Heritage Education: From Theory to Practice in Vietnamese Schools

Heritage education is gradually becoming an important part of the curriculum in Vietnamese schools. It's not just about providing knowledge about history and culture, but also about connecting the younger generation with the past, igniting patriotism and national pride. Through unique initiatives, many museums and historical sites have successfully integrated heritage into teaching, making it more vibrant and accessible to young people.

At the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, the "Heritage Education" program is not simply a place for learning, but also offers an exciting experiential journey. Between October 2023 and April 2024, the museum organized over 50 heritage education programs for nearly 5,000 students, creating a playground that was both academic and entertaining. Traditional royal games like Xam Huong, Bai Vu, and Dau Ho—once enjoyed by the Nguyen Dynasty aristocracy—not only helped students understand history but also revived the atmosphere of the ancient royal court. These games transformed the learning space into a vibrant, engaging environment, inspiring participants and instilling in them the importance of preserving and promoting heritage values.

Heritage education through field trips creates excitement for students. Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Furthermore, the Temple of Literature – National University in Hanoi is also a prime example of transforming heritage into a practical learning environment. Since 2018, the Temple of Literature has implemented a series of heritage education themes to introduce students to the cultural values ​​of Vietnamese Confucianism. With the "Heritage Experience Zone," students not only listen to historical stories but also directly participate in practical activities such as group discussions and exploring artifacts. This helps them expand their knowledge and develop important soft skills. The combination of theory and practice has opened up a new educational method, making heritage an integral part of their lives.

Inviting artisans and heritage experts to teach directly has also had a positive impact. At the Temple of Literature – National University, students have the opportunity to listen to experts talk about cultural values ​​and precious artifacts being preserved at the site. Through these inspiring stories, they not only gain knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the role of heritage in modern life. This approach has created a link between theory and practice, between books and life, thereby highlighting the importance of heritage preservation.

Students experience printing images of floral patterns on traditional Vietnamese dó paper, reminiscent of the Temple of Literature (photo taken before April 27, 2021). Photo: People's Army Newspaper

Another crucial element is the collaboration between schools, families, and the community in heritage education. At the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, many heritage education programs have attracted not only students but also parents. Through museum visits and experiencing royal court games, families have had precious bonding moments, learning together about the cultural heritage of their homeland. This is also a way for students to expand their knowledge while helping families and the community work together to preserve the precious cultural values ​​of the nation.

However, heritage education in Vietnam still faces many challenges. In the context of modern society, with the rapid development of information technology and the increasing spread of modern culture, integrating heritage into education requires innovative changes. Some schools have begun to apply digital tools such as videos, interactive images, and virtual reality, helping students access heritage in a more vivid and engaging way. These are necessary steps to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, between past heritage and present life.

Overall, heritage education goes beyond simply imparting knowledge; it becomes a journey of cultivating a love for culture, national pride, and a sense of responsibility towards heritage. Efforts from museums, historical sites, schools, and communities are gradually creating a generation of students who deeply understand heritage and know how to appreciate and protect these precious values. Heritage is not merely forgotten memories of the past, but a solid foundation for a brighter future.

With initial successes, heritage education in Vietnam needs to be further promoted, expanded in scale, and innovative in methodology. A harmonious blend of theory and practice, tradition and technology, along with the collaboration of schools, families, and the community, will be key to making heritage a vibrant part of school life, thereby fostering patriotism in the younger generation. Heritage, though of the past, always possesses a vibrant value that shapes the future.

Hoang Anh