Our Unit 871 Supervisory ESL Instructor, Emile, provides an ELT Program update for the new cohort: Cohort 006.
The English Language Training (ELT) program at Unit 871 continues to play a vital role in supporting the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of Vietnam’s mission to achieve 30% English proficiency across the armed forces by 2030. Our team remains committed to this goal, ensuring that every cohort receives the best possible instruction and support.
A Challenging but Promising Start
Cohort 006 began five weeks ago with a unique challenge: students entered at a lower proficiency level than expected. To maintain inclusivity and strengthen our partnership with the MND, we adjusted our acceptance threshold to 20%, allowing more students to join and benefit from the program.
This cohort consists of 39 students divided into four full-time classes:
· Alpha: 9 students
· Bravo, Charlie, Delta: 10 students each
All students were placed based on their ALCPT intake scores, which measure listening and reading comprehension. Here’s the breakdown:
- Alpha: 52%
- Bravo: 38%
- Charlie: 30%
- Delta: 24%
Progress So Far
Despite the initial challenges, Cohort 006 has shown impressive progress. Students have completed two books of the American Language Course (ALC), and their book quiz scores reflect strong engagement and learning:
- Alpha: Book 1 – 96.4%, Book 2 – 92.9%
- Bravo: Book 1 – 94.0%, Book 2 – 94.0%
- Charlie: Book 1 – 90%, Book 2 – 88%
- Delta: Book 1 – 83%, Book 2 – 72%
Why the ECL Test Matters
Two students scored exceptionally high during intake and immediately qualified for the English Comprehension Level (ECL) test. This test is a critical benchmark for students seeking advanced training opportunities in the U.S. military education system. Achieving the required ECL score opens doors to specialized courses and international collaboration.
Our Focus
We continue to emphasize face-to-face instruction in the language lab, which is particularly effective for improving listening skills, a common challenge for learners. Alongside listening, we prioritize speaking and pronunciation, ensuring students gain practical communication skills for real-world scenarios.
Looking Ahead
As Cohort 006 moves forward, our instructors remain dedicated to making these six months successful. Beyond teaching English, we aim to inspire a genuine love for the language and foster confidence in communication.