
- Harisiswana, L. (2017). Investigating the role of English club extracurricular activity in improving students’ Mastery in English at Sman 3. Jambi: Jambi University.
- Holt, N. L., Sehn, Z. L., Spence, J. C., Newton, A. S., & Ball, G. D. (2012). Physical education and sport programs at an inner city school: Exploring possibilities for positive youth development. Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 17(1), 97-113. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2010.548062
- Kanevsky, L. (2011). Deferential differentiation: What types of differentiation do students want?. Gifted Child Quarterly, 55(4), 279-299.
- Kaufman, R. A., & English, F. W. (1979). Needs assessment: Concept and application. Educational Technology.
- Kirkpatrick, R. J. (2012). Extracurricular activities as means to improve English at a Thai university. The Asian EFL Journal, SI(61), 52-68.
- Lariviere, M. L. (2016). Extracurricular activity participation and english language learners: second language acquisition and academic performance. A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Educational Leadership Sam Houston State University.
- Metsäpelto, R.-L., & Pulkkinen, L. (2014). The benefits of extracurricular activities for socioemotional behavior and school achievement in middle childhood: An overview of the research. Journal for educational research online, 6(3), 10-33.
- Mills, R. C. (1991). A new understanding of self: The role of affect, state of mind, self-understanding, and intrinsic motivation. The journal of experimental education, 60(1), 67-81.
- Nghia, T. L. H. (2018). The skills gap of Vietnamese graduates and final-year university students. Journal of Education and Work, 31(7-8), 579-594.
- Nguyen, C. T. (2019). Enhancing the quality of foreign language learning through extracurricular programs for vietnamese students. Education and Linguistics Research, 5(2), 1-20.
- Nguyen, T. T. T., Bui, T. N. T., & Nguyen, D. A. (2020). Tertiary language planning and career development: Challenges to Vietnamese students. VNU Journal of Foreign Studies, 36(4), 140-152.
- Simoncini, K., Caltabiano, N., & Lasen, M. (2012). Young school-aged children’s behaviour and their care arrangements after school. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 37(1), 108-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693911203700113
- Thanh, P. T. H. (2010). Implementing a student-centered learning approach at Vietnamese higher education institutions: barriers under. Journal of Futures Studies, 15(1), 21-38.
- Tomlinson, B., & Dat, B. (2004). The contributions of Vietnamese learners of English to ELT methodology. Language teaching research, 8(2), 199-222.
- Tran, T. T. (2013). Limitation on the development of skills in higher education in Vietnam. Higher Education, 65(5), 631-644.
- Tuyen L. V., & Loan, T. T. T. (2019). Factors Affecting EFL Students’ Willingness to Communicate in Speaking Classes at the Vietnamese Tertiary Level. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 4(2), 252-262.
- Vo, P. Q., Pham, T. M. N., & Ho, T. N. (2018). Challenges to speaking skills encountered by English-majored students: A story of one Vietnamese university in the Mekong Delta. Can Tho University Journal of Science, 54(5), 38-44.
- Zakhir, M. (2019). Extracurricular activities in TEFL classes. A self-centered approach. Sisyphus—Journal of Education, 7(2), 119-137.