Minister of Education and Training: If we cannot manage extra teaching, 'educational reform is still limited'

Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son said: 'Adjusting the issue of extra teaching and learning means adjusting the way of thinking about general education. If that cannot be done, then educational reform will still have its limits. And this cannot be done half-heartedly, it must be done regularly'.

On July 28-29, in Quang Ninh, the Ministry of Education and Training held a conference of directors of the Department of Education and Training in 2025. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, speaking here, Minister Nguyen Kim Son emphasized that education and training has never received as much attention as it does now. The education sector is being assigned many tasks, has great expectations, and is entrusted with great responsibility. When the country is facing a breakthrough, it is impossible not to develop education and training.

Minister Nguyen Kim Son speaks at the national conference of directors of Departments of Education and Training

PHOTO: MOET

"Our challenge is not just to deal with difficulties and poverty, but to deal with the challenge of development. Our mission is so great that if we cannot develop it, it is a great mistake," said Mr. Kim Son.

One of the important tasks mentioned by the head of the education sector is the implementation of Circular 29 on the management of extra teaching and learning at all levels.

"Adjusting the matter of extra teaching and learning means adjusting the way of thinking about general education. If that cannot be done, then educational reform will still have its limits. And this cannot be done half-heartedly, it must be done regularly," the Minister especially noted.

"Change Management"

Referring to changes in leadership personnel of the Department of Education and Training when arranging the organization and operation of the two-level local government, according to Minister Kim Son: "At this time, it is necessary to do a good job of "managing change". If this is not done well, it will greatly affect the work being carried out by the education sector. We do education as a model for the whole society. Therefore, in this context, we need to unite, share, be sincere and wholehearted with each other".

Regarding the things that need to be started in the current context, Mr. Kim Son noted that the commune-level system is starting a new model, which is the operational foundation level. Therefore, the team of civil servants managing the state on education and training at the commune level needs to be supported, cared for, and paid attention to in the coming time.

Delegates attending the conference of directors of the Department of Education and Training

PHOTO: MOET

Affirming that the new school year will see the implementation of many major policies on education and training, Minister Kim Son noted that during the implementation process, localities should try to limit confusion, and if there are any problems, they must work together to clear them up, and expressed: "I am confident that this will be a busy but positive year with lots of joy."

Referring to the development and implementation of four important laws in the coming time (Law on Teachers, Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Education, Law amending Higher Education and Law amending Vocational Education), Mr. Kim Son suggested that localities need to be proactive, grasp in advance and deeply understand institutional issues for effective operation.

Mr. Nguyen Kim Son also noted the implementation of newly issued resolutions and those expected to be issued in the near future on tuition exemption, universal preschool education for children from 3 to 5 years old... Along with that is the implementation of the first cycle assessment of the 2018 General Education Program.

In particular, it emphasizes the assessment and in-depth implementation of quality, testing and evaluation measures, teaching staff, implementing 2-session teaching/day, paying attention to and developing subjects that develop comprehensive capacity and qualities for students...

The Minister also noted the need to implement educational equity. "Unfair investment in some public schools can also create educational inequality. Talent needs special investment but equity must be ensured," the Minister affirmed.

STEM education is not about robots

In implementing the general education program, the head of the education sector also emphasized strengthening STEM education.

"Strengthening STEM education needs to be understood correctly and fully. It is not about classrooms or robots, but a method of using knowledge to solve problems in learning and life.

We must have such a mindset and education, otherwise it will just be a waste of money and meaningless. That is to give students the opportunity to truly learn and we must persevere in that direction," said Minister Nguyen Kim Son.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bo-truong-gd-dt-khong-quan-duoc-day-them-thi-doi-moi-giao-duc-con-gioi-han-18525072916512959.htm