Studying too many subjects, where does the student find time to 'digest' the knowledge?

The current curriculum, though reduced, is still too heavy for students. Readers have proposed many solutions to reduce the workload for students.

Many parents want their children's education program to be truly streamlined - Photo: TT

The article "Delegate Tran Anh Tuan: The number of subjects is twice as many as other countries, so it should be reduced so that students can absorb it" published on Tuoi Tre Online on December 2 received the attention of many readers.

Most readers hope that children will learn what is really necessary, absorb knowledge, develop healthily and have the opportunity to become truly capable citizens in the future.

Studying too many subjects, where do students find time to "breathe"?

Many readers think that the curriculum has been "reduced but not significantly" so there is no time to "digest" the knowledge. After studying today, the next day is already overwhelmed by the next subject. Readers think that reducing the workload is not just about reducing subjects, but also reducing pressure and rearranging the subjects more appropriately.

Reader vtphong thinks that the amount of knowledge is too much, so we should "reduce theoretical subjects" and increase physical education subjects to make students more balanced. Commenter nguy@gmail.com emphasized: "A very necessary opinion, supporting rapid educational innovation."

Many other opinions reflect the reality that students study too many subjects, including unnecessary ones, leading to a situation of "cramming everything".

A reader with the nickname Parent shared that his 6th grade child has to study two sessions a day, the schedule changes constantly every week, affecting his health and family life.

Meanwhile, reader David said: "On November 24, my child had seven different schedules, and his backpack was so heavy that it was dislocating his spine."

In the same situation, reader Au Le Question: "First graders have to learn information technology, life skills, STEM, talent, digital technology ... in addition to the 7 compulsory subjects. So when do students have time to breathe?"

Many readers pointed out the paradox of studying a lot but applying it in a low way. Hys account commented: "Vietnamese students win many international medals but when they graduate, they rarely make scientific discoveries, while many countries study less but practice a lot, so they are more creative."

Reader Khanguy thinks that don't be like "knowing astronomy above, geography below but then not being able to apply it much!".

Delegate Tran Anh Tuan - Photo: GIA HAN

Need to continue reducing subjects, reducing hours, increasing practice

The common point many readers wish for is that the curriculum needs to be truly streamlined.

Some opinions suggest that only core subjects such as math, literature, history, geography, physics, chemistry, civics, and physical education should be kept. The remaining subjects can be left for students to choose based on their aptitude and interests.

Foreign language subjects should be diverse instead of just requiring English, to avoid creating more pressure and be more suitable to the needs of each group of students.

Reader Thien Cao commented: there is a situation where subjects overlap, are "similar to each other", and do not create a connected program.

Many opinions suggested that gifted subjects such as music, fine arts, and experience should be changed to elective forms or organized at external centers. Some readers also suggested that students should only study one session per day so that they have time to study, rest, and develop their skills.

Other parents' opinions hope that the Ministry of Education and Training will review the entire program in a more practical direction, including life skills, logical thinking, and social behavior as official subjects; and at the same time, eliminate duplicate, formal, or inapplicable subjects.

From another perspective, some parents said that the program overlaps and integrates too much, has similar subjects, and is studied one year and then repeated the next, wasting time and creating unnecessary pressure.

Another issue that readers often mention is learning a lot but not practicing. Without the opportunity to apply, knowledge "flys away very quickly". For example, with English, a subject considered essential, many opinions say that after studying for 12 years, many students still cannot communicate.

Another reader suggested focusing on teaching real-life communication, increasing listening and speaking time, and even organizing classes that only communicate in English to create a better communication environment.

Students need subjects such as personal financial management and civilized communication.

If we study according to the textbooks, only a few students in the class can keep up. A reader who is an English teacher shared that this makes teaching become a formality, and parents are tired of wasting money and worrying about students not being able to keep up with the program.

Many people frankly admit that current learning is "cramming", focusing on theory and lacking practical skills and working skills.

Reader Huong shared: students can do derivatives and integrals "easily" but when going to the market to buy things, they don't know how to calculate the price. Meanwhile, applied subjects such as life skills, personal financial management, civilized communication... are not focused on.

TIEN LONG - THANH CHUNG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hoc-qua-nhieu-mon-thoi-gian-dau-de-hoc-sinh-tieu-hoa-kien-thuc-20251203110023004.htm