Is student self-determination in what and how to learn the ideal educational model?

(Dan Tri) - The self-directed education model was the main topic of discussion at the final round of the international multi-modal debate and eloquence competition - Olympia International Championship 2025, which took place on October 26 in Hanoi.

On October 25 and 26, at Olympia High School, Hanoi , representatives of nearly 80 schools across the country participated in the second season of Olympia International Championship.

This English debate and eloquence competition aims to find the best candidates to represent Vietnam in prestigious global tournaments, including the Tournament of Champions (TOC) - a prestigious high school debate and eloquence tournament of the University of Kentucky (USA) with approximately 55 years of history.

The most interesting part of the competition was the debate panel for secondary school students with a topical proposal: Should we apply the self-directed education model - that is, empowering students to proactively choose the content, methods, speed and learning goals instead of being completely bound by the program and teachers?

Three candidates, Nguyen Quang Vinh (Vinschool Grand Park, HCMC), Nguyen Ha Bao Nghi (Australian International School, HCMC) and Hu Suri Trinh (Vinschool Ocean Park, Hanoi) are in the support group.

3 contestants Nguyen Quang Vinh (Vinschool Grand Park, HCMC), Nguyen Ha Bao Nghi (Australian International School, HCMC) and Hu Suri Trinh (Vinschool Ocean Park, Hanoi) (Photo: Organizing Committee).

Supporters say the current education system places too much emphasis on grades and ignores creative thinking, deep understanding and personal growth. Schools often focus on average students to boost their performance, while weaker or slower learners are left behind.

Besides, dry and uninteractive lessons make students only learn by rote for exams, without really understanding the problem.

In contrast, the self-directed education model encourages students to ask questions, explore and understand the nature of knowledge. Teachers in this model are no longer dictators for students to copy but become guides. As a result, education no longer creates “test-taking machines”, but nurtures people who know how to think, be creative and adapt to modern life.

“We believe that education cannot be “one size fits all”. Each student is an individual, and the school must respect that.

Therefore, we affirm that schools need to boldly apply the self-directed education model - the only way to make education more equitable, humane and substantial, preparing the young generation not only for exams, but also for living, learning and creating," the group of supporting students emphasized.

In the group opposing the petition, 5 candidates from Hanoi including Khong Tien Lap (Chu Van An Secondary School), Mai Nhat Tung (Ngo Sao Hanoi Secondary School), Do Dao Lan Vy and Vu Tuan Kiet (Archimedes Secondary School), Nguyen Son Tung (Ngoai Ngu Secondary School) gave convincing arguments to refute.

The student protesters argued that the self-directed education model was unrealistic for most students.

The group of students won the debate championship of the Olympia International Championship 2025 (Photo: Organizing Committee).

Children and adolescents often lack the experience, motivation, and discipline needed to plan long-term learning. If schools leave students completely to their own devices, learning becomes chaotic, disjointed, and ineffective.

Discipline is not something children are born with, but must be developed through systematic learning. When students follow schedules, complete assignments, and receive feedback from teachers, they learn how to manage their time and take responsibility for their own actions.

The group of students also pointed out a reality: “Most children do not know clearly what they want to be in the next 10 years.” Even though some students are very good, they still need discipline, foundation and guidance before they can make the right choice.

In addition, when education is determined by individuals, students from well-off families with highly educated parents will easily go further, while those from difficult circumstances are left behind. This inadvertently increases the educational gap between social classes.

Instead of creating equity, the self-directed education model easily makes learning a privilege only available to those with favorable conditions.

Another factor that the student protesters pointed out astutely was that in the future, employers are not looking for people who “study what they like”, they need people who have the skills to learn, cooperate and work with others.

In the end, this group of students won the championship and the opportunity to go to the US to participate in the debate arena at the University of Kentucky.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/hoc-sinh-tu-quyet-hoc-gi-hoc-the-nao-co-phai-la-mo-hinh-giao-duc-ly-tuong-20251026225735923.htm