Applying Community Service Learning to Improve Technical Students’ English Communication Skill: Case Study at Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, VietNam

Abstract

Community Service Learning (CSL) is a form of experiential learning that involves students in community service activities to improve their understanding of course content and to enhance their interpersonal skills. This type of learning is particularly beneficial for technical students because it encourages them to apply the knowledge they acquire in the classroom to real-world scenarios. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of community service learning in improving the English communication skills of technical students at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH). The study was conducted using a mixed methods approach, which included a survey of students and interviews with English teachers. 24 English teachers and 396 Technical students were selected for the study. The results of the survey indicated that students who participated in community service learning activities reported higher levels of English communication skills compared to those who did not participate. The interviews revealed that English teachers believed that community service learning activities provided students with opportunities to practice their English in a real-world setting. Additionally, English teachers noted that community service learning activities provided students with the chance to develop interpersonal skills and a sense of responsibility, which improved their listening, speaking, and writing skills. The findings of this study suggest that community service learning can be an effective tool for improving the English communication skills of technical students at the IUH