Overview
The British Council Viet Nam is now inviting proposals for UK–Viet Nam research grants to explore a more inclusive and accessible approach to the provision of English language teaching and learning in Viet Nam post Covid-19, which, as we all know, has had a massively disruptive effect on education systems globally, including here in Viet Nam. This highlights the need for innovative and sustainable digital solutions that can promote access to quality English education for learners, while building teacher capacity. These opportunities are in line with the collaboration plan for 2021-22, with a vision for the next four years signed by Ministry of Education and Training, the National Foreign Languages Project (NFLP) and the British Council Viet Nam.
Introduction and background to the project
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with more than 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, education and the English language.
Vietnam context
With over 18,000,000 English language learners, approximately 72,000 English language teachers and one of the most rapidly growing economies in South East Asia, Vietnam’s potential for educational partnership and digital innovation is significant.
The National Foreign Languages Project was established in 2008 with a remit to ‘renovate foreign language teaching and learning in the national education system’ and an overall goal to ‘create a foundation for universalizing foreign languages in general education by 2025’. Prime Ministerial decision 2080 (December 2017) also references the need to ‘promote the application of advanced technologies in foreign languages teaching and learning, using e-learning systems which are suitable and accessible for all people so that they are supported to learn foreign languages wherever, whenever, with every device’.
Background to English in Education Systems (EES)
The British Council’s work in English for Education Systems (EES) aims for transformational change in English language policy and practice. We believe that better teaching and learning of English increases academic and career opportunities and enables people to participate actively in a global society. Our research and innovation with UK and overseas partners provide evidence of 'what works' in English language teaching and learning and contribute to the development of English language teaching and learning worldwide. We support language teaching and learning in a multilingual world, helping to ensure inclusive and equitable quality language education in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.
As of 2021, our EES programmatic framework is thematically organised into three key impact areas:
- ELT in Education,
- English and Empowerment
- English Connects (digital)
Underpinning these priorities is our approach harnessing UK expertise in teacher education, education technologies and inclusive pedagogies and research, insight, and innovation. We seek to document and share learning gained from practical experience. Our role in global English means that advancing thought and positioning the UK as leaders in English language education are at the heart of our mission.
About the grants
The British Council is pleased to announce its call for UK–Viet nam Research Grants.
The grants aim to fund research study that will assess the quality and quantity of existing provision in two separate but related areas of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Viet Nam:
- A research grant into the online provision of digital teaching and learning resources in Vietnam with a focus on ensuring that there is equitable provision of digital resources and access to online learning for both teachers and learners
- A research grant to investigate the provision of English language assessment and testing (including online and automated provision) to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Through this scheme, we aim to facilitate the production of research in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) context to benefit the quality of English language teaching, learning and assessment in Viet Nam’s education systems. Resulting articles will be published as part of the British Council Research Papers series online.
The two grants amounting to £40,000 (£20,000 each) are available for individual UK HEIs to carry out this research as part of joint proposals.
Timeframe of the Grants
| Activity | Dates |
| Issuance of Call for Application | 13 September 2021 |
| Clarification questions | 20–27 September 2021 |
| Proposal submission deadline | 25 October 2021 |
| Evaluation process | 25–29 October 2021 |
| Communicating decision on the award | week beginning 1 November 2021 |
| Contract finalisation and signing | early-mid November 2021 |
| Contract execution, due diligence, and grant payment | mid-end November 2021 |
Application documents should include:
- Application Form
- Budget form
The deadline to submit your research proposal is 23.59 GMT on 25 October 2021. Applications should be returned to: digitalinnovation@britishcouncil.org.vn.
Applications submitted after this date may not be considered by the reviewing panel.If you have any questions about your application, please email digitalinnovation@britishcouncil.org.vn and allow at least three working days for a response.
We look forward to receiving your application.
For more information, please see the below documents and watch the launch event here.