Australia - Vietnam cooperates in training to improve university teaching capacity

Twenty teachers from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, the Diplomatic Academy and the Office of the Government have just completed the short-term course “Specialist Certificate in University Teaching” (SCUT), funded by the Australian Government through the Vietnam-Australia Centre.

This is the second time this pioneering course has been conducted, including intensive training and field visits in both Vietnam and Australia, along with projects to apply knowledge from the course, taking place over a total of 10 months.

The program is coordinated by the Vietnam - Australia Center at many locations.

Study program in Australia.

Delivered in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, the course equips students with the knowledge and strategies to enhance the learning experience and increase the effectiveness of university teaching. Throughout the course, students participate in research-based workshops, practical activities such as curriculum design, microteaching, and peer review.

They experience the latest Australian methods, visit educational institutions, explore Australian culture and participate in a range of knowledge exchange activities that broaden their understanding of innovative teaching methods and educational technologies.

Dr. Dao Ngoc Bau, Director of the Institute of Politics and International Relations, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said, “ Participating in the Professional Certificate course in University Teaching is a valuable experience for me to approach advanced teaching methods and immerse myself in a modern and dynamic academic environment.

As a university lecturer, I am deeply aware of the value of the knowledge I have acquired. The experience in Melbourne also helped me broaden my horizons, experience the practical development of Australia and have many ideas to share with colleagues and students, contributing to improving the quality of teaching at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.

MSc. Vu Phuong Anh, PhD student in International Relations, Lecturer at the Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, Diplomatic Academy, shared: “ Participating in SCUT is truly a meaningful experience for a young lecturer like me. I had the opportunity to explore the principles of university teaching, especially the learner-centered philosophy, along with innovative methods in teaching and assessment.

The program gave me a great opportunity to connect with experienced colleagues and Australian lecturers, allowing us to share experiences, learn from each other and grow together."

The key outcomes of the course were 15 knowledge application projects undertaken by the participants on a range of topics including the application of technology to enhance teaching and learning, inclusive curriculum and assessment design, and organisational capacity building.

The projects are designed to be relevant to the Vietnamese context so that learners have more positive experiences in many important areas, while helping SCUT2 learners themselves improve their approaches to teaching and promote self-assessment and professional development.

Speaking at the SCUT2 Course Closing Ceremony, Ms. Renee Deschamps, Deputy Head of Mission of Australia to Vietnam, said: “ Supporting Vietnam’s future leaders to enhance their strategic leadership and international cooperation capacity is a prominent commitment between Australia and Vietnam under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan.

We are proud to bring Australian expertise to develop the teaching capacity of lecturers at key partners who are training and mentoring Vietnam's current and future generation of leaders. ”

The course takes place in Hanoi.

Dr. Hoang Van Nghia, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, commented: “ Vietnam needs a generation of managers and leaders with rich knowledge and contemporary skills to realize policies, laws, and international cooperation strategies.

Through courses like SCUT, our lecturers are exposed to teaching methods that meet the needs of knowledge, skills, new visions, and new ways of thinking to train the next generation of staff and promote international cooperation towards peace and prosperity.

Australia and Vietnam celebrated the first anniversary of upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last March, continuing to be trusted partners. The Vietnam-Australia Centre is at the heart of this cooperation.

Supporting Vietnam's future leaders to enhance their strategic leadership and international cooperation capacity is a prominent commitment between the two countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan.

Bao Chau

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/australia-viet-nam-hop-tac-dao-tao-ve-nang-cao-nang-luc-giang-day-dai-hoc-ar938519.html