Teaching 2 sessions/day 'on a voluntary basis'

Information about the regulation that middle and high schools will have to teach 2 sessions/day instead of only applying to primary schools by the Ministry of Education and Training is causing many parents to worry. If students at these levels study all day, they will not have enough time to study on their own and learn soft skills and foreign languages.

Besides, the facilities, teaching staff and curriculum of many schools do not meet the requirements, which can affect the quality of teaching and learning.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong

PHOTO: VGP

Regarding this concern at the regular Government press conference on the afternoon of April 6, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong said that teaching two sessions a day is not a new activity in education. Many countries in the world, when conditions are met, have organized teaching two sessions a day very well.

According to Mr. Thuong, to organize well the teaching activities of 2 sessions/day, there must be at least 3 factors: Sufficient facilities with 1 classroom for each class, enough conditions for students to stay in boarding school, eat and rest at noon at school, enough playgrounds and practice grounds for physical education activities and other skills.

Second is to have enough teachers, third is to have a teaching program and organize educational activities to ensure 2 sessions/day suitable for the psychology and age of students.

In Vietnam, teaching has been organized for a long time with 2 sessions/day at the primary level, the 2018 general education program also clearly stipulates this. Mr. Thuong said that in practice, organizing teaching with primary school students is much more convenient, because the children are young, so organizing boarding school is very suitable.

Since 2010, the Ministry of Education and Training has issued a document guiding the organization of teaching 2 sessions/day for high schools and middle schools, in the direction that wherever conditions permit, this should be encouraged. In reality, at the primary level, almost 100% of primary schools study 2 sessions/day. As for middle schools and high schools, the number of schools studying 2 sessions/day has increased significantly compared to 5-15 years ago.

Through the survey, the places that organize teaching 2 sessions/day well, the comprehensive education quality of that school and class is also better and better. However, there are also some shortcomings, such as the second session in some places mainly teaches cultural knowledge, creating pressure for students. The main focus is on learning knowledge, not skills and other content.

Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Training will re-evaluate this activity in the coming time and have implementation instructions for each level and class.

According to Mr. Thuong, the point of view is to improve the quality of formal education, reduce the pressure of studying for students. But still ensure the effectiveness of the educational goals set out at all levels, that students develop their qualities, abilities and are trained comprehensively in morality, intelligence, physical and aesthetic skills. It is not only about learning general knowledge but also about developing physically and mentally, physical education, sports, foreign languages, information technology...

"We must ensure that it is suitable for the students' age psychology. Especially for the second session, it must be based on the voluntary spirit of students and parents; and the first session must be conducted according to regular school hours," affirmed Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/day-hoc-2-buoi-ngay-tren-tinh-than-tu-nguyen-18525040616503077.htm