Lecturers’ Perceptions of the Quality Assurance System for General English Teaching Programs in Vietnamese Higher Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.25521

Keywords:

quality assurance, General English Teaching Program, higher education, lecturers’ perception

Abstract

Understanding lecturers’ perceptions of Quality Assurance (QA) is vital for improving English language programs. Despite growing attention to QA in higher education, limited research explores how lecturers view its implementation. This study addresses that gap by examining QA practices in General English Teaching programs at two universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (HEI1 and HEI2). Using an explanatory mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Findings showed that lecturers from both institutions acknowledged QA efforts in curriculum design, teaching, assessment, staff development, and facilities. However, HEI2 consistently scored higher across most criteria. Qualitative insights highlighted HEI2’s strengths in placement testing, workload design, staff training, and technology use. The study suggests HEI1 could benefit from benchmarking these practices. By involving lecturers, the research contributes to understanding QA implementation and offers practical recommendations for enhancing English programs in Vietnamese higher education.

Author Biographies

  • Quach Thi To Nu, HCM City University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University; Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Quach Thi To Nu, a seasoned lecturer at Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City is currently pursuing her PhD at Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, under Vietnam National University. Her research focuses on improving English teaching methodologies and promoting quality assurance in education.

  • Nguyen Loc, HCM City University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Vietnam

    Prof. Dr. Nguyen Loc is an expert in education management. He has written numerous book chapters published by Springer, contributed to higher education textbooks, and published articles in various educational journals. Additionally, he has been actively involved in SEMEO Retract, language policy development, and the Vietnamese National Foreign Language Projects.

References

Adam, S. (2004). Using learning outcomes: A consideration of the nature, role, application, and implications for European education of employing ‘learning outcomes’ at the local, national, and international levels. United Kingdom Bologna Seminar. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2004.09.012

Alvesson, M., & Sandberg, J. (2013). Has management studies lost its way? Ideas for more imaginative and innovative research. Journal of Management Studies, 50(1), 128–152. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2012.01070.x

Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom's Taxonomy of educational objectives. Longman.

Balabag, V. C., & Candilas, K. S. (2024). Improving College Students’ Metacognition through Self-Paced Learning and Direct Instruction in a Remote Learning Modality. BRU ELT JOURNAL, 2(2), 142-157. https://doi.org/10.14456/bej.2024.11

Barnett, R. (2000). Realizing the university in an age of supercomplexity. Society for Research into Higher Education & Open University Press.

Barrie, S. C. (2006). Understanding what we mean by the generic attributes of graduates. Higher Education, 51(2), 215–241.

Biggs, J. (2001). The reflective institution: Assuring and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Higher Education, 41(3), 221–238. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004181331049

Biggs, J. (2003). Aligning teaching and assessing to course objectives. Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: New Trends and Innovations, 13(2), 13–17.

Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2011). Teaching for quality learning at university (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Boud, D., & Falchikov, N. (2007). Rethinking assessment in higher education: Learning for the longer term. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203964309

Brew, A. (2006). Research and teaching: Beyond the divide. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230591904

Brookhart, S. M. (2023). Assessment Literacy in a Better Assessment Future. Chinese Journal of Applied Linguistics, 46(2), 162-179. https://doi.org/10.1515/CJAL-2023-0202

Brown, H. D. (2014). Principles of language learning and teaching (6th ed.). Pearson Education.

Brown, G., & Knight, P. (1994). Assessing learners in higher education. Kogan Page.

Brown, M. (2012). Learning spaces: Using the potential of physical and virtual spaces in teaching and learning. In M. Keppell et al. (Eds.), Physical and virtual learning spaces in higher education (pp. 41–57). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-1149-0.ch003

Carless, D. (2023). Teacher feedback literacy, feedback regimes and iterative change: towards enhanced value in feedback processes. Higher Education Research & Development, 42(8), 1890–1904. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2023.2203472

Chen, Z., & Goh, C. C. M. (2011). Teaching oral English in higher education: Challenges to EFL teachers. Teaching in Higher Education, 16(3), 333–345. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2010.546527

Chickering, A. W., & Gamson, Z. F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE Bulletin, 39(7), 3–7.

Coates, H. (2005). The value of student engagement for higher education quality assurance. Quality in Higher Education, 11(1), 25–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320500074915

Council of Europe. (2020). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment. Cambridge University Press.

Dang, T. M. T., & Pham, T. Q. (2024). Alignment between Course Learning Outcomes and Assessments: An Analysis within Linguistic Programs at a University in Vietnam. International Journal of TESOL and Education, 4(2), 31-45. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.24422

Dang, T. M. T., & Tong, T. M. H. (2024). Instruction-Giving in EFL Classrooms: A Case of a University in Viet Nam. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 4(2), 46-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.24423

Devlin, M., & Samarawickrema, G. (2010). The criteria of effective teaching in a changing higher education context. Higher Education Research & Development, 29(2), 111–124. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360903244398

Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a SMART way to write management’s goals and objectives. Management Review, 70(11), 35–36.

Dörnyei, Z. (2001). Motivational strategies in the language classroom. Cambridge University Press.

Driscoll, A., & Wood, S. (2007). Developing Outcomes-Based Assessment for Learner-Centered Education: A Faculty introduction. http://www.bchs.edu/files/u41/nt_for_Learner-centered_Education-Weingarten.pdf

Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. Oxford University Press.

European Commission. (2015). ECTS users’ guide 2015. Publications Office of the European Union. https://doi.org/10.2766/87192

Fry, H., Ketteridge, S., & Marshall, S. (2008). A handbook for teaching and learning in higher education: Enhancing academic practice (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Galloway, F. J. (2009). Entry requirements and student retention: Balancing quality and access in tertiary education. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 31(3), 245–259.

Gao, X. (2013). The challenges of learning English in higher education: A case study. Language Teaching Research, 17(4), 473–494. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168813494125

Garrison, D. R., & Vaughan, N. D. (2008). Blended learning in higher education: Framework, principles, and guidelines. Jossey-Bass. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118269558

Gibbs, G., & Simpson, C. (2004). Conditions under which assessment supports students’ learning. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 1, 3–31.

Government of Vietnam (2016, October 18). Vietnamese qualifications framework, approved by the prime minister of Vietnam. Decision 1982/QD-TTg. https://chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?pageid=27160&docid=186972

Gu, P. Y., & Lam, R. (2023). Developing Assessment Literacy for Classroom-Based Formative Assessment. Chinese Journal of Applied Linguistics, 46(2), 155-161. https://doi.org/10.1515/CJAL-2023-0201

Guri-Rosenblit, S. (2005). ‘Distance education’ and ‘e-learning’: Not the same thing. Higher Education, 49(4), 467–493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-004-0040-0

Hoang, V.V. (2010). The current situation and issues of the teaching of English in Vietnam. 立命館言語文化研究, 22(1), 7-18.

Harden, R. M. (2002). Learning outcomes and instructional objectives: Is there a difference? Medical Teacher, 24(2), 151–155.

Harvey, L., & Green, D. (1993). Defining quality. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 18(1), 9-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/0260293930180102

Harvey, L. (2004). The power of accreditation: Views of academics. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 26(2), 207-223. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080042000218267

Harvey, L., & Newton, J. (2007). Transforming quality evaluation: Moving on. In D. F. Westerheijden, B. Stensaker, & M. J. Rosa (Eds.), Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Trends in Regulation, Translation and Transformation (pp. 225–245). Springer.

Ho, N. P., & Ha, Y. N. (2025). Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Learning Outcomes from Students’ Perspectives towards Research Writing Course: A Case Study. International Journal of Language Instruction, 4(1), 33–49. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.25413

Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. (1987). English for specific purposes: A learning-centred approach. Cambridge University Press.

Johnson, R., Brown, A., & Smith, J. (2020). Impact of self-paced learning on metacognition in college students: A comparative study. Educational Psychology Review, 38(3), 567-582. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020- 09558-2

Kember, D. (2004). Interpreting student workload and the factors which shape students’ perceptions of their workload. Studies in Higher Education, 29(2), 165–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/0307507042000190778

Kennedy, D., Hyland, Á., & Ryan, N. (2009). Learning outcomes and competences. In E. Froment et al. (Eds.), EUA Bologna Handbook: Making Bologna Work. Raabe Academic Publishers.

Knapper, C. K., & Cropley, A. J. (2000). Lifelong learning in higher education (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Kohoutek, J. (2009). Quality assurance in higher education: A case study approach. Quality in Higher Education, 15(2), 133-145. https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320902995764

Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Buckley, J. A., Bridges, B. K., & Hayek, J. C. (2006). What matters to student success: A review of the literature. National Postsecondary Education Cooperative.

Kuh, G. D., & Hu, S. (2001). The effects of student-faculty interaction on students' educational gains in college. Research in Higher Education, 42(3), 309–332. https://doi.org/10.1023/1010881521483

Laurillard, D. (2012). Teaching as a design science: Building pedagogical patterns for learning and technology. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203125083

Martin, M., & Stella, A. (2007). External quality assurance in higher education: Making choices. UNESCO.

Materu, P. (2007). Higher Education Quality Assurance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Status, Challenges, Opportunities, and Promising Practices. World Bank Working Paper No. 124. Washington, DC: The World Bank.

Merrill, M. D. (2002). First principles of instruction. Educational Technology Research and Development, 50(3), 43–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02505024

Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). (2021). Circular 17/2021/TT-BGDĐT on Regulations for Assessment and Evaluation in General Education Institutions. Issued June 22, 2021.

Newton, J. (2000). Feeding the beast or improving quality? Quality in Higher Education, 6(2), 153-163. https://doi.org/10.1080/713692740

Nguyen, V. L. (2024). The Impact of Online Resources via Personal Devices on English-Majored Students’ Learning Practices. International Journal of Language Instruction, 3(4), 110–118. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.24346

Oblinger, D. G., & Oblinger, J. L. (2005). Educating the net generation. EDUCAUSE.

O’Neill, G. (2020). Designing effective learning outcomes. Teaching in Higher Education, 25(6), 720–732. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2019.1613352

Owlia, M. S., & Aspinwall, E. M. (1996). A framework for the dimensions of quality in higher education. Quality Assurance in Education, 4(2), 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/09684889610116012

Pereira, L., Barreto, R., & Melro, A. (2021). Digital transformation in quality assurance processes: Higher education perspectives. Education Sciences, 11(2), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11020084

Prince, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223–231. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2004.tb00809.x

Quach, T. T. N., & Nguyen, L. (2024). Using Accreditation Standards for Internal Quality Assurance for Tertiary General English Program in Vietnam. International Journal of TESOL and Education, 4(3), 1-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.24431

Richards, J. C. (2006). Communicative language teaching today. Cambridge University Press.

Sadler, D. R. (1989). Formative assessment and the design of instructional systems. Instructional Science, 18(2), 119–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00117714

Santiago, P., Tremblay, K., Basri, E., & Arnal, E. (2008). Tertiary Education for the Knowledge Society: Volume 1 and 2. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264046535-en

Schindler, L., Puls-Elvidge, S., Welzant, H., & Crawford, L. (2015). Definitions of quality in higher education: A synthesis of the literature. Higher Learning Research Communications, 5(3), 3-13. https://doi.org/10.18870/hlrc.v5i3.244

Shulman, L. S. (1987). Knowledge and teaching: Foundations of the new reform. Harvard Educational Review, 57(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.57.1.j463w79r56455411

Smith, J., & Naylor, R. A. (2001). Dropping out of university: A statistical analysis of the probability of withdrawal for UK university students. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series A (Statistics in Society), 164(2), 389–405.

Stensaker, B. (2008). Outcomes of quality assurance: A discussion of knowledge, methodology and validity. Quality in Higher Education, 14(1), 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320802011561

Sun, Y., & Yang, F. (2021). The effectiveness of mobile-assisted language learning in higher education: A meta-analysis. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09821-3

Tam, M. (2001). Measuring quality and performance in higher education. Quality in Higher Education, 7(1), 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320120045076

Temple, P. (2008). Learning spaces in higher education: An under‐researched topic. London Review of Education, 6(3), 229–241. https://doi.org/10.1080/14748460802489363

Tran, T. M. L. (2024). Blended Learning in EFL Classrooms at a Vietnamese University from Students' Perspectives. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 4(2), 99-117. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.24426

Tyler, R. W. (1949). Basic principles of curriculum and instruction. University of Chicago Press.

Van Vught, F. A., & Westerheijden, D. F. (1994). Towards a general model of quality assessment in higher education. Higher Education, 28(3), 355–371. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01383995

Yastıbaş, A. E., & Takkaç, M. (2018). Understanding language assessment literacy: Developing language assessment. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 14(1), 178-193.

Yorke, M., & Longden, B. (2004). Retention and student success in higher education. McGraw-Hill Education.

Wang, S. (2017). Flipped classrooms in teaching English as a foreign language: A case study in a university setting. The Journal of Asia TEFL, 14(4), 655–668. https://doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2017.14.4.5.655

Wang, J., & Cheng, Y. (2018). The impact of quality assurance on student learning outcomes: Evidence from China. Studies in Higher Education, 43(4), 634-649. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2016.1184238

Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design, expanded (2nd ed.). Alexandria VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Zhang, Y., & Yin, H. (2019). The impact of general English programs on student outcomes: A meta-analytic review. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 38, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2019.06.001

Downloads

Published

23-04-2025

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Quach, T. T. N., & Nguyen, L. (2025). Lecturers’ Perceptions of the Quality Assurance System for General English Teaching Programs in Vietnamese Higher Education. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 5(2), 1-28. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.25521

Similar Articles

1-10 of 161

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.