Primary school teacher's thoughts when banned from tutoring, school requires written commitment

TPO - The Ministry of Education and Training has completely banned extra classes in cultural subjects for primary school students, teachers are worried about the loss of income and the poor quality of students. Meanwhile, schools require teachers to write a commitment letter, not to violate the regulations on extra classes.

TPO - The Ministry of Education and Training has completely banned extra classes in cultural subjects for primary school students, teachers are worried about the loss of income and the poor quality of students. Meanwhile, schools require teachers to write a commitment letter, not to violate the regulations on extra classes.

“No extra teaching for primary school students” is one of three cases where extra teaching and learning are prohibited, according to Circular 29 of the Ministry of Education and Training, effective from February 14.

According to many parents' feedback, extra classes that are usually organized by teachers at the end of the day and on weekends for primary school students were announced to stop before the new circular took effect.

Ms. Thanh H., a teacher at a primary school in Tay Ho district ( Hanoi ), said that Circular 29 has a huge impact on primary school students and teachers. The complete ban on extra cultural subjects for primary school students is something that makes her and many of her colleagues worried. Because public school classes are crowded, in each class the students' levels and abilities are not equal.

There are smart children, teachers only need to guide a few times to understand the lesson, but there are children who do not understand even after being told many times. Meanwhile, parents do not have the time or conditions to closely accompany their children. Therefore, in the past, there were still parents who asked the teacher to tutor a few children so that the children could progress and catch up with their classmates.

When Circular 29 is applied in practice, not only is extra teaching for students completely banned, but the 4-period/week intensive teaching program in schools is also cut. Because this is a paid class, even if it is a very small amount.

Thanks to the extra classes in the afternoon, the teacher has time to consolidate and guide students to solve the content and knowledge of the unfinished morning lesson. Then, guide students to solve the homework in class.

According to Ms. H., banning extra classes for primary school students will affect the quality of students to some extent. In particular, weak and underperforming students who no longer have the attention and support of teachers will find it difficult to progress and meet the requirements of the program. Without extra classes, teachers will not have time to teach more, but will stick to the textbooks to ensure basic knowledge. Therefore, parents will have to spend time accompanying and tutoring their children to meet the requirements.

“We are sad and our concerns are real. Because in reality, if we only rely on the current teachers' salaries, it is not enough to meet the demands of life,” Ms. H. said.

Sign a commitment not to teach extra

Ms. Tran Thi Huong, Principal of Van Bao Primary School, Ha Dong District (Hanoi) said that before Circular 29 regulating extra teaching and learning comes into effect, the school requires teachers to read, research and give their opinions.

Then, the teacher wrote a commitment not to violate the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training as specifically stated in the circular, which is not to teach extra cultural subjects to primary school students.

“To create consensus, the school also organized a meeting with teachers and parent representatives from each class to grasp the spirit. Most teachers had no opinions and complied with the regulations,” Ms. Huong said.

However, according to Ms. Huong, the ban on extra classes at primary level was previously stipulated in Circular 17 of the Ministry of Education and Training and this time it was repeated in Circular 29. When students have studied 2 sessions/day with the current program and requirements, there is no need for extra classes.

“However, in reality, there are still students who have difficulty in acquiring knowledge, and their parents earnestly ask the teacher to tutor them. Or for 5th graders, for a long time, some families have set a goal of having their children enter high-quality secondary schools and also wish to have the teacher teach them more extensively and improve. Many dedicated teachers support their students to the fullest, even without taking money. If they are banned like now, teachers will not be allowed to teach,” according to Ms. Huong.

The principal of a primary school in Dong Da district (Hanoi) said that the new circular will have some impact on teachers' mindset. In reality, there are still some parents who want to send their children to teachers for tutoring outside of school hours to improve their learning ability.

However, parents should not be too confused or worried because the school has a teaching plan, requiring teachers to ensure the quality of students every year. For those who do not meet the requirements, teachers must have a training plan to re-test. Even at the end of the school year, if students do not meet the requirements, during the summer, teachers and families will coordinate to help them improve and pass the test.

According to Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong, the new circular on extra-curricular teaching and learning outside of school aims to ensure the rights of students and prevent teachers from “pulling” students out of class to teach extra classes. Teachers also need to raise their self-esteem and self-respect to say “no” to extra-curricular teaching that is not in accordance with regulations.

Ha Linh

Source: https://tienphong.vn/giao-vien-tieu-hoc-tam-tu-khi-bi-cam-day-them-truong-yeu-cau-viet-cam-ket-post1717460.tpo