EXPLORING TEACHER AGENCY IN USING THE NEW ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS IN UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HUE CITY

Abstract

This research paper investigates the role of teacher agency in the implementation of new English textbooks for Vietnamese high school students, especially focusing on teachers’ reflection on the practical use of these textbooks. The study was conducted at four high schools located in Hue City. The primary objective was to examine how teachers exercised their agency in implementing the I Learn Smart World and Global Success textbooks in real classroom settings based on the ecological lens of teacher agency. To gather and analyze data, semi structured interviews and thematic analysis were employed. The findings of the study revealed that teachers develop agency as a means to navigate textbook changes by drawing upon their past experiences, envisioning a desired future, and taking action to implement the curriculum despite the obstacles they may encounter