Shortcomings in subject selection starting from grade 10.

According to the 2018 General Education Program, in grade 10, in addition to compulsory subjects, students will be able to choose elective subjects based on their abilities and strengths. This orientation is considered consistent with the goal of career guidance at the high school level and is also a new feature, a difference compared to the 2006 program.

However, after a period of implementation, shortcomings have emerged, as some students who chose the wrong subject combination face difficulties when they want to change it. Some students even become confused and worried about not choosing the right combination when they reach 12th grade and are preparing to register for the graduation exam.

Mr. Nghiem Chi Thanh, Deputy Principal in charge of Cau Giay High School ( Hanoi ), said that in reality, some students realize they made the wrong choice after choosing their subjects and studying for a while. Students who request to change their subject combination are still granted their request; however, according to regulations, they can only change to a different combination after the end of the 10th grade and must supplement their knowledge in the subjects to meet the requirements.

"A recent survey of students regarding their choices for the 2025 high school graduation exam showed that the highest percentage chose foreign languages, followed by history and geography, while the percentages for biology and chemistry were very low. Students tend to choose social science subjects more often," Mr. Thanh said.

Students need more in-depth career counseling and guidance starting from the lower secondary school level. (Photo: Ha Linh)

Ms. Tran Thu Hien, head of academic affairs at Hoa Binh La Trobe High School (Hanoi), said that in recent years, the school has strived to design subject combinations to meet the diverse needs of students; however, students tend to avoid natural science subjects early on in order to choose social science subjects.

For example, this school year, out of more than 330 students admitted to 10th grade, only one class with 38 students chose the natural science combination, while the rest chose social science subjects.

In a recent petition to the Minister of Education and Training, the Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges also stated that requiring students to choose elective subjects from the beginning of high school, meaning they must affirm their specialized career orientation from the moment they enter high school without receiving adequate career guidance at the junior high school level, is a shortcoming.

In principle, students are free to choose elective subjects to proactively create combinations that suit their abilities, strengths, and career aspirations according to the expected university admission combinations (traditional combinations A00, A01, B00, B03, C00, D01, etc.). However, in practice, the right to arrange elective subject combinations depends on the conditions of each university.

In reality, many elective subject combinations created by high schools may not be suitable for students' abilities, aptitudes, and career aspirations. This leads to a decline in the number of students entering the workforce in natural sciences, and consequently, a decrease in the number of students in basic sciences and STEM fields, with long-term impacts on the quality of the education system in the future.

The Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges recommends that the Ministry of Education and Training urgently evaluate the entire 2018 general education program at all three levels, especially at the high school level, in order to identify and address shortcomings.

(Source: tienphong.vn)

Link: https://tienphong.vn/bat-cap-lua-chon-mon-hoc-tu-lop-10-post1699501.tpo

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/bat-cap-lua-chon-mon-hoc-tu-lop-10-ar912843.html