"Moral values ​​are being... disregarded!"

PV Dan Viet had an interview with Associate Professor Pham Ngoc Trung - Senior Lecturer, former Head of the Department of Culture and Development, Academy of Journalism and Communication, about this issue.

Professor Pham Ngoc Trung, in recent days, public opinion has been stirred by several incidents involving teachers, such as a teacher in Ho Chi Minh City asking parents for financial support to buy a laptop; or a teacher and a student in Hanoi engaging in intimate gestures right in the classroom… How do you assess these incidents?

- I have been following recent news reports regarding incidents in the education sector, most notably the two incidents mentioned above. One incident involved financial matters (a teacher asking parents for financial assistance to buy a laptop), and the other involved personal relationships (a teacher and a student being intimate in the classroom). I believe these are extremely regrettable incidents that deserve criticism. Such behavior violates the professional ethics of teachers.

In the case of the teacher requesting financial support to buy a laptop, although the relationship between the teacher and the parents was becoming increasingly friendly and supportive, the teacher in this case exploited that relationship to solicit financial support from parents to buy a laptop for lesson planning. The teacher believed that asking parents for financial support was a way of "socializing education ." In my opinion, this is a very misguided and childish action; it goes against the spirit of socialization advocated by the Party and the State.

Images of a female teacher and a male student being intimate in the classroom have caused public outrage. (Screenshot)

Socialization is not about a teacher having the right to solicit contributions for personal gain, but rather it must be an organization; at least a school or a Department of Education should take the lead in calling for social contributions. When mistakes have been made, instead of handling them tactfully like apologizing and learning from the experience, the teacher stubbornly argued and debated, leading to even more mistakes.

Regarding the incident involving a young teacher in Long Bien district, Hanoi, who displayed inappropriate behavior, allowing a high school student to express excessive affection, such as stroking the student's hair and cheek, it's particularly concerning that these actions occurred right in the classroom, at the teacher's desk. A teacher allowing a student to be so caressed is completely contrary to the regulations and rules of the education sector; it's even more contrary to traditional customs and morals, and goes against the ethics of the teaching profession in Vietnam. This could have negative impacts on the student's psychology and tarnish the image of both the teacher and the education sector.

Sir, why do some teachers today exhibit inappropriate behavior, even violating professional ethics?

- Every profession has its share of people who violate professional ethics. The education sector is no exception; every year, such negative incidents occur. First and foremost, this is due to the poor and inadequate awareness of these individuals. Secondly, it could be related to economic issues, lack of communication and interpersonal skills due to their newness in the profession, and a failure to understand the consequences of their actions.

It's also possible that those teachers were communicating and behaving in their everyday manner. When recorded or filmed and posted on social media, people will offer analyses and evaluations from various perspectives. However, the words and actions of those teachers are wrong both ethically and legally.

Ms. Truong Phuong Hanh, the teacher involved in the case of the teacher who "sulked" because she wasn't allowed to buy a laptop, admitted that the audio recording of her saying parents "change their minds faster than flipping a pancake" was hers. Photo: MQ

He once shared that the education system is downplaying moral values ​​compared to other values. Could this be one of the underlying causes of the recent unfortunate incidents?

- Our educational reforms are underway and have achieved many successes, but there are also areas that need further research and improvement. Based on my observations, the current education system focuses on teaching skills and knowledge, while moral values ​​have been neglected compared to the past. In some places, they've even abandoned the slogan "First learn manners, then learn knowledge," considering it outdated. I believe these are very one-sided and misguided views.

I've studied the educational programs of leading countries in Asia, Europe, and America, and I've noticed they all place a strong emphasis on ethics. Anyone lacking in moral character will be immediately expelled from school. Knowledge and skills can be acquired throughout life, but ethics must be cultivated from the very beginning, starting in elementary school.

First and foremost, ethics must be taught; only then should knowledge and skills be considered. When teaching at universities, including master's and doctoral programs, I always emphasize ethics to my students.

Over the years, the Ministry of Education and Training has implemented numerous solutions to improve the quality of teachers, both professionally and ethically. However, each year we witness regrettable instances of teachers deviating from the established standards. Could it be that the education sector's solutions have yet to achieve the desired results?

- In my opinion, it's impossible to draw such a conclusion because the Constitution and laws are all very carefully studied, yet there are still people who violate them. The education sector, in particular, requires time; results cannot be achieved immediately.

Improving quality and achieving qualitative changes requires time, a step-by-step approach, a specific perspective, and the right way to invest in and utilize human resources effectively.

Associate Professor Pham Ngoc Trung, former Head of the Department of Culture & Development at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, believes that a determined effort is needed to build a "school culture" to mitigate the negative aspects of the education sector. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

To mitigate the negative aspects of the education sector, leaders of educational institutions, such as principals, must enhance their role in educational management, including the management of ethics and conduct of teachers. They need to monitor, encourage, and remind teachers; and even handle violations at levels permitted by the state.

I have repeatedly shared that to minimize negative phenomena like those seen in recent days, we must reform the system and build a "school culture." Teachers, educators, and students are the ones directly involved in building this school culture. In addition, other officials, civil servants, and leaders in the education sector, especially parents, must also participate in building this "school culture."

That is what is best and most exemplary, in accordance with regulations, ethics, and laws stipulated by the State. Therefore, we must understand "school culture" correctly and be determined to build and implement it well from the earliest grades. Everyone involved in school culture must be self-aware and understand their own responsibility.

Could you please clarify your point about "Each person must be aware of their own responsibilities"?

- I think that any refresher course or training program is just a general, superficial overview. The most important thing is that each teacher, once they step onto the podium, must self-assess, self-reflect, and clearly define their responsibilities towards the educational profession. A teacher who is conscientious and constantly improves themselves will never commit mistakes that I consider trivial.

Therefore, I think "school culture" depends entirely on the role of the individual. Do teachers regularly cultivate and improve themselves? Do they have the awareness to build their own image, or do they lack the awareness to build the education system?

In Vietnam, many teachers have also used their own money to help students during times of hardship, especially during the recent storms and floods. Similarly, teachers in mountainous regions like Ha Giang and Cao Bang have used their own money to repair houses and classrooms. There are still many such examples. Even in more difficult circumstances, they continue to perform their duties well, upholding the moral qualities of a teacher.

Thank you, sir!

Source: https://danviet.vn/vu-giao-vien-xin-mua-laptop-hay-cu-chi-than-mat-trong-lop-hoc-gia-tri-dao-duc-dang-bi-xem-nhe-20241003163638571.htm