Developing English Learning Environment for Non-English Majors in a Non-native Community

Teaching and learning English as a foreign language in a non-native community poses a lot of challenges to both teachers and students. While it is commonly shared that in-class learning does not guarantee the success of the learning, the need for the extension of learning opportunities beyond the class has been remarkably increasing, encouraging English educators to create an environment for English learning beyond the class door. This study aims to set up such environment for non-English majors at Thai Nguyen University of Education, Vietnam. A series of out-of-class English activities were conducted during October 2020 to May 2021 for non-English majors at the University. 200 students joined the study as questionnaire respondents in two phases (before and after the implement of the activities) and 10 students were selected for focus group interview. Results revealed that the majority of the students believed in-class English learning were insufficient for their demands and needs and thus expected similar activities should be carried out beyond the class. The research would be a significant case study to illustrate that efforts to include out-of-class activities in the learning process should be encouraged for the development of an extended language learning environment for the benefits of the students in places where English is largely limited within the classroom walls