Teach children how to argue correctly.

Dr. Vu Viet Anh, a specialist in Educational Science and General Director of Thanh Cong Academy, discussed the issue of a lack of critical thinking skills and the necessity of critical thinking education and life skills for students today.

Critical thinking skills are extremely important.

- Following the incident where a teacher forced students in the class to slap another student 230 times as punishment, some have suggested that our students are too "meek" and "lack" critical thinking skills in situations where they need to defend themselves. What are your thoughts on this?

This is an act of violence, a violation of the law , yet the students dare not speak out and condone it. This demonstrates that violence and abuse of power have become so commonplace in many schools that students consider it normal and even natural.

The incident is also a consequence of the authoritarian and dogmatic education from both family and school. Parents are always right, teachers are always right, and the education system focuses solely on knowledge and achievement, neglecting the holistic development of freedom, human rights, character, morality, and spirit…

All of that has led to students being turned into soulless machines, only capable of obeying and following orders.

- How should we educate children on critical thinking and how to cope with unexpected situations at school and at home?

Critical thinking skills are extremely important for an individual. These skills help students develop a sound way of life, preventing them from being negatively influenced or misled by life's changes. If all children were guided in these areas, teaching critical thinking early instead of simply cramming knowledge, it would foster better thinking skills, motivation in learning, and a better life. Tragic incidents like the "231 slaps" mentioned above would be less likely to occur.

Students endure 231 slaps as punishment; students commit suicide or exhibit negative attitudes when teachers or friends say or think wrongly about them, largely due to a lack of critical thinking skills, a habit of enduring, and a reluctance to resist. Promoting critical thinking and life skills education is crucial as education reforms demand a holistic approach.

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Dr. Vu Viet Anh

According to research, only 25% of the world's success is due to specialized knowledge, while the remaining 75% is determined by soft skills. Therefore, the key to success lies in skillfully incorporating life skills into children's education from an early age. In developed countries, incorporating life skills into education is mandatory. Equipped with these skills early on, young people in advanced countries not only easily adapt to changing life conditions but also demonstrate high productivity in the workplace.

Therefore, parents need to understand that education at school does not completely determine a child's future; it also depends heavily on family education, on what knowledge and skills the family provides for their children.

Equipping children with critical thinking skills isn't complicated at all. Parents can easily guide their children by never imposing their will or readily giving in to their demands. Instead, they should learn how to ask the right questions. For example, when a child wants to watch TV, instead of forbidding it or immediately agreeing, ask them: "Why do you need to watch this program? What benefits does it bring you?" Or when a child asks how to do something, instead of giving an easy answer, ask them: "What are some possible ways to do this? Is there a better way?" Teach your child how to "argue" in the right way.

Children need encouragement and motivation to build self-confidence.

- Based on these heartbreaking incidents, do you think schools and families need to pay more attention to critical thinking education and create a more democratic educational environment where teachers and parents can listen to and share what children want to say?

Education is about nurturing character, not cramming knowledge. Modern education needs to be student-centered, and every day parents need to ask the right questions about their children's education. Don't ask what knowledge to impart to your children, but ask what activities are necessary for them to learn valuable lessons. We've long talked about educational reform, but to achieve reform, we first need to change the perceptions of teachers and families about education.

Education is not about creating identical, robotic versions of children, but about shaping them into the best versions of themselves. To achieve this, listen to your children , let them confidently pursue their dreams, not the wishes and expectations of their teachers or parents.

- Are there any methods or approaches that can help teachers, security guards, school staff, etc., understand children and help them share their thoughts and desires when they are not yet confident enough to question or have difficulty expressing what they want?

There are four secrets that have helped the Jewish people create one of the most intelligent and talented nations in the world, a place where a private can challenge or defy the orders of a general. They teach their children using only four secrets: Love, Conversation, Patience, and Encouragement.

Where there is understanding, there is love. Understanding children, standing in their shoes to empathize with them, will lead to even more love for them, because every child is an angel. Patience is needed with children because each child has different cognitive abilities, personalities, and perspectives on life. Therefore, patience is essential to understand and guide them correctly, fostering their strengths. Conversations are necessary to better understand children, to know their thoughts and desires, and to guide them in the right direction. Encouragement and motivation are needed to build confidence and strength so that children dare to express their own perspectives and opinions.

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Families and teachers need to cultivate morality, discipline, critical thinking, and social skills before teaching academic knowledge. Only then can we create a generation of young people with humane and compassionate thinking and intelligence.

Thank you, Doctor, for this conversation!

Duc Tri (compiled)

Source: http://laocai.edu.vn/chuyen-de-gddt/day-tre-biet-cai-dung-351852