On the evening of September 19, 2025, Hall C at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade became more vibrant than ever as over 400 students majoring in English and Chinese Language gathered to attend a training workshop on Research Skills in Linguistics organized by the Faculty of Foreign Languages.

At the beginning of the program, Dr. Tran Tin Nghi – Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages – shared heartfelt messages with students about the importance of scientific research. He emphasized that research is not only an academic requirement for assignments and graduation theses but also essential preparation that helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and academic writing skills—key factors for their future careers.

The academic atmosphere continued as MA. Ngo Duc Huy led a session on semi-structured interviews as a qualitative data collection tool in TESOL research. With a clear and engaging delivery style, he introduced theoretical foundations alongside practical examples, guiding students through designing interview questions, conducting interviews, and analyzing data using Braun & Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis method. Many students expressed excitement as this was their first time being introduced to such a scientific yet highly practical research tool.

In the central part of the seminar, Dr. Truong Cong Bang provided a comprehensive overview of the research process through his presentation titled “From Literature to Questionnaire.” He shared strategies for systematically searching and synthesizing academic literature, highlighted the importance of honesty and ethics in research, and guided students in designing questionnaires for data collection. Although the session lasted two hours, it remained engaging as students participated in group activities, discussing how to formulate clear research questions and avoid common mistakes.

The event concluded in an enthusiastic atmosphere, with many students actively raising questions, demonstrating their eagerness to learn. Many shared that the workshop had boosted their confidence in preparing for essays, projects, and especially their upcoming graduation theses. The event also stands as evidence of the Faculty of Foreign Languages’ efforts to bring scientific research closer to students, transforming seemingly theoretical concepts into practical and valuable skills.