The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has proposed removing the form of suspension from school for students in the draft circular replacing Circular 08 - guiding the awarding of commendations and disciplinary actions against students.
Controversial debate
According to the draft of the new circular, the Ministry of Education and Training stipulates two disciplinary measures for primary school students: a warning and an apology. These disciplinary measures for primary school students will not be recorded in their academic records or report cards. For students in higher grades, there are three forms of discipline: a warning, criticism, and a written self-assessment. Thus, compared to Circular 08 and previous regulations, the temporary suspension and suspension of schooling for students have been abolished.
The Ministry of Education and Training's proposal has sparked much debate. Dr. Nguyen Tung Lam, Vice President of the Hanoi Educational Psychology Association, argues that student discipline should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This expert believes that expulsion pushes students out of the educational environment, increasing the risk of them falling into a negative cycle. Schools should be places that help students correct their mistakes, not eliminate them.
The principal of a high school in Cau Giay district, Hanoi, also believes that suspension from school often creates immense pressure, making students feel isolated. Gentle but firm discipline will encourage them to adjust their behavior.
However, many experts and teachers have expressed concern that abolishing school suspension could reduce its deterrent effect, especially in the context of rising school violence that is causing public outrage. According to Dr. Vu Thu Huong, an education expert in Hanoi, she has dealt with many problematic students. These students can do things that even adults find surprising – such as cursing at, or even physically assaulting, teachers or classmates to a dangerous degree.
"In cases of such serious violations, suspension is a way to guide students back on the right path," Ms. Huong commented. She believes that a few days of suspension will help students realize that learning is their right. When they feel this right is being affected, students will focus more on their studies and try to regulate themselves, avoiding serious violations of school rules.
"We often think that verbal education is a deterrent, but in reality, students only understand the seriousness of the situation when they face subsequent punishments. Students need to know that teachers have the right to punish them when they make mistakes. If we take away all authority from teachers, students will no longer listen to them," Ms. Huong stated.
This education expert also pointed out that many students, after being suspended for a few days, have become more well-behaved, listen to their teachers, and take their studies seriously. Therefore, suspension from school is not a form of "torture" for students at all.
A friendly discussion between teachers, education experts, and students of Tran Dai Nghia Secondary and High School (Ho Chi Minh City) on the topic of adolescence. Photo: Phuong Quynh
Mr. Lam Vu Cong Chinh, a teacher at Nguyen Du High School (District 10, Ho Chi Minh City), said that those who support the Ministry of Education and Training's proposal see it as a humane step, aiming for education rather than punishment. However, others worry that schools will be deprived of the "tools" to handle cases of students who repeatedly violate rules but do not improve or become resistant to educational measures.
According to Mr. Chinh, the individualized education method is currently encouraged, helping learners recognize their strengths and weaknesses, listen to and share solutions, and unlock the potential of each student. Teachers often apply this method to each student, depending on the circumstances and conditions.
However, it is important to recognize that in a group environment, students need to learn respect and discipline, and be responsible for themselves and those around them. Certain forms of deterrence and disciplinary measures are not only to establish the school's authority but also to create clear boundaries to ensure fairness, uphold school rules, and protect both students and teachers.
"In reality, disciplinary action against students is rare but necessary. This is because teachers have repeatedly reminded, even scolded, or sought family support before the incident. Disciplinary action is only the last resort when educational measures fail to change the student's behavior," Mr. Chinh assessed.
Discipline needs to be humane and sufficiently deterrent.
From a parent's perspective, Ms. Vu Lan Phuong, whose child is in 11th grade at a high school in Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, believes that disciplinary measures such as writing self-criticism reports are often taken lightly by students.
"For students who intentionally attack or disrupt others, mere reprimands are not enough to change their behavior. This could lead to school violence becoming an endless and ever-increasing problem," Ms. Phuong expressed her concern.
According to this parent, abolishing expulsion could diminish the role of teachers and schools. Unruly students need to see clear consequences for their behavior. Simply reminding these students makes it difficult for schools to maintain order in the classroom and school environment. Therefore, a temporary suspension combined with corrective activities should be implemented to balance education and deterrence.
To ensure both deterrence and humanistic values in education, Dr. Vu Thu Huong suggested using reasonable forms of discipline that do not affect students' health and mental well-being. Punishments that violate the physical integrity and honor of students should be avoided. For students who commit serious offenses, schools can apply temporary suspension from school.
Teacher Lam Vu Cong Chinh believes that while we criticize and oppose actions that insult students' dignity and cause psychological harm, we should not be too lenient or condone their wrongdoings. If schools are "hands-tied," it can easily lead to students becoming complacent, dependent, lazy, and lacking ambition.
Teacher Chinh expressed his concern: "Many students know that they can pass the class and receive good conduct grades regardless of their academic performance, as long as they don't miss more than 45 classes, as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training. Education administrators and leaders need to carefully consider this before issuing regulations related to student assessment."
Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Ho Thuy Anh, a lecturer at the John Robert Powers School of Talent and Character Development, believes that to educate children through rewards or discipline, teachers must be given the highest level of autonomy and must conduct education based on love. Specifying in detail which methods can and cannot be used in educating children would undermine flexibility, trust, and balance in protecting children, affecting the teacher's autonomy.
According to Ms. Thuy Anh, there needs to be a mechanism to support the development of a positive, flexible disciplinary system that suits the psychological characteristics of students. Effective classroom management training courses are what administrators should aim for, rather than overly detailed intervention that reduces teachers' initiative.
Prevent students from making mistakes.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training expressed the view that disciplinary action aims to prevent and deter students from making mistakes. Discipline also helps students recognize their wrongdoings so they can consciously correct the consequences, adjust their behavior, cultivate good habits, and develop a disciplined lifestyle.
The principle of discipline is to ensure students' proactive and positive participation in exercising their rights, obligations, and responsibilities; and to maintain order and discipline in the school. This requires respect, tolerance, objectivity, and freedom from prejudice, ensuring students' right to participate and their interests are protected in relevant matters.
Discipline must also be appropriate to the psychological and physiological characteristics, gender, physical condition, family circumstances, and regional cultural characteristics of each student. The school will not use disciplinary measures that are violent, insulting to dignity, or negatively affect the physical and mental health of students.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/lo-ngai-hoc-sinh-nhon-ky-luat-196250518200337959.htm
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