In fact, this is not only foundational knowledge to support specialized fields, but also a foundation for developing lifelong learning skills, thinking abilities, and attitudes for each student.
It's not just "dry theory".
In the early days of the academic year, when the class schedule appears with a series of general education subjects such as Marxist-Leninist Philosophy, Marxist-Leninist Political Economy, Scientific Socialism, General Law, etc., many new students cannot hide their anxiety.
Tran Trang Thu, a freshman at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), recounted: “When I first enrolled, I thought Philosophy was full of hard-to-remember, dry concepts, something you just needed to study to pass. But after hearing senior students share that professors often organize group discussions on practical issues in class, I became much more curious. I also hoped to have such an experience to change my perspective on the subject.”
Similarly, Lam Gia Khanh, a second-year student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, shared that she felt "overwhelmed" by having to learn abstract concepts. "There were days I almost skipped class because I felt exhausted. But then the lecturer connected the lesson to real-world problems to solve real-life issues, and I found it relatable and practical. Now I no longer see general education as a burden," Khanh shared.
A lecturer teaching Political Science at a university in Ho Chi Minh City also recounted an unforgettable experience in his career: “There was a student who failed the course on Marxist-Leninist Political Economy three times. On the fourth attempt, passing the course would have been enough for graduation, but the work was truly unsatisfactory, so I had to fail him. Looking back, I regret that decision because it ruined a student's future. However, with my professional responsibility, I couldn't be lenient, because if I gave in, the degree would lose its value.”
That story clearly reflects the pressure on both teachers and students, as general knowledge, though difficult, also serves as a test to cultivate seriousness, perseverance, and a positive attitude towards learning in students. In reality, many lecturers today often connect philosophical principles with pressing issues such as information on social media, fake news, and climate change… Through this, students see that philosophy is not something alien, but rather a tool for critical thinking and analysis in life.
A sustainable knowledge foundation
According to lecturers, general education courses are the intellectual foundation that helps cultivate critical thinking, resilience, and perseverance in one's academic journey. Regarding Philosophy, Dr. Ngo Tuan Phuong, a lecturer in the Faculty of Basic Sciences at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, argues that the notion of "Philosophy being dry and burdensome" stems from a narrow understanding.
"Philosophy is not just a system of abstract concepts, but also a tool for understanding the scientific world, explaining the nature of social phenomena, and guiding practical action. If we connect philosophical principles with pressing issues such as the green economy, digital transformation, innovative entrepreneurship, or sustainable development, the subject becomes more relevant and thought-provoking," Dr. Phuong analyzed.
In particular, he emphasized that philosophy values practical application: Knowledge should not be merely stored in books, but applied to life, work, and social development. Therefore, lecturers need to innovate their methods, using discussions, case studies, and direct connections to students' experiences.
"Then, students will see that philosophy is the key to shaping their worldview, philosophy of life, and scientific methodology for their future studies and careers," said Dr. Phuong.
He asserted that general education courses, including Marxist-Leninist philosophy, play an indispensable foundational role in higher education.
For students in the Law and Philosophy fields, Philosophy not only provides a system of concepts, categories, and laws of scientific thinking, but more importantly, it fosters critical thinking skills: the ability to analyze, compare, contrast, identify the essence of a problem, and view things and phenomena in their comprehensive, specific historical context.
These are the core skills that enable a lawyer, judge, or legal researcher to construct a strong argument and defend their position convincingly.
For students in other fields, a foundation of general knowledge serves as the framework for developing independent thinking and connecting specialized knowledge. "General knowledge is not a burden, but rather an intellectual foundation. The stronger it is, the more solid the house of knowledge and the future career of the student will be," Dr. Phuong affirmed.
Similarly, Mr. Lai Quang Ngoc, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, shared: “I understand that many students find Philosophy or other general subjects a bit heavy and seemingly detached from reality. This is understandable because the content is general, contains many abstract concepts, and is not immediately linked to their specialization. If students are patient and try to connect it to practice and daily life, they will realize that philosophy is not at all distant.”
The female lecturer added that Marxist-Leninist philosophy and general education subjects help students understand why society is in motion, why people have good and bad behaviors, and how they make different choices. "It's like learning a new language; it might seem difficult at first, but once you grasp the method and identify the learning principles, it becomes interesting and useful," Ms. Ngoc assessed.
Accordingly, the greatest value of general education courses lies not in dry knowledge, but in the ability to cultivate logical thinking, analysis, critical thinking, and a multi-faceted perspective on problems. “When entering the workplace or facing complex situations, these skills will help students become more confident and mature. In other words, general education courses are like the foundation of a house; if it is solid, then the subsequent floors will be more durable,” Ms. Ngoc explained.
According to lecturers, to make general education courses more relevant and practical for students, teaching methods need to be reformed. Instead of just lecturing on dry theories, lecturers should connect philosophical categories and laws with issues that students care about, such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, the environment, or social life. In addition, incorporating discussions, debates, and case studies will help students proactively access knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and see the practical applications of philosophy.
"Innovation is not just about changing the way we teach, but about creating opportunities for students to experience philosophy as a key to thinking, closely linked to their lives and future careers," stated Dr. Ngo Tuan Phuong.
According to Mr. Lai Quang Ngoc, lecturer at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry: “Don’t rush to consider general subjects as a burden. Study with an open mind, viewing them as opportunities to hone your thinking and broaden your horizons.”
If you find it dry, ask yourself how it relates to your daily life, or how you can apply it to your major. Once you find the connection, you'll find the subject more relatable. Knowledge is never wasted; sooner or later, it will become a useful asset for your future.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/hoc-phan-giao-duc-dai-cuong-tu-ganh-nang-den-nen-mong-tu-duy-cho-sinh-vien-post763867.html
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