ORGANIZING DISCOVERY LEARNING IN TEACHING AND LEARNING PEDAGOGICAL SUBJECTS WITH THE INTEGRATION OF SOFT SKILLS TRAINING FOR STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI

Abstract

Applying qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study has outlined basic issues of discovery learning as a theoretical basis for organizing discovery learning in the teaching and learning of pedagogy at the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ULIS-VNU). In practice, the focus is on evaluating the effectiveness of discovery learning model application and the level of soft skills students aquire through discovery learning activities in teaching and learning pedagogy at ULIS-VNU. Lecturers’ ability to organize discovery learning activities in teaching pedagogy has also been assessed. The results indicate that although students’ assessments of all the three aspects are positive, the majority believe that several points need changing and improving, such as: suitable plans for evaluation and self-assessment of learning outcomes throughout the course in place; both the objectives and content of discovery learning should be clearly and specifically designed, etc. and in order to achieve the expected results in teaching and learning pedagogy along with the intergration of soft skills training for students at ULIS-VNU in particular, and in pedagogical colleges in general, discovery learning activities need to be appropriately, rigorously and scientifically organized.