Reporter: First of all, I would like to thank you for accepting the invitation to participate in this interview. Every teacher chooses a discipline to teach their students. Currently, your profession is Literature, so can you share the reasons why you decided to pursue it?

Ms Hang: Initially, I chose to stick with Literature because of my passion and love for it from a young age. When I was still at school, my teachers would praise and encourage me for my talent in Literature. Later on, in my career path, I took a special interest in this subject because literature enriches our soul as well as opens us to different mindsets and perspectives on the world. Besides, in the course of teaching, I find the students pursuing Literature very lovely and sentimental. In general, Literature is an option that she has devoted herself to since childhood until now. 

Miss Hang in the ao dai.

Reporter: In today's digital era, specifically demonstrated in the recent COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has steadily become popular, so can you share the habits that you have had to change when switching from traditional teaching to the virtual alternative?

Ms Hang: The first habit that I had to significantly improve upon is self-learning in terms of innovations in technology and teaching methods. Back in the days, illustrating a lecture was limited to using some software such as Powerpoint, or showing videos, then online teaching compelled me to approach other apps for better teaching quality. Therefore, the first habit is that I must familiarize myself with and master those advancements and apply information technology in education.

The second habit is that I have to find new measures to enthuse students in online classes. Due to the lack of direct interaction, there is a blockage and separation in terms of distance between the teachers and the students, so I have to come up with activities, organize games, and online competitions to delve more into the lesson. I think these new formats will inspire students in the learning process. What I am infatuated with is the convenience for students to give presentations and make products that maximize creativity.

Ms Hang on Vietnamese Teachers' Day 11/20

Reporter: Online learning has been going on for more than two years, so during this time, is there any interesting memory or story that made a lasting impression on you?

Ms Hang: There is a very touching story of my twelve-graders who just graduated from school. Until the last lesson, the students could not go to school to attend the coming of age ceremony, which is a pity. In the last period, the alumnus made a Powerpoint presentation, in which they wrote the messages and wishes from all class members to every teacher. For me, this was a touching, unique and unforgettable gift.

Moreover, there are also funny memories that amuse me whenever I reminisce about them. Many students who study online have a very cheerful, buoyant and innocent spirit. For example, one turned on the camera but had an “occupational accident”, so I discovered that he was lying in bed to listen, study and perceive literature.

Ms Hang expresses very honest comments on teaching and learning during the virtual classroom period 

Reporter: As the whole city started the school year with an online opening ceremony the school year 2021-2022 is an unprecedented school year. Then, how did you connect and get to know your students?

Ms Hang: For starters, the first channel for me to be acquainted with my students is through the homeroom teachers to see their study records from previous school years. Secondly, the students themselves also need to be open, enthusiastic and proactive. So during breaks, or in between the lesson, I weave some small talk into the conversation to interact with my students more. Or if class members are still shy, they can express their feelings, thoughts, aspirations, and personal requests to teachers through Google Forms links. And for me, the priority of a teacher is to understand the mind and psychology of students to erase the age gap, and thus discover what the youth’s psyche is, what they want and what they need.

Reporter: I would like to thank you again for sharing your experiences in today's interview. On Vietnamese Teachers' Day November 20, I would like to send you my best wishes. I hope you will always be joyous, happy, and healthy to continue the educators’ mission of “cultivating talents”.

Literature is a profession of creativity, and teachers who dedicate themselves to presenting students with compelling and intriguing lectures on Literature are the epitome of relentless creativity. Through Ms Hang’s opinions, we can feel the enthusiasm and efforts of the teachers in providing the best quality lectures, especially in the current online learning period. Ams Wide Web Editorial Board would like to congratulate her and all teachers in the school with a wish of health, lots of luck and joy on Vietnam Teachers' Day 11/20!

Reporter: Pham Hoang Hai Anh - Literature 2124

Photo source: Ms Hang

Translator: Tran Linh Ngan - English 2124