Making English a second language in schools requires "3 goods"

Nghe An has proactively developed a project to make English the second language in schools; Ho Chi Minh City has built English learning materials and introduced AI into teaching... The information was presented by localities at the Consultation Workshop on solutions to implement making English the second language in schools organized by the Ministry of Education and Training today (July 18).

Policy needs to be innovative

At the workshop, Permanent Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong emphasized that making English the second language in schools is a key content. The draft project clearly stated the goals and fundamental solutions. That is, there must be a system of legal documents and a solid implementation system; must focus on developing a team of quality teachers, investing in modern facilities and equipment; and pay attention to comprehensive inspection and evaluation.

From a local perspective, Mr. Nguyen Phuc Tang, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Can Tho, said that for the project to be implemented effectively, localities need to have "3 goods": teachers with good capacity, students with good awareness and a good learning environment. In particular, the role of teachers in imparting and inspiring is extremely important.

According to Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung, Head of Secondary Education Department, Nghe An Department of Education and Training, the provincial education sector has proactively developed a project on making English the second language in schools, considering this one of the six key projects of the province.

Through the implementation, Mr. Dung emphasized that institutions and policies need to be implemented synchronously, flexibly, with a clear roadmap and goals. Policies need to be breakthroughs, removing obstacles in practice, not stereotyped or rigid, but must be suitable to the conditions of each locality. At the same time, it is necessary to expand cooperation and linkage mechanisms for smooth, comprehensive and effective implementation.

Mr. Nguyen Bao Quoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City.

In Ho Chi Minh City, most schools have English libraries and organize English festivals. Mr. Nguyen Bao Quoc, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, said the city has built English learning materials warehouses and introduced AI into teaching to help students develop skills through technology platforms.

In particular, the city has implemented a project to diversify English by teaching Math, English, and Science entirely in English with foreign teachers. Currently, 68 schools have applied this model.

Based on local characteristics

For areas with many difficulties such as Dak Lak, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training Vo Thi Minh Duyen proposed to strengthen teacher training in a flexible manner, prioritizing on-site training, sending them to study or piloting training models to improve their qualifications.

Deputy Director of Dak Lak Department of Education and Training Vo Thi Minh Duyen.

She also emphasized the importance of developing learning materials that are appropriate to culture, life, and locality, creating closeness and excitement for students. At the same time, it is necessary to implement learning in a diverse English environment, coordinate with centers, community library organizations, and have support and incentive policies for teachers and students in disadvantaged areas.

Summarizing the workshop, Permanent Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong requested: "The implementation must be based on the advantages, conveniences, and characteristics of the localities, not horizontally, not waiting for sufficient conditions to be met before implementing. And this is a comprehensive viewpoint."

The Deputy Minister also noted that the Department of General Education should prepare to organize a conference to deploy the project immediately after it is approved by the Prime Minister, closely coordinate with the Departments of Education and Training and localities to develop institutional and policy contents... Localities should continue to be more proactive, ready to issue policies and regimes for learners and teachers, and strengthen management and direction.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/dua-tieng-anh-thanh-ngon-ngu-thu-hai-trong-truong-hoc-can-phai-co-3-tot-2025071821424529.htm