- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.3.3304.2025
- Oct 11, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Nhan Nguyen Thanh Dinh + 2 more
The advent of Chatbots as potential tools for learning English has provided EFL students with opportunities for interactive English practice and enhanced research skills using open-access sources, offering employment opportunities for college graduates. However, the practical benefits of language learning in Vietnamese higher education institutions need more in-depth research. This study, therefore, was conducted with 45 second-year EFL students at Ho Chi Minh City University in Vietnam, whose English proficiency level was equivalent to B1. It investigates the empirical effectiveness of Chatbots in acquiring English language skills, focusing specifically on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and creativity. Addressing two key questions, namely, the impact on students’ reading comprehension, learner autonomy, and perceptions of Chatbots for enhancing comprehension, the study incorporates an 8-week Chatbot-integrated classroom intervention program. Data were collected through surveys and interviews, then compared and contrasted to measure reading comprehension and learner autonomy improvement. Findings indicate that Chatbots significantly enhance reading comprehension, foster learner autonomy, and stimulate critical thinking. The research offers a comprehensive overview of Chatbots in EFL, recognizing associated limitations, and advocates for further exploration of A.I.-linked EFL education, exploring advantages and limitations, especially regarding learners’ academic achievement and well-being, as a burgeoning trend in Vietnam and globally.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.1.3235.2025
- Oct 11, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Benedict Francisco Reyes + 1 more
Based on the data provided by the Autism Society of the Philippines (2018), it is estimated that around 1.2 million Filipinos, constituting 01 out of every 100 individuals, are affected by autism. This high prevalence poses significant challenges, particularly for parents who are raising children with autism, as they grapple with the lifelong developmental issues associated with the condition. Recognizing the pressing need for support, the Philippine Senate has taken notice of this matter, and senators have proposed the establishment of a National Center for Autism (Torregoza, 2023). In light of this context, the present study aims to delve into the lived experiences of family members, including parents, grandparents, and other relatives, who provide care for children with autism. The study aims to capture the critical experiences of families raising children with autism, focusing on stress, burden, ambivalence, and hope through qualitative interviews. By analyzing narratives within the framework of intensive motherhood ideology, this paper delves into caregivers’ lived experiences and how they relate to these themes. The study incorporates seven participants whose interviews are recorded and transcribed. Codes are then derived from the transcriptions, and subsequently, themes are developed. The findings of the study reveal the resilient sense of hope that families maintain despite the numerous struggles, burdens, and ambivalent emotions they encounter in their journey with autism.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.3.3268.2025
- Oct 11, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Edgermi Gerasta Gingoyon + 2 more
The stability of skills in a workforce is influenced by a range of determinants that can either promote or hinder the ability of employees to maintain and adapt their skills over time. From the 37 country members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the top 15 countries were contrasted in terms of workforce measured by skill stability with the bottom 15 countries using bipolar analysis. This study aimed to determine the predictors of skill stability among the reskilling foci across countries. Data were analyzed using exploratory data, t-tests, and regression analysis. Results revealed that the top 15 countries outperformed the bottom 15 regarding resilience, flexibility, and agility. It was also found that AI and big data, resilience, flexibility, agility, empathy, and active listening were the three predictors of skill stability in the workforce among countries. Hence, it is recommended that organizations and stakeholders explore collaboration opportunities between the top 15 and bottom 15 countries to leverage their respective strengths, ultimately enhancing overall skill stability.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.4.3220.2025
- Oct 11, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Ngan Thi Phuong Phan + 2 more
Pronunciation is a crucial factor in the success of English conversations. However, understanding pronunciation teaching methods and the challenges teachers face in EFL countries like Vietnam remains limited, with little research conducted in Vietnamese primary schools. The study explores English pronunciation teaching practices in Vietnamese elementary schools. In particular, it examines teachers’ methods of teaching pronunciation to primary school students and delves into teachers’ perceptions of pronunciation teaching practices. The study also highlights challenges elementary school English teachers face, presenting results from three Vietnamese teachers conveniently recruited from three different primary schools in Ho Chi Minh City. The findings indicate that pronunciation instruction has transitioned to a multisensory and interactive approach, departing from traditional methods. The strategies also include repetition, guided pronunciation practice (i.e., drilling, visual and audio aids, communicative activities, songs and rhymes, tongue twisters, using minimal pairs, and pronunciation software), and a differentiated approach to pronunciation instruction. However, educators recognize challenges related to students’ ongoing language, sound development, and motivation issues. The study offers practical insights into effective teaching strategies for English pronunciation in primary schools in Vietnam, providing actionable guidance for primary school educators.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.5.3493.2025
- Sep 18, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Karen Perater + 2 more
This paper aims to look at the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the life of Criminology students. A descriptive-correlational study utilized a researcher-modified survey questionnaire conducted on 342 Criminology students using a two-stage stratified random sampling technique. Frequency, percentage distribution, weighted mean, highest frequency, ranking, and Spearman’s rho Correlation were the statistical treatments used to quantify the data. The study also explored student experiences with off-site learning and the pandemic’s impact on their social life, emotions, and overall circumstances. Finally, we examined the relationship between student satisfaction and their perception of the pandemic’s consequences. The findings reveal overall satisfaction with academic life, though library access and financial services received lower ratings. Interestingly, despite concerns about finances, future careers, and education due to the pandemic, students generally maintained a positive outlook and connected with loved ones online. However, a significant correlation emerged between student satisfaction and their perception of the pandemic’s impact. Based on these findings, we recommend improvements to support student well-being: explore online platforms and Learning Management Systems (LMS) to facilitate access to library materials, establish online platforms for accessing financial aid and accounting services, implement a counseling hotline, and increase mental health awareness seminars.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.2.3159.2025
- Sep 17, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Angelo Frank Pacala
ChatGPT is an AI-based assistant that has revolutionized the education sector. It is a natural language processing technology that uses machine learning algorithms to generate human-like responses to various queries and conversations in real time. The program was launched in 2022 and has proven its value in education. However, the grey area in generative transformer tools such as ChatGPT is enormous, including utilization value, data accuracy, and protection, and government regulations. The primary purpose of this research is to synthesize various published studies since the inception of ChatGPT. This research utilized a traditional narrative synthesis review to capture the value and regulation of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence concerning education. The results showed that teachers and students benefited from the program, such as personalized learning experiences, teacher-student interactions, increased engagement, and teachers’ lesson and assessment planning. However, the level of accuracy of information ChatGPT provides still needs to be 100% accurate since various studies have mixed results on the accuracy of the information given by ChatGPT. The user should be able to delineate which data is incorrect. Furthermore, countries worldwide have passed laws and regulations to ensure that AI tools such as ChatGPT would not harm users. Overall, Chat-GPT has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach education. As this technology becomes more global, it will be essential to continue testing and refining ChatGPT to improve the user experience and maintain ethical considerations.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.4.3264.2025
- Sep 12, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Angen May Charcos
The study explores the integration of mobile gaming for English language learning among the 1st year education students in CTU-Tuburan for the School Year 2022 - 2023. The research employed a quantitative design, utilizing a descriptive approach by administering survey questionnaires to collect data. The study adopted a descriptive correlational method to delineate the notable relationship between learners’ performance and electronic communication skills. The study’s chosen participants consist of 100 first-year education students officially enrolled in the school year 2022 - 2023, all of whom are confirmed Mobile game players. The selection was made using purposive sampling, a non-probabilistic method frequently used in research and data collection. The findings revealed that the respondents were generally proficient in using online resources to clarify word meanings. However, there was room for improvement in enumeration, time order, and comparison and contrast skills. The assessment of personal factors showed mixed proficiency levels, with sociability rated as skillful but self-disclosure, emotion decoding, and assertiveness rated as moderately skillful. The study found a significant positive correlation between vocabulary development and reading comprehension, suggesting that improved vocabulary skills led to better reading comprehension. However, no significant relationship was found between vocabulary development or reading comprehension and electronic communication skills in the context of the study. These findings provide insights for integrating mobile gaming terminologies in English instruction among the 1st year education students in CTU-Tuburan for the school year 2022 - 2023.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.4.2295.2025
- Sep 12, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- An Truong Le
Roleplaying is considered a prominent teaching technique for teaching English speaking skills. However, little has been known about how teachers perceive its benefits, challenges, and learning outcomes when applying this technique to teaching English-speaking skills to predominantly non-English-major students. The case study, employing a mixed-method design, was conducted at Ho Chi Minh City Open University (HCMC OU). There were ten participants for quantitative data collected via questionnaire and 02 interviewees for semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data. The SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze data. The findings revealed that the participants perceived that the roleplaying technique significantly impacted students’ English confidence. However, the participants held neutrality regarding improving pronunciation and grammatical accuracy when teachers apply roleplaying techniques in teaching English speaking skills. The researcher draws some pedagogical implications and recommendations for future research based on the findings.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.15.3.3296.2025
- Sep 12, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Catada Gapasin Merivic + 1 more
This study examines the socio-economic impact of PAMANA development initiatives in conflict-affected areas of Negros Oriental, Philippines, employing a descriptive survey methodology. It focuses on profiling beneficiary respondents, identifying implementation challenges, and evaluating the projects’ social and economic effects. Despite PAMANA’s implementation since 2016, there has been a lack of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, which has prompted this research. Coordination meetings with farmer associations and LGUs facilitated data collection using descriptive survey questionnaires from 13 geographically dispersed associations, primarily comprising farmers and active PAMANA participants. Analysis of responses from 272 beneficiaries reveals the challenges faced by beneficiaries of the PAMANA program, including inadequate project monitoring, leadership deficiencies, and communication gaps. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, leading to economic uncertainty among participants. While some respondents reported successful program implementation, a significant portion expressed dissatisfaction with its impact on health services, education, and financial improvement. Addressing these concerns requires a comprehensive approach, including enhancing communication strategies, fostering leadership development, and identifying and rectifying program shortcomings. Overall, the findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve the PAMANA program’s effectiveness in supporting its beneficiaries’ economic and social well-being. Policymakers can use this evidence to formulate policies and strategies grounded in data-driven insights, enhancing the likelihood of achieving desired socio-economic outcomes. Finally, the result provides new empirical evidence and analysis that enriches scholarly understanding of the intersection between development interventions and peacebuilding efforts.
- Research Article
- 10.46223/hcmcoujs.soci.en.16.2.3306.1016
- Sep 12, 2024
- HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Evert Manuel Dela Pena, Jr + 2 more
Women’s empowerment is the epitome of intellectual awakening. The feminist’s awakening triumphs over the oppressive lording of the patriarchal system through time. Women empowerment is sustained in the society for women savored rights that were deprived of them for a long time. Women’s empowerment comes in many forms or expressions, including how they dress. However, it seems that the portrayal of power that is supposed to give respect to women’s dignity only paves the way to discredit their pure intention. Women’s empowerment through clothing harbors more objectification of women rather than seeing them as subjects. This philosophy research work used a qualitative approach that examined and analyzed the experiences of selected empowered women in wearing revealing clothing. Sixteen empowered women were purposively selected to participate in this study. The data shows that empowerment is present in wearing revealing clothing, but unfortunately, objectification is also present. The dichotomy in the data between empowerment and objectification was intellectualized through a philosophical discourse. Women’s empowerment through “showing of skin” must be re-examined.