Principal suggests ways to gradually make English a second language

Identify the challenges

Ms. Doan Thi Thanh Huong - Principal of Le Loi Primary School (Son Tay Ward, Hanoi ) shared that the whole school currently has 25 classes, of which 15 classes in grades 3, 4, and 5 are studying 4 English periods/week with 2 permanent English teachers and 1 contracted guest teacher.

The facilities for teaching English include 3 foreign language classrooms equipped with projectors, speakers, and televisions, but they are not enough to organize many lessons at the same time when expanding to grades 1 and 2. The organization of English teaching for grades 1 and 2 is currently only on a self-selected scale, mainly based on the needs of parents and teachers, and the teaching materials are not stable and lack uniformity.

An English lesson of teachers and students at Le Loi Primary School, Son Tay Ward, Hanoi.

To ensure compulsory English teaching from grade 1, the school needs at least 4-5 English teachers, so there is currently a shortage of 2-3 teachers. Recruiting more teachers with qualifications and pedagogical capacity for primary school is still difficult due to limited supply. Foreign language classrooms are not enough to meet the needs of teaching all 5 grades simultaneously. Equipment such as speakers, headphones, computers, and interactive boards also need to be upgraded.

"The implementation of teaching English from grade 1 requires a unified program and age-appropriate curriculum, while currently, most of the curriculum is optionally used according to the provider. Grade 1 students are still young and just getting acquainted with the Vietnamese alphabet, so approaching a second language requires a specific and flexible method," Ms. Doan Thi Thanh Huong expressed.

In addition, the need to hire more teachers or increase the number of classes will result in large costs. Funding to support English teaching is currently not stable from the State budget. Not to mention, there are some parents who are still hesitant to let their children learn English early, worrying about the impact on learning Vietnamese, so more time is needed to promote and change their awareness.

Mr. Nguyen Khac Hop - Principal of Dai Mo 3 Primary School, Tay Mo Ward, Hanoi.

Located in Tay Mo ward (Hanoi), Mr. Nguyen Khac Hop - Principal of Dai Mo 3 Primary School said that the advantage of the unit is that it has a team of young managers and teachers, always updated with current directives and has prepared to gradually make English the second language in the school.

Most parents are also young and interested in their children as well as the general education program and English learning in particular. Students have experienced and become familiar with English since grade 1, studying, playing, and developing in an English-speaking environment. Many children are invested by their parents, so having the ability to learn foreign languages from a young age is also an advantage.

"However, the level of awareness of parents is not uniform as some families do not see the role and importance of learning English. The school still has a few students who are slow to learn and have difficulty integrating, so they face many difficulties in studying. The school is also lacking 1-2 English teachers to meet the requirements of teaching English as a compulsory subject from grade 1" - Mr. Nguyen Khac Hop shared.

Need a synchronous solution

Principal of Thanh Xuan Secondary School Ta Thi Thanh Binh has many years of experience in the education sector.

According to Ms. Ta Thi Thanh Binh - Principal of Thanh Xuan Secondary School (Noi Bai Commune, Hanoi), the unit has both advantages and difficulties in gradually making English the second language in school. Because the school is located near Noi Bai International Airport, parents and students understand the importance of knowing English to have good job opportunities in the future.

Grasping the actual needs of learning English, at the same time implementing the school year plan of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training and the school, right from the beginning of the school year, Thanh Xuan Secondary School has allowed students and parents of all classes to register for English supplementary classes with foreigners on a completely voluntary basis. Thanks to that, students are more confident in communicating with foreigners and love English more.

Students of Thanh Xuan Secondary School (Noi Bai, Hanoi) during flag salute.

However, according to Ms. Binh, making English a compulsory second language in schools also faces many challenges. If students only study English with teachers in school, they will mainly focus on "plowing" grammar for exams.

Learning English with foreigners will help children improve their listening and speaking skills, and communicate more confidently because they are often with native teachers. However, these courses often require quite high fees, and not all families can afford to send their children to study, especially in schools in the suburbs with difficult economic conditions.

"As an English teacher myself, I really hope that 100% of my school's students can participate in supplementary English courses with foreigners to improve the quality of the school's English subject as well as implement the plan to make English a compulsory second language in schools. At the same time, I hope that superiors will pay more attention to investing in facilities and staff," Ms. Ta Thi Thanh Binh shared.

Students of Le Loi Primary School (Son Tay, Hanoi) in English class.

In terms of solutions, Ms. Doan Thi Thanh Huong - Principal of Le Loi Primary School (Son Tay, Hanoi) suggested, The Ward's Department of Culture and Society recruits or transfers English teachers to the school; continues to contract with guest teachers in the initial phase; encourages teachers to study to improve their qualifications and participate in English teaching training courses at the primary level.

At the same time, effectively use existing foreign language classrooms; propose to build 1-2 second foreign language classrooms; add listening and speaking equipment, interactive software, digital learning materials to support the Communicative Approach. Organize propaganda meetings to help parents understand the benefits of learning English early. Coordinate with socialization to support additional funding for hiring teachers and purchasing equipment.

Ms. Thanh Huong proposed that in the 2026-2027 period, compulsory English teaching should be implemented for grade 1 on a pilot basis. In the 2027-2028 period, compulsory teaching should be expanded to both grades 1 and 2 to ensure quality, not chasing quantity.

Apply the method of “learning while playing, playing while learning”, using songs, games, cartoons, AI applications – online learning. Encourage teachers to apply technology, AI, software to support pronunciation and communication practice. Organize professional activities in the direction of studying lessons, learning effective English teaching models from other schools, periodically evaluating the implementation effectiveness to make appropriate adjustments - Ms. Doan Thi Thanh Huong.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/hieu-truong-hien-ke-de-tieng-anh-dan-tro-thanh-ngon-ngu-thu-hai-post759786.html