Many principals say the new guidelines on integrated subject teaching create flexibility and increase autonomy, but are only a temporary solution because the difficulty of teachers still exists.
On October 24, the Ministry of Education and Training issued guidelines to remove difficulties in teaching two subjects: Natural Sciences (including Physics, Chemistry, Biology), History and Geography , collectively known as integrated subjects. The new guidelines were issued after the Ministry received many opinions from teachers, stating difficulties in teaching this subject, mainly due to the lack of specialized teachers.
For Natural Sciences , the Ministry recommends that schools assign teachers with expertise appropriate to the content, according to the curriculum. Subject teachers in each class will coordinate with other teachers to test, evaluate and unify students' scores.
As for History and Geography , schools can arrange to teach History and Geography at the same time, meaning that it is not necessary to teach all of History before teaching Geography, but can teach them in parallel in the same period of time. Testing and evaluation are also carried out for each subject.
Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, principal of Thai Thinh Secondary School, Dong Da District, Hanoi, said that many schools are also teaching integrated programs or teaching individual subjects in parallel. The common point is that each subject teacher is in charge of that subject, and the number of teachers who can teach integrated programs is very limited.
For example, Natural Science is taught by Chemistry, Physics, and Biology teachers, instead of just one teacher, similar to History and Geography. The task of creating test questions and grading students is also agreed upon and divided among teachers.
"In general, for schools that have had integrated teaching solutions in the past few years, this guidance is not new," said Mr. Cuong.
Teachers and students of Thai Thinh Secondary School at the opening ceremony of the 2023-2024 school year, August 2023. Photo: School Fanpage
However, Mr. Cuong assessed that the new document of the Ministry of Instructions is very detailed. This is shown in the appendix, clearly mentioning the number of sections and tasks of each stage.
In addition to professional content, the Ministry provides detailed instructions on assigning personnel in charge of subjects. For example, the testing and assessment of two integrated subjects clearly states that the principal must "assign teachers in charge of the subject in each class".
"Detailed instructions help schools that are still confused find solutions regarding personnel and integrated teaching plans," said Mr. Cuong.
The principal of a public secondary school in Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, said that the Ministry's document shows flexibility and increases the initiative of schools. This is reflected in the fact that the Ministry does not require all schools to teach integrated subjects in the same way, but only suggests that they can teach each subject in a sequence or in parallel.
An expert from the Institute of Educational Research, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, also agreed that the integrated teaching guidelines empower teachers and schools. Instead of imposing rigid requirements, forcing teachers to teach interdisciplinary subjects, with the new guidelines, the Ministry allows teachers to teach and grade single subjects, then agree on the overall score for that integrated subject.
"This is a practical solution in a situation where many localities and schools are facing difficulties. But in general, the Ministry is still persistent in the path of integrated teaching," he said.
Students of Tran Quang Khai Secondary School, District 12, in a Natural Science class, April. Photo: NQ
However, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phuc, Vice Principal of Tran Duy Hung Secondary School, Hanoi, acknowledged that this is only a temporary solution. The reason why integrated teaching is not as expected is the lack of specialized teachers, and more time is needed to train the current teaching staff. To teach integrated teaching in accordance with the spirit of the new program, the Ministry needs to overcome this difficulty.
"I think this also requires universities to train students in Natural Science, History and Geography to work in their field," said Mr. Phuc.
Principal Cao Duc Khoa of Huynh Khuong Ninh Secondary School, Ho Chi Minh City, also said that in the long term, the Ministry needs to aim for teachers to be able to teach interdisciplinary subjects, while the new guidelines mainly mention teachers teaching a single subject.
According to Mr. Khoa, in the next 1-2 years, schools will gradually become familiar with integrated teaching, teachers will gain more experience and start to have students graduating from regular courses in Natural Science, History and Geography. At that time, the Ministry should have guidance, focus and encourage schools to teach integrated teaching in accordance with the spirit of the new program.
In the immediate future, Principal Nguyen Cao Cuong emphasized that no matter what method is applied, schools need to put the interests of students first because knowledge in middle school plays a fundamental role in helping students choose a combination of subjects and orient their careers when they go to high school.
"At this time of transition, teachers need to be dedicated, proactive, and responsible. We must try our best not to affect students," said Mr. Cuong.
Mr. Phuc said that in addition to following the instructions, schools need to simultaneously encourage single-subject teachers to upgrade and perfect their integrated teaching skills. The new program will be applied to grade 8 this year and grade 9 next year. These are two grades with in-depth programs, and lessons that overlap knowledge a lot. To teach well, single-subject teachers also need to know about integration.
Thanh Hang - Le Nguyen
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