Within the framework of the Seminar "Teaching and learning foreign languages: Gradually making English the second language in schools" organized by the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences in collaboration with the Management Board of the National Foreign Language Project and the British Council, delegates focused on discussing "Building a vision for the master plan for developing English education in Vietnam after 2025".
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Seminar scene
The seminar was held in the context of improving foreign language proficiency for students and gradually making English the second language in schools being one of the key tasks set forth by the Politburo in Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW.
The first day of the programme began with an overview of the achievements and challenges of English language teaching and learning in Vietnam, followed by three in-depth discussions on student learning outcomes, teacher quality, and the implementation of English-medium instruction (EME). Each session included a status report, an open dialogue on priorities and challenges, and an in-depth discussion of policy recommendations.
The second day of the workshop focused on developing a vision for a master plan for English language education development in Vietnam after 2025. Working sessions will synthesize key findings from the first day’s discussions and delve into finalizing policy recommendations for each focus area.
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Prof. Dr. Le Anh Vinh, Director of Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, shared at the seminar
Prof. Dr. Le Anh Vinh, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, affirmed: Making English the second language in schools is an urgent issue that has been discussed a lot in recent times. This is not only the desire of teachers and managers, but also the general trend of Vietnamese education, aiming at the goal of preparing high-quality human resources with foreign language skills and proficiency, to open the door to deep international integration in the new era and to improve English teaching in schools, especially in general education.
“Improving the quality of English teaching and learning is a key factor in the strategy of developing high-quality human resources in the integration period. Using English in teaching subjects will create a natural language environment, helping students develop multidimensional thinking and the ability to adapt to challenges. Prof. Le Anh Vinh shared that English proficiency is a necessary condition for the young generation of Vietnam to participate in the development of global science and technology, thereby moving towards a generation of global citizens who always preserve and conserve national identity.”
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Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Head of the National Foreign Language Project Management Board, discussed at the seminar.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Head of the National Foreign Language Project Management Board, shared: We are here because we share a common desire and vision for a Vietnam where all students have the opportunity to learn and use English not only in daily communication but also in acquiring knowledge in other subjects.
Mr. James Shipton, Director of the British Council in Vietnam, said: The British Council and British organizations have had a long-standing historical and cultural relationship with Vietnam over the past 90 years, with many educational activities. The British Council highly appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, the National Foreign Language Project and relevant agencies and organizations of Vietnam with many activities bringing about an integrated future for Vietnamese education, contributing to creating high-quality human resources in the future.
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Mr. James Shipton, Director of the British Council in Vietnam, speaking at the seminar
“We are committed to improving the quality of English teaching and learning in Vietnam, through the use of our expertise and rich resources in the areas of English teaching, teacher training, and assessment,” said Mr. James Shipton.
At the seminar, delegates discussed and exchanged deeply and comprehensively on three core issues: student learning outcomes, quality of teaching staff and implementation of teaching other subjects/majors in English.
In order to improve foreign language proficiency and teaching methods, many teachers believe that it is necessary to expand training and development for teachers, especially teachers in mountainous areas; encourage teachers to participate in training activities; increase exchanges and support among colleagues; overcome possible barriers between teachers in different regions...
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Deputy Director of Primary Education Department Ta Ngoc Tri discussed at the seminar
Dr. Dang Tan Tin, Head of the Foreign Language Department, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education, said that to move towards putting an entire English teaching system into operation in schools is a huge task, which needs to start from reality, be synchronous and sustainable. Dr. Dang Tan Tin emphasized the need to train students in good communication and English skills right from primary school to have a good foundation, promoting the improvement of teachers' capacity at higher levels. At the same time, teacher training programs at universities also need to be invested in. Schools can require that teachers have the ability to teach their major in English, gradually considering it a task that must be performed, aiming to improve the quality of teachers.
Deputy Director of the Department of Primary Education Ta Ngoc Tri said that in order to realize the tasks set out by the Politburo in Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW, it is necessary to take appropriate and timely actions; with changes ahead; learn from the experiences of countries around the world; set criteria to determine what is a second language in schools; closely coordinate between agencies and organizations, towards a common goal - a bright future, helping the young generation of Vietnam improve their qualities, abilities, and confidently integrate internationally in the era of rising up.
The seminar "Teaching and learning foreign languages: Gradually making English the second language in schools" was held for 2 days and attracted the participation of 150 direct delegates and about 200 online delegates, including leaders and experts from a number of units under the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), international organizations in Vietnam, representatives of the Department of Education and Training of provinces and cities, researchers, policy makers, education managers, lecturers and teachers. |
Source: https://moet.gov.vn/tintuc/Pages/tin-tong-hop.aspx?ItemID=10317
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