For 10th-grade students, this is their first semester studying under the new curriculum. Prior to last year's 9th grade, this group of students followed the old 2006 curriculum. After a period of study and training, the current 10th-grade students have offered some observations.
Enthusiasm for innovation in curriculum and teaching methods.
I conducted a small survey with 10th-grade students. The majority of students felt more enthusiastic about the new curriculum compared to the old one. According to the students, the new curriculum allows them to choose subject combinations that include subjects they enjoy. Many subjects are structured to reduce theoretical content and increase practical application.
Regarding teaching and learning methods, most students said they enjoyed it because they were "not constrained or rigidly bound by textbooks and materials." Conversely, it fostered students' proactive, creative, and self-learning roles. Students had more opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss, and work in groups. As a result, lessons were always lively, unlike the previously quiet atmosphere. In subjects like English and Literature, teachers also strengthened students' skills such as reading, speaking, and listening, instead of focusing too much on writing skills as before, helping students become "less shy and passive in learning and communication."
Tenth-grade students during a literature class under the new curriculum.
Regarding assessment, students prefer the new program because it comprehensively evaluates students' strengths. The old assessment method focused only on written tests. In contrast, the new method incorporates various forms such as products, presentations, and practical activities, making learning more enjoyable and effective for students.
Regarding literature, although the exam materials were outside the textbook, which somewhat challenged students, they approved of and highly appreciated this testing method. Students considered it one of the "bright spots," the most significant "transformation" of the new curriculum.
Concerns arise because the program is still too demanding, and the consequences of overexertion.
However, students still expressed many worries and concerns about the burden of the new curriculum and its consequences. One 10th-grade student shared: "I find that the new curriculum doesn't reduce the workload at all; proof of this is that every day I stay up until 11 or 12 at night to finish my homework."
The new curriculum also places a burden on students because teachers assign too much work. Specifically, most subjects require students to submit learning products, which takes a lot of effort. While students giving presentations is good, creating a product for these presentations consumes a significant amount of their time.
One student analyzed the harmful effects of overusing group activities: "Group work will not be effective for learning with individuals who are not active in the group. These students will then become dependent on others, unwilling to work, and in the long run, will suffer serious learning setbacks."
Tenth-grade students give presentations about Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year).
Diverse activities (such as career guidance, experiential learning, and activities outside the classroom) help students become more active and proactive, geared towards becoming global citizens. However, organizing these activities excessively and frequently can also lead to fatigue, which is a concern for the students.
The debate about whether to allow or ban the use of mobile phones in schools seems outdated given the current trend of the new curriculum. Currently, teaching, learning, and assessment under the new program combine multiple methods, both in-person and online. Even learning materials are now sent to students online, rather than being photocopied as before.
This requires each student to bring digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to class. Therefore, schools need to strengthen their management role. Otherwise, students will easily "abuse their phones, leading to many negative consequences," one student stated.
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