THE SHIFT OF THE ENGLISH PAPER FROM COMPULSORY TO ELECTIVE STATUS IN THE NATIONAL UPPER-SECONDARY SCHOOL EXAM IN VIETNAM: IMPACTS ON TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT FROM TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The study examines the effects of shifting the English paper from a compulsory to an elective status in Vietnam’s national upper-secondary school exam on teaching and assessment practices from the perspective of teachers. Drawing on a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative data from a questionnaire administered to 990 teachers and qualitative responses from 53 participants to explore how this policy shift is perceived. Findings indicate mixed reactions, with most teachers expressing concerns about decreased student motivation and classroom engagement, as well as a lack of clear objectives in English education. The study provides insights into the immediate impacts on instructional strategies and highlights the complexities of the policy’s implementation in Vietnam. These results contribute to ongoing debates about language education reform in Vietnam, especially concerning how high-stakes testing influences teaching as well as assessment and testing practices.