A common set of textbooks: A big step forward in the education industry

According to Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Principal of Phan Chu Trinh Primary School (Buon Ma Thuot ward), unifying a single set of textbooks nationwide is a correct direction and brings many practical benefits. When the whole country has a common set of textbooks, funding and soliciting support for textbooks for students in remote, disadvantaged areas will be much more useful and effective. This ensures that all students have textbooks to attend school, creating a foundation for fairness and equality in access to education ; and helps schools gradually improve the quality of education.

Furthermore, adjusting textbooks at this time is necessary to adapt to administrative and geographical changes following the provincial merger and the operation of a two-tiered local government system. Initially, it is necessary to adjust the textbooks of the 2018 General Education Program to suit the current situation.

According to Duong Van Huan, the principal of Dinh Nup Primary School (Tan Tien commune), the school has approximately 1,000 students per school year; many of whom come from disadvantaged families and cannot afford textbooks. On the first day of school each year, teachers assess the students' situation to develop support plans and solicit sponsors to ensure all students have textbooks. If a single set of textbooks is standardized, the process of socializing the use of new or old textbooks will be easier. When students are provided with free textbooks, the school will shift its social mobilization efforts towards providing white uniforms, school supplies, and other items.

Students are buying textbooks at a bookstore on Hai Ba Trung Street, Buon Ma Thuot ward.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh (Binh Kien ward), whose children are in grades 3 and 8, shared that using a single set of textbooks will make it easier for parents and students to transfer classes or schools when needed; they can donate old textbooks to students in more difficult circumstances; and thus save on initial school year expenses for each family.

From a professional perspective, many teachers in disadvantaged educational areas believe that a common set of textbooks would ensure uniformity in knowledge standards, reduce regional disparities, facilitate testing and examinations, and save costs for parents.

According to To Thi Minh Thu, Principal of Tran Phu High School (Hoa Phu commune), using a single set of textbooks will facilitate professional exchange, research, and learning among teachers. It will also allow teachers more flexibility in teaching open-ended knowledge. However, a single set of textbooks should combine the best aspects of various other sets, distilling the best elements to create a set that is easy to understand, relevant to reality, and reduces the amount of theoretical content. Students will learn through play and play through learning, avoiding overload; and it will also reduce the pressure on exam preparation at all levels, especially the High School Graduation Exam.

The unification of textbooks is not merely an administrative or publishing change, but a decision with profound social significance. A common, free set of textbooks for students is a crucial step in ensuring equity in access to education, ushering in a new era for Vietnamese education – where all students, whether in urban or remote areas, have the opportunity for comprehensive and equal development.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/giao-duc/202509/mot-bo-sach-giao-khoa-chung-buoc-chuyen-lon-cua-nganh-giao-duc-d761b7a/