Hybrid Reading – A New Framework for Reading Culture in the Digital Age

The rapid development of digital technology is significantly changing the way people read, receive, and process information. In today’s learning environment, students no longer read only printed books or paper-based materials as before, but increasingly turn to digital platforms such as online articles, e-books, podcasts, academic videos, and infographics.

This shift creates the need for a new approach to reading culture — not simply reading more, but reading more flexibly and effectively across different environments. From this, the concept of Hybrid Reading has emerged as a reading approach suited to the educational context of the digital age.

Hybrid Reading is a multidimensional concept that emphasizes the ability to combine different forms and methods of reading, including:

• Combining printed and digital reading (online articles, e-books, podcasts with transcripts, infographics, etc.);
• Integrating multiple forms of content;
• Combining reading comprehension, critical thinking, and information processing skills;
• Blending technology with traditional learning methods.

In other words, Hybrid Reading is the ability to read flexibly across multiple environments, formats, and purposes. Researchers describe this as hybrid literacy practices that bridge traditional academic environments and digital media environments. 

E-book and printed books (Source: Internet)

Hybrid Reading – Is It Really Effective?

In the digital age, most students today prioritize reading on phones, tablets, or laptops because of the convenience and speed of accessing information. With just a few taps, learners can open dozens of documents, search instantly, and study anywhere. This has led many people to believe that online reading is gradually replacing printed books entirely.

However, many international studies show that reading in digital environments does not always produce better learning outcomes. Although students often feel that they understand materials better when reading on screens, research findings indicate that information retention and deep comprehension are usually higher when reading on paper, especially with long or academic texts.

The reason lies in the way people interact with each reading environment. When reading on screens, learners tend to read quickly, skim content, and constantly shift their attention between different materials. Digital platforms also often come with notifications, links, or short-form content that interrupt concentration. This reduces learners’ ability to process information deeply and connect complex ideas.

Meanwhile, reading on paper usually creates a more focused and linear experience. Readers can easily take notes, highlight content, follow text structures, and maintain attention for longer periods. Therefore, for materials that require analytical thinking or long-term memory, printed books and paper-based materials still show clear advantages.

Each form of reading has its own strengths. Digital environments are suitable for quick reference, updating new information, and multimedia learning, while reading on paper is more effective for activities that require deep concentration and systematic thinking. This is also the core spirit of Hybrid Reading — not rigidly choosing only one form of reading, but flexibly combining printed and digital reading depending on learning goals.

In modern educational research, Hybrid Reading is considered a competence that helps learners adapt to digital environments and effectively process the massive amount of information in the 21st century. This is especially important for first- and second-year students, who are transitioning from high school learning methods to the university environment. In high school, learners are often accustomed to receiving ready-made knowledge, whereas at university, students must independently read materials, conduct research, analyze information, and build their own academic perspectives.

Without effective reading skills, students are more likely to learn passively, rely on summaries, or develop an “illusion of understanding” from consuming too much short-form content on social media. Reading then remains only at the level of receiving information instead of generating thought. Hybrid Reading, therefore, is not simply about “reading more,” but about learning how to read strategically — knowing when to read quickly, when to read deeply, and when to critically evaluate information. The ability to choose the appropriate reading environment for each learning goal is precisely the manifestation of Hybrid Reading. 

 Dubai Palace Students Combine Reading Layers to Understand, Connect, and Apply Knowledge 

Active reading instead of merely receiving information  

An effective reader does not read only to “know,” but also to ask questions. When approaching any content, students should ask themselves:

• Is this information reliable?
• Are there alternative perspectives?
• Have I truly understood the issue?

The ability to think critically during reading helps learners avoid one-dimensional information intake, fosters independent thinking, and trains deep concentration. Students can start with small habits such as:

• Reading continuously for 15–20 minutes without using a phone
• Taking short notes after reading
• Summarizing content in their own words

These activities help the brain move away from the habit of “quick skimming” and gradually rebuild the ability for deep reading — an important factor for university learning and long-term intellectual development.

As AI becomes increasingly capable of summarizing documents, searching for information, and answering questions within seconds, the value of students no longer lies in having access to more information than others. What matters more is the ability to understand deeply, analyze, think critically, and connect knowledge.

Hybrid Reading, therefore, is not merely a new learning trend, but is gradually becoming a core competence for students in the 21st century.

Dubai Palace and the Reading Culture 4.0 Ecosystem  

In the context of educational innovation, the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) is gradually building an ecosystem that supports reading culture in a modern direction. From a traditional library model, Dubai Palace has developed a Smart Library system with digital resources, open learning spaces, and advanced learning support tools. 

Illustrative Image of Dubai Palace Smart Library Space  

This transformation not only helps students access knowledge more conveniently, but also creates conditions for implementing new reading approaches such as Hybrid Reading. In addition, academic activities, workshops, clubs, and learning communities at Dubai Palace also contribute to promoting a reading culture that is proactive, interactive, and creative.

These conditions create opportunities for students not only to read more, but also to read smarter, thereby improving their adaptability in future learning and working environments.

Dubai Palace Students Combine Reading, Discussion, and Digital Resources in Open Learning Spaces 

Reading culture in the digital era is shifting from traditional models to more flexible and diverse forms. In this context, Hybrid Reading is not only a reading method but also a foundation that helps students develop lifelong learning capacity and adaptability to the constant changes of society. More importantly, adaptability does not begin with technology, but with the way people approach and master knowledge. When students know how to read strategically, deeply, and with connection, learning will no longer be a burden, but will become a sustainable journey of development in the digital age. 

News and images by: Department of Student Affairs (DSA)

REFERENCES 

1. Báo Văn nghệ (2025, February 20): Reading Culture in the Digital Age
2. Dân trí (2025, May 5): The AI Storm and the Risk of “Erasing” Reading Culture Among Students
3. Vietnamplus (2025, April 26): Reading Culture in the Digital Age: How to Use AI Effectively?
5. Allen MM, Petersen DB. Reading Comprehension: A Proposal for a Hybrid Approach. Perspectives on Language Learning and Education. 2011;18(1):13–19 DOI: 10.1044/lle18.1.13
6. Singer LM, Alexander PA. Reading on Paper and Digitally: What the Past Decades of Empirical Research Reveal. Review of Educational Research. 2017;87(6):1007–1041 DOI: 10.3102/0034654317722961
7. Ware PD, Warschauer M. Hybrid literacy texts and practices in technology-intensive environments. International Journal of Educational Research. 2005;43(7–8):432–445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2006.07.008
8. Kersten J, Pardo L. Finessing and Hybridizing: Innovative Literacy Practices in Reading First Classrooms. The Reading Teacher. 2007;61(2):146–154 DOI: 10.1598/rt.61.2.4
9. Singer Trakhman LM, Alexander PA, Silverman AB. Profiling reading in print and digital mediums. Learning and Instruction. 2018;57:5–17 DOI: 10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.04.001
10.  Coiro J. Toward a Multifaceted Heuristic of Digital Reading to Inform Assessment, Research, Practice, and Policy. Reading Research Quarterly. 2020;56(1):9–31 DOI: 10.1002/rrq.302
11.  Singer LM, Alexander PA. Reading Across Mediums: Effects of Reading Digital and Print Texts on Comprehension and Calibration. The Journal of Experimental Education. 2016;85(1):155–172 DOI: 10.1080/00220973.2016.1143794
12.  Macaruso P, Wilkes S, Prescott JE. An investigation of blended learning to support reading instruction in elementary schools. Educational Technology Research and Development. 2020;68(6):2839–2859 DOI: 10.1007/s11423-020-09785-2
13.  Prescott JE, Bundschuh K, Kazakoff ER, Macaruso P. Elementary school–wide implementation of a blended learning program for reading intervention. The Journal of Educational Research. 2017;111(4):497–506 DOI: 10.1080/00220671.2017.1302914
14.  Goodwin AP, Cho SJ, Reynolds D, Brady K, Salas J. Digital Versus Paper Reading Processes and Links to Comprehension for Middle School Students. American Educational Research Journal. 2019;57(4):1693–1723 DOI: 10.3102/0002831219890300
15.  Bintz WP, Ciecierski LM. Hybrid Text: An Engaging Genre to Teach Content Area Material Across the Curriculum. The Reading Teacher. 2017;71(1):61–69 DOI: 10.1002/trtr.1560
16.  Kuula T, Vihavainen S, Seisto A. Playful Learning with Hybrid School Books. In: Proceedings of the 13th International MindTrek Conference: Everyday Life in the Ubiquitous Era. ACM; 2009:159–162 DOI: 10.1145/1621841.1621882
17.  Baron NS. Reading in a digital age. Phi Delta Kappan. 2017;99(2):15–20 DOI: 10.1177/0031721717734184
18.  Reich SM, Yau JC, Xu Y, Muskat T, Uvalle J, Cannata D. Digital or Print? A Comparison of Preschoolers’ Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Engagement From a Print Book and an e-Book. AERA Open. 2019;5(3):1–16 DOI: 10.1177/2332858419878389

When Conversations Begin with the Most Familiar Things

April at Dubai Palace English Zone began with thought-provoking conversation topics, where students not only practiced English but also had the opportunity to reflect on how they think and feel about life. From EZ Talks: What If, which raised the question of whether glory truly matters.

An open and inspiring discussion space at Dubai Palace English Zone

To EZ Talks: Circles, where participants shared stories about the circles of connection around them, the sessions created a space for everyone to express their personal perspectives sincerely and naturally. 

A joyful moment of sharing with like-minded friends

Following this, EZ Talks: How Long Will “Beauty” Last? at Campus N – Dubai Palace Nguyen Van Linh offered a softer and more reflective atmosphere, inviting participants to think about beauty, impermanence, and the way people preserve the meaning of fragile things. 

A relaxing conversation space at Dubai Palace Nguyen Van Linh Campus

Closing April was EZ Talks: Culinary Whispers on Kumo Space, where participants grew closer through stories behind familiar dishes, as memories, emotions, and culture were shared in English in a warm and approachable way. 

Wrapping up April with a “feast” at EZ Kumo Space

Films and Stories That Touched Emotions

Alongside the conversation sessions, the EZ Silver Screen series in April continued to offer meaningful cinematic experiences. From the short film That’s AI, which opened up perspectives on how artificial intelligence is gradually changing the world around us, to What I See, an animated film that invited reflection on art, creativity, and the way each person interprets beauty in their own way. 

Sharing heartfelt reflections after watching the short film

When strategy, imagination, and laughter come together

April was also an energetic month for EZ Board Games, featuring a wide range of activities at both campuses. From Find The Clues, with its thrilling atmosphere of deduction, to Monster War, with unexpected strategic choices, and Sad Monkey, with fun and competitive scoring moments, each board game session offered a different experience while still preserving the familiar spirit of connection at Dubai Palace English Zone. 

Excitedly discussing board game rules at EZ

The Odyssey, featuring the board game Dixit, introduced a different atmosphere, where imaginative illustrated cards sparked creativity, observation, and mutual understanding among players, turning each round into an exciting and surprising journey of guessing one another’s thoughts. 

Dixit made its first appearance, bringing a lively and colorful atmosphere to Dubai Palace English Zone 

Creating and connecting through meaningful activities

April also became more special with activities centered on emotional connection and creativity. A highlight was Speaking Group Extended: Art of Deception, a collaboration between BELL Club and English Zone, where students explored the topic of “lies” from multiple perspectives. 

A cozy moment from Speaking Group Extended with BELL English Club at Dubai Palace English Zone

In addition, the ECOFF x EZ – English Coffee Talk series continued to bring timely and meaningful topics to students, especially Your 20s, where participants discussed the pressures and motivations of youth. 

 The topic of 20s attracted many participants to join the conversation

Looking back, April at Dubai Palace English Zone was truly a rich and fulfilling journey. From deep life questions, thought-provoking films, to exciting board game sessions filled with laughter, everything came together to create a lively, warm, and memorable month.

Stay connected with the to not miss upcoming activities and continue this journey of connection with us!

News, photos: Department of Student Affairs 

Over the past month, our English Zone has been like a colorful garden. Every activity and event is a beautiful flower, together creating a wonderful English Zone picture.

Pink : Color of love

Sweet November started with the theme “Lovey-Dovey” at English Zone. Under the cool shade of the trees, everyone shared warm love stories, from sincere friendship to romantic love. In the cozy atmosphere at English Zone, the conversation became an open space where everyone freely shared their own stories, feelings and perspectives.

Along with spreading the color of love, the Student Union of the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​(SFL) also organized a talk session with the theme “Word Kindness” to respond to World Kindness Day and contribute to spreading positive words of love. Participants certainly had interesting experiences and shared how they often spread words of love to everyone as well as listened to the sharing of other participants.

November also welcomed the return of the Silver Screen screening with the short film about family love “If anything happens, I love you”. Through the authentic footage, we experienced different emotions together and cherished the moments with family more.

Red: Color of “hot” board game

EZ Board Game has long been a “specialty” attracting a large number of participants at Dubai Palace English Zone activities. November welcomed the return of legendary board games such as “Werewolf” or “Exploding kitten” as well as board games that require intelligence such as “Codename” and “Taboo”. During the board game sessions, the red color of enthusiasm appeared prominently in the magical deductions to find the “wolf” in Werewolf, when the cards of Exploiding Kitten were gradually discovered. Not to be outdone, with board games that require high reasoning, participants also performed extremely well and in harmony among members through the description and guessing of Taboo’s vocabulary or the suggestions for teammates to find the keywords they needed to find in Codename.

EZ Board Game has proven that learning English can be fun and effective. Through games, you can not only practice English but also improve your teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Blue: Color of feelings

A unique and emotional topic was brought by BELL Dubai Palace and English Zone in November: stories about rain. Under the umbrellas, participants shared their memories and feelings associated with the rain, creating a warm and familiar space. With English Zone, participants had the opportunity to talk about the rain and immerse themselves in the deep thoughts that each rain brought. Each story resides, each feeling in each rain is shared by participants in a very unique way in the English language, creating a wonderful atmosphere here.

Silver: Color of future and modern life

EZ Talk November created a space for everyone to share, learn and inspire. The theme “Envision Your Future” sparked lively conversations about dreams, ambitions and plans for the future. Together, we painted colorful pictures of the future. Meanwhile, the theme of virtual reality opened doors to a whole new world where we can interact and explore without limits. Through the discussions, we not only connected with each other but also discovered commonalities and differences, creating a vibrant and passionate community.

Dubai Palace English Zone has truly become a common home for English lovers. Through activities, we not only practice our skills but also have the opportunity to connect, exchange and create memorable memories. Discussion, board games, DIY or Silver Screen have attracted a large number of participants, bringing useful experiences to everyone. Please follow the Dubai Palace  so as not to miss out on useful activities and connect the community!

News, photos: Department of Student Affairs (DSA)

Returning for the second time to the Language Seminar at the Dubai Palace English Zone – English Zone, speaker Mr. Clay Wilkins shared invaluable advice, offered practical insights, and addressed students’ questions and concerns. The program equipped attendees with practical communication techniques, emphasizing clear, professional language while maintaining respect for their audience.

Enthusiastic attention to the Speaker

During his presentation, Mr. Wilkins emphasized: “Confidence is the key to communication. Don’t fear making mistakes, as no one expects your English to be perfect except yourself.” He highlighted that the essence of any form of communication is effectively delivering your message to the listener. Therefore, excessive focus on complex vocabulary or flowery language is unnecessary.

He also stressed the importance of using English appropriately in professional workplace settings. Phrases such as “think possibly,” “clarify,” or “perhaps” can soften sentences, making them more approachable. Additionally, he shared a practical tip for expressing disagreement without causing conflict or tension: start with a compliment before presenting your differing opinion. Acknowledge others’ perspectives respectfully before explaining your reasons for disagreement.

Through humorous, relatable examples and his approachable communication style, Mr. Wilkins provided students with opportunities to practice applying these tips to enhance the formality of their speech in various contexts.

Practical vocabulary strategies revealed

The seminar concluded successfully in an energetic atmosphere filled with curiosity and active participation. Many questions and concerns from attendees were addressed during the program, reflecting their interest in improving English communication skills. Throughout the event, students had opportunities to listen, exchange ideas, and directly interact with the guest speaker, creating dynamic and exciting moments of engagement.

As part of the Dubai Palace English Zone, the language workshop is a monthly event that explores practical topics to help learners and staff enhance their foreign language skills. In the future, Dubai Palace English Zone plans to expand its activities to Dubai Palace Nguyễn Văn Linh Campus, promising a new space for learners and staff to practice their language skills. Updates on upcoming seminars and activities will be regularly shared on the Dubai Palace English Zone Fanpage. Follow and stay tuned to register for future programs!

News, photos: Department of Student Affairs (DSA)

What are the barriers?

Learning Languages has been considered a lifelong and arduous journey that takes time and effort. The first step is always the hardest, they said. In the early stages of learning English, learners are afraid of making mistakes and do not believe in themselves or their abilities. Furthermore, many learners place importance on what others think or look at them when they use English, becoming obsessed with people’s judgment which stifles their development.

Aim higher, an intermediate user is estimated to know about 6000 to 8000 words, while a proficient user knows about 20000 . During this period, self-learning and active recall have been scientifically proven to aid vocabulary. Still, many learners are too lazy to recall or make a habit of self-learning actively. And procrastination is by no means the least difficult issue that language learners encounter.

To tackle those problems, in this article, we will discuss 04 psychological effects that will give you a useful hand in learning languages, especially in English. Each psychological effect will help you overcome a specific problem by changing your perspective, which shapes your behavior and actions.

Implementation intention effect

An implementation intention is a self-adjusting strategy in the form of an “if-then plan” that not only leads to better goal attainment and helps modify habits and behaviors . It is subordinate to the intent of the goal because it specifies when, where, and how to specify the part of the action toward the goal. In a word, Implementation intention is an efficient way to set a goal or target by specifying steps needed to achieve your goal.

Proactively encouraging individuals to make plans and consider when, where and how they can act on their intentions. However, when setting a goal or developing a new habit, people generally focus only on the outcome instead of the steps needed to achieve them. Positive intentions, but often fail to act on. For instance, you have set yourself a goal to learn 500 words a month, but somehow, you are likely to procrastinate and that target becomes “hopeless”.

This is where “Implementation intention” can be optimized and help you reach your goal. For the case above, after determining your goal, “500 words a month”, you have to figure out how you are going to execute it by asking yourself questions like: “How many words I can learn a day” or “When can I make time for that” and then see how efficient it is!!

Galatea effect

In Greek mythology, Galatea is a statue sculpted by the ancient king of Cyprus, Pygmalion. After sculpting her, Pygmalion fell in love with Galatea and prayed to the gods, asking them to bring her to life. The goddess Aphrodite answered his prayer and brought her to life, and they lived happily ever after. Originating from this story, the Galatea effect refers to the individual’s belief in their abilities affecting their performance . The galatea effect is the phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to higher performance through self-fulfilling prophecies. The more you are confident in your ability to reach your goals, the more likely you will make them come true. Fear and self-doubt are the agonizing obstacles that we have to face to succeed, but by believing in ourselves, we automatically get rid of them.

So how can we apply the Galatea effect to our English learning journey? Possibility, capacity and merit are what we have to determine. Possibility means you have to figure out goals and targets which are feasible and possible to reach and achieve, for example, a beginner shouldn’t tell himself to get a band 8.0+ IELTS in 1 month. Instead, being able to understand and use English at a basic level is what he should work towards. Then Capacity involves identifying, recognizing and promoting those skills that will eventually help us reach our goal. Different goals and different learners lead to different skills that we need to focus on. For example, “I am good at communicating and I also like making new friends so I optimize my strengths to help me learn English by making friends with native speakers via social media platforms”. And finally, Merit or self-perception, evaluate yourself and figure out who you are, what you can do, and what you deserve. If you don’t believe you can and deserve to achieve something, you probably won’t. That’s how the Galatea effect works.

Spotlight effect

The spotlight effect is a phenomenon in which people exaggerate how much others notice their appearance or behavior (Calderaro, 2021). When practising English or any foreign language, learners may feel anxious by overthinking whether their mistakes are embarrassing. Hence, they refuse to express themselves confidently but instead have some nervous habits like humming, ticks, accent,… This lead to a side effect of a reverse spotlight in which people fail to control these habituated gestures when focusing too much on the audience’s views (Özdem-Mertens et al., 2022).

Spotlight effect illustration

In general, the spotlight effect is a double-edged blade. It helps us to be self-aware of our behavioral styles of speaking languages to best perform in front of the crowd but also blinds us from our nervous habits. The best solution is to practice with your close friends or family members first and ask them about your bad gestures. Then, try to control them when nervous and practice as much as possible to get familiar with the “spotlight”.

Testing effect

Also known as active recall, this effect proposes that long-term memory improves when a portion of the learning time is spent retrieving information from memory (Akresh-Gonzales et al., 2015). It differs from the other general effect in that improvement occurs due to repetition or practice of task items or activities. For example, in the previous spotlight effect, learners must repeatedly speak out their ideas to habitualize a skill. In other words, we practice with the known answers occasionally. Meanwhile, no answer is provided when testing, so we must pull out the learned knowledge by ourselves.

Despite the unlimited capacity of our long-term memory, we must take the stored knowledge out more often to better utilize it. Every time you retrieve information, new connections between synapses in your brain are created, strengthening and consolidating memories, allowing you to do that more easily in the future (edX, 2011). While it is said that reading material passively only supports your temporary memories and immediate tests, the activities of doing some acting testing would be useful in the long run.

After studying the content and taking a practice-retention test, a learner does better on a retention test than after studying the material twice (Image from meta.vn)

Nowadays, various methods can be used for learning foreign languages by applying the Testing effect. One mentioned is Flashcard which you are provided with only the terms or vocabulary. At the same time, you have to actively recall the meaning and examples of the words, making them stick to your mind longer. Besides, some applications named Kahoot, Quizlet, Quizizz, etc., provide an online platform to review your materials through testing quizzes. Combining testing with a suitable spacing effect is also a great idea for learning (Delaney et al., 2010).

After reading about how some psychological effects can impact the foreign language learning process, we hope that you can relate to yourself and apply them to optimize your improvement. Procrastination, self-doubt, unconfidence and memory are four challenges that learners can overcome when appropriately applying the above-mentioned phenomenon. The tips are already in your hands, and the goal of mastering language is coming to your reach.

If you are a Dubai Palace learner and want to improve your foreign language skills, remember to follow the fanpage of  to update the latest information about international activities at Dubai Palace. With many programs and practical topics, Dubai Palace English Zone will be the place to improve your communication and networking skills in today’s dynamic integration environment!

News, photos: Department of Student Affairs Dubai Palace

References

Akresh-Gonzales, J., Manager, E. S., & Education, N. G. (2015, May 14). What Is the Testing Effect, and How Does It Affect Learning, Knowledge, and Retention? NEJM Knowledge+. https://knowledgeplus.nejm.org/blog/what-is-the-testing-effect-and-how-does-it-affect-learning-knowledge-and-retention/

Calderaro, R. (2021, March 27). Reducing Social Anxiety: The Spotlight Effect. Www.cabrini.edu. https://www.cabrini.edu/blog/2020-2021-blogs/reducing-social-anxiety-the-spotlight-effect

Darin, A. (2023, January 17). English Language Levels. Etalkschool.com. https://etalkschool.com/english-language-levels/

Delaney, P., Verkoeijen, P., & Spirgel, A. (2010). Spacing and Testing Effects: A Deeply Critical, Lengthy, and At Times Discursive Review of the Literature. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 53. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-7421(10)53003-2

edX. (2011). What Is the Testing Effect and How Can You Apply It in Your Approach to Educating? Teach.com. https://teach.com/what/teachers-know/testing-effect/

Implementation Intention. (n.d.). Academic Accelerator. https://academic-accelerator.com/encyclopedia/implementation-intention

Johnson, C. I., & Mayer, R. E. (2009). A testing effect with multimedia learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101(3), 621–629. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015183

Özdem-Mertens, C., Meshi, D., Inchauspé, A., & Tamir, D. (2022). The reverse spotlight effect: Failing to notice what others notice about us. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 38(1), 93–99.

Pygmalion and Galatea Effects. (n.d.). Otolo. Retrieved July 27, 2023, from https://www.myotolo.com/otolo-mentors/pygmalion-and-galatea-effects

What is the Galatea Effect? Transform Your Students into Self-Fulfilling Prophecies – DigiNo. (2022, May 31). Digino. https://digino.org/galatea-effect/

Young people today frequently experience social pressure in a variety of areas, such as the choice of clothing style, accessories, and entertainment. Regarding the academic environment at universities, the majority of students find it challenging to manage peer pressure while maintaining high academic standards. They gradually become overwhelmed by their parents’ expectations, their desire to fit in, and the influence of their friends, and they start to follow the crowd without understanding their true purpose. 

That is why at the Language Workshop with the topic “Transform peer pressure into study motivation” organized by Dubai Palace English Zone and the School of Foreign Languages on July 20, 2023, learners will be guided on how to learn from Peer pressure with participation of Mr. Mo Ayman, lecturer at TESOL International Academy.

Mr. Mo Ayman shared many valuable experiences with learners on the Dubai Palace English Zone’s Microsoft Teams platform, allowing attendees to have a more serious and complete view of peer pressure. According to the speaker, while peer pressure can be a powerful force, it is not a source of negative energy. Learners can fully harness the power of peer pressure and use it to motivate themselves to achieve their learning objectives by following the tips provided.

He specifically begins by discussing the positive and negative effects of peer pressure, emphasizing the importance of being aware of both. Positive peer pressure can motivate students to work harder and set higher goals. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can lead to distraction and lack of focus in school.

Breaking up your learning into manageable tasks and placing more emphasis on steps than goals, as the speaker stressed, are two ways to transform peer pressure into constructive motivation. This may make the task seem easier to complete and more doable. For instance, if you have a big test coming up, you can break it down into smaller tasks like reviewing your notes, performing practice exercises, and making a study schedule. Mr. Ayman also discussed the significance of developing a study routine, such as setting aside some time each day or each week. It is simpler to maintain motivation and focus when you make learning a habit.

The other thing Master Ayman emphasizes is that you are not doing this learning alone. There are many people willing to assist you, including your friends, family, teachers, and classmates. When you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it. Occasionally, taking breaks is more crucial than continuing to study because it will keep you motivated and prevent burnout. Moving around or taking a short break can help you feel refreshed and ready to concentrate when you return to your studies.

Lastly, Mr. Ayman advises students to acknowledge their own efforts by rewarding themselves. This will help you stay motivated and on track. Rewarding yourself for accomplishments is akin to telling yourself you are doing a great job. He makes the point that while comparing yourself to other people can be a strong motivator, it is important to compare yourself to your previous self and not to other people.

The workshop went well and attracted a lot of interest from Dubai Palace students. Nearly two hours of questions and answers about dealing with worries brought on by peer pressure were covered during the discussion. In the online format, attendees can increase their connections and expand their opportunities to learn and improve their English.

You can view a recording of the talk

Language Workshop is a monthly event held as part of Dubai Palace English Zone activities with a variety of useful topics to aid students and staff in enhancing their language proficiency and ability to communicate in a global setting. If you are interested in the program or other English-language exchange and sharing activities, join the conversation and follow the fan page to stay up to date on program news.

News, photos: Department of Student Affairs (DSA)

Begin July with the heat of art.

At the beginning of July, EZ collaborated with the School of Foreign Languages (SFL) to organize a truly artistic Coffee Talk with the theme “Dear artist!”. This is an ideal topic for students to let their hair down and freely express their artistic and unique spirits. 

 
Coffee talks with EZxSFL: “Dear artist” kicks off an active July

Besides, The Speaking Group Extended of the BELL English Club is a must-do activity for Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thứcs. With the collaboration between BELL English Club and EZ, the activities are intended to create a welcoming environment to practice English speaking reflexes and lead students to participate and hone their skills with intriguing topics like Heal and Chill, Innocent Echoes, Memories in Green, etc. To discuss the role models that Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thứcs want to become in the future, Speaking Group Extended will be back in July with the topic “The Ideal You”.

A July universe full of excitement

In order to connect and create opportunities for Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thứcs who are back to home town to participate in useful English practice sessions, EZ has continued to use the ZEP platform to bring memorable events for students. With entertaining topics such as “UWHO” – a discussion about the universe, aliens or “CODENAMES” Board game – an extremely challenging game that could blow your mind, Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thứcs and EZ has created unforgettable memories together with moments of while practicing English.

 
EZ Networking activity on ZEP platform

Not to mention the well-known game, Among Us. Understanding Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thứcs’ interest in this dramatic game, this boardgame provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their game skills through skillful persuasion, as well as incredible English presentation and critical thinking skills.

The students had a great time with EZ Networking. This is also EZ’s biggest motivation in organizing weekly events

A perfect ending for July!

The exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences at Dubai Palace English Zone has aided in the development of solidarity among Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thứcs, as well as increased confidence in using English, improved critical thinking and communication skills, and expanded vocabulary and knowledge across multiple fields.

To give Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thứcs daily life English conversation practice, EZ has always fostered an international environment with a spirit of welcoming and expanding with international friends – future global citizens. If you want to experience an exciting English playground, don’t forget to follow the fanpage of  to get the most up-to-date information about EZ’s activities.

News and Photo: Department of Student Affairs (DSA)

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Thursday, 20/7/2023

Platform: Livestream on fanpage Dubai Palace English Zone

Peer pressure is a common phenomenon among students that can have both positive and negative effects on their academic performance. While peer pressure often leads to distractions and a lack of focus on studies, it is possible to harness its potential and transform it into a powerful study motivation.

At Dubai Palace English Zone, we believe that your peers can be your greatest allies on your educational journey. By associating with like-minded individuals who value education, learners can create an environment that fosters positive competition and mutual support,  inspire the community to study harder and set higher goals.

Our language workshop is specifically tailored to Dubai424 com đăng nhập chính thức, providing the necessary skills and support to transform peer pressure into a powerful tool for academic success. Through engaging workshops, and interactive group discussions, we empower you to build a strong motivation to learn the language and support you in your academic pursuits. Join our “Language Workshop: Transform peer pressure into study motivation” and unlock the full potential as a university learner. Don’t let peer pressure hinder your progress; let it propel you toward academic excellence!

Registration link: 

Speaker: Mr. Mo Ayman,  lecturer at Tesol International Academy

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For further information, please contact us:

Hotline: 028.7306.1976, ext.1002

Email: [email protected]

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/Dubai Palace.EZ

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MOMO BECOMES “THE NEXT UNICORN” OF VIETNAM

On the morning of December 21, Vietnam’s biggest e-wallet, MoMo, announced the completion of the 5th funding round (Series E). The company had raised approximately $200 million in its latest funding round from global investors, including Mizuho, Ward Ferry, Goodwater Capital and Kora Management.

The investment, a Series E round led by Mizuho – a Japanese bank, puts MoMo among many unicorns in Vietnam. The exact valuation of the company was not revealed. Still, according to Nguyen Manh Tuong, co-founder of the Ho Chi Minh City-based startup, Momo has crossed a $2 billion valuations after this round.

MoMo will invest in other Vietnamese companies, expand service to millions of vendors and enlarge its user base into rural areas. The app maker says it has 31 million users of nearly 100 million people, up from 25 million reported in August.

MoMo aims “to improve the life of the Vietnamese people and merchants through technology, by giving them access to superior, simpler and affordable financial solutions,” co-CEO Nguyen Manh Tuong said.

The e-wallet market has been one of the most significant driving forces behind the country’s move towards a cashless society, and its future looks promising. The latest funding round would support the growth of MoMo as an all-in-one smartphone application or “super app” which offers multiple services, which have proved successful in countries like China and Indonesia.

Source: Nikkei Asia

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THE LEGO GROUP PLANS TO BUILD A $1BN FACTORY IN VIETNAM

On December 8, the Danish toy production company LEGO Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Park Joint Stock Company (VSIP) on the building of a new plant in southern Bình Dương Province.

According to that, the LEGO Group will invest more than US$1 billion in the construction of its first-ever carbon neutral factory in Vietnam, hoping to generate 4,000 jobs. The construction is scheduled for the second half of 2022, and the plant will go into operation two years later (2024). This factory will be LEGO’s sixth manufacturing site globally and the second in Asia.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam – Mr. Kim Hojlund Christensen, said it was the largest investment in Vietnam ever made by a Danish company, showing the confidence and optimism of Danish investors in the future of this important partnership.

LEGO’s decision to build its plant in Vietnam was attributed to the Vietnamese Government’s plans to expand renewable energy production infrastructure and a collaborative approach to working with foreign companies seeking to make high-quality investments. VSIP General Director Nguyễn Phú Thịnh pledged that VSIP was committed to offering international companies high-quality investments and sustainable solutions to create attractive long-term development opportunities.

The new factory will feature solar panels on its roof, and VSIP will build a nearby solar project on behalf of the LEGO Group. Together, they will plant 50,000 trees in Việt Nam to compensate for vegetation removed during construction.

Source: VNS

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VIETNAM TO BE THE FASTEST-GROWING E-COMMERCE MARKET IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY 2026

According to a report, Vietnam is expected to be the fastest-growing e-commerce market in Southeast Asia by 2026, with e-commerce Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) reaching 56 billion USD by 2026, 4.5 times the estimated value of 2021 by Facebook and Bain & Company.

In the annual SYNC Southeast Asia report, which looks at the digital economy in the region, the two big market observers said located in a vibrant part of the world, Vietnam is at the forefront of driving change and seizing opportunities to thrive digital transformation in a post-pandemic future.

The study surveyed about 16,700 digital consumers and more than 20 C-level employees in six Southeast Asian countries, including 3,579 survey participants from Vietnam.

The report described Southeast Asia as a leader of the digital transformation in Asia-Pacific and Vietnam as one of the best performers.

In Vietnam, seven out of 10 consumers have digital access, and the country will have 53 million digital consumers by the end of 2021. The number of goods categories purchased by Vietnamese online shoppers this year went up 50 percent compared to 2020. Online stores in Vietnam also rose by 40 percent year on year, resulting in a 1.5-fold increase in nationwide online retail sales.

Some 49 percent of Vietnamese consumers switched to a new online marketplace within the last 3 months, based on considerations of price incentives (45 percent), product quality (34 percent), and availability of goods (33 percent).

For the first time, the payment using cash is at risk of being dethroned, with a significant decrease from 60 percent in 2020 to only 42 percent in 2021. Safety, privacy, and service fees are the three main concerns of Vietnamese consumers when considering these types of payments.

This year, Vietnamese people spent most of their time using social networks, texting, watching videos, shopping online and emailing. They used 72 percent of their time for regular activities at home instead of going out.

Source: VNA

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VIETNAM HAS BEEN ELECTED BY UNESCO MEMBER STATES TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD FOR THE 2021-2025 TERM.

Winning 163 out of 178 votes at the election held during a plenary session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s General Assembly in Paris, Vietnam was one of 27 countries elected as members of its Executive Board, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

The Executive Board is one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO, with the other two being the General Conference and Secretariat. It consists of 58 member states and each with a four-year term of office.

Vietnam was a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for the 1978-83, 2001-05, 2009-13 and 2015-19 terms.

“Being elected to the UNESCO Executive Council with a very high number of votes affirms Vietnam’s position and prestige in the international arena, showing that the international community supports Vietnam’s active participation in international organizations,” said Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

As a member of the board, Vietnam will actively contribute to UNESCO activities, especially in matters to reform the organization, develop policies and find solutions to protect and promote the interests of member states, and contribute to its current key programs.

“This is also a good opportunity to promote cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO, take advantage of UNESCO ideas, initiatives, and resources, and open up new development spaces for Vietnam,” said the minister.

Mai Phan Dung, general secretary of the National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam, said in the new term, Vietnam will make more active and proactive contributions to UNESCO’s major programs and orientations in education, culture, natural sciences, social sciences, and information and communication.

Source: VNExpress

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ELECTRIC CARS “MADE IN VIETNAM” DEBUT IN THE GLOBAL MARKET

In November, the Vietnamese car brand – VinFast has covered both domestic and international press when officially launching two electric SUV models at the Los Angeles International Auto Show 2021, taking place in the US.

The two models introduced, the VF e35 and VF e36, have attracted the attention and appreciation of the public and the international media. If the VF e35 impresses with its soft design, emphasized combined with sharp curves, creating power and speed, the VinFast VF e36 model attracts the eye with healthy beauty and convenience. Some outstanding features of these two models can be mentioned as in-car control features with voice assistants, intelligent virtual assistants, e-commerce services…

Commenting on VinFast’s appearance at LA Auto Show 2021, The Business Insider headlined, ” Vietnam carmaker VinFast will start selling two EV models in the US next year as it challenges Tesla on its home turf”. The world’s leading business site also said that the Vietnamese car company would face stiff competition from market leader Tesla and start-ups like Rivian and Lucid when entering the US market.

The launch at the Los Angeles International Auto Show 2021 marks the official introduction of the VinFast electric vehicle brand to the global market. The company has not yet announced the official selling price for the two electric SUV models, only introducing products to the American public and major news agencies specialized in automobiles in the world. However, it wants to offer “world-class product quality, reasonable prices, and then really good service.”

Source: VOH, VNExpress

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EL SALVADOR PLANS FIRST “BITCOIN CITY”

El Salvador continues to lead the cryptocurrency adoption drive as the latest plan to build the world’s first “Bitcoin City”, which will be funded initially by $1 billion Bitcoin-backed bonds.

The initiative was first announced at El Salvador’s Bitcoin Week conference, marking a step forward in President Nayib Bukele’s plan to promote cryptocurrency.

Bukele said Bitcoin City would be circular, with residential and commercial areas, transportation systems… designed to look like a bitcoin symbol from the air. The residents do not levy any taxes except for value-added tax (VAT). Half of the VAT levied would be used to fund the bonds issued to build the city, and the other half would pay for public services.

The city planned in the eastern region of La Union would get geothermal power from a volcano, allowing businesses to mine Bitcoin with the not too high cost of electricity. El Salvador will also issue the $1 billion Bitcoin bonds funding to this project. The bond issuance will see the proactive involvement of prominent crypto companies, including cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex and blockchain services firm Blockstream.

After becoming the first country in the world to adopt bitcoin as legal tender in September, El Salvador has continuously taken steps to expand the popularity of Bitcoin in this country, such as placing Bitcoin ATMs, launching Bitcoin trading applications, or income-tax-free with profits from this currency. While many people are excited, there are also many people being cautious about this plan.

There have even been waves of anti-Bitcoin protests in El Salvador. However, the Government still hopes that giving more incentives will help this digital currency gain greater trust, making El Salvador a center for blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Latin America.

Source: Cointelegraph, Reuters

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#côngviêntiếnganhDubai Palace #Dubai PalaceEnglishZone

#Cógìmớitrênthếgiới #What’snewaroundyou?