The Actual Situation of Practising Reading Skills in Teaching Chemistry in English at Vietnamese High School

Abstract

There are many types of research by scientists around the world studying effective methods of learning foreign languages, including English, especially its use in teaching science subjects. Few people are aware of the criteria to assess the level of the use of the English language skills in teaching science subjects. We surveyed 14 teachers, 486 students in 10 high schools in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the largest and most modern cities in Vietnam. A need was felt to examine how to develop and practice English reading comprehension skills for teaching chemistry in high schools. This study analyzes the theoretical and the realistic aspects required for practicing English reading comprehension skills to teach chemistry. The study investigated the skills level requirement by the chemistry teachers and students and offered an evaluation scale to assess those skill levels. The findings of these projects will provide teachers and students with a helpful toolkit to assess the academic result of students. This toolkit comprises the scale of proficiency in reading comprehension skills in learning chemistry in English in high school.