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| Associate Professor, Dr. Do Tat Thien said that the announcement of high school graduation exam scores is a sensitive time, so it is necessary to help candidates maintain a balanced mental state. (Photo: NVCC) |
On July 16, the 2025 high school graduation exam scores will be officially announced. After knowing the exam scores, many students and parents will fall into a state of anxiety and disappointment.The World and Vietnam Newspaper had an interview with Associate Professor, Dr. Do Tat Thien, Head of the Psychology Department, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, regarding this issue.
From a school psychology perspective, how do you see it and what is most important during this period to help students stay mentally strong?
Announcing high school graduation exam results is certainly a sensitive time, when many students and parents experience mixed emotions, from excitement and hope to worry and even disappointment if the results are not as expected.
From a school psychology perspective, this is a completely natural reaction, as this exam is often seen as an important milestone, associated with great expectations from oneself, family and society. The most important thing during this period is to help students maintain a balanced mental state.
First, students need a safe space to express their feelings, whether frustration or anxiety, without being judged. Parents and schools play a key role in listening, empathizing, and helping students see test scores as part of a journey, not the sum total of their worth.
Furthermore, it is important to encourage them to focus on their strengths, the opportunities ahead, and to develop a positive mindset that temporary setbacks do not define the future. Techniques such as keeping a feeling diary or engaging in guided conversations with a mental health professional can help them overcome stress and regain motivation.
In today’s society, grades are still considered a measure of student success, sometimes becoming an invisible pressure weighing heavily on their shoulders. In your opinion, how has the “grade-oriented” culture in Vietnameseeducation affected the comprehensive development of learners?
The “score-centric” culture in Vietnamese education, despite notable changes, is still a reality that creates a lot of invisible pressure on students. For many, scores are often seen as the sole measure of success.
This results in students being judged through a narrow lens, ignoring other values such as creativity, critical thinking, social skills or mental health. This can make students feel trapped in a race for achievement, reducing intrinsic motivation to learn and causing long-term psychological stress.
From a psychological perspective, this cultural pressure can have a negative impact on overall development. Students risk losing confidence if they do not achieve high grades, or developing a “study to pass” mindset instead of a “study to do” mindset. Furthermore, an over-focus on grades can undermine self-awareness and self-direction, making it difficult for them to develop soft skills such as emotional management, teamwork, and problem-solving – essential elements in modern life. To change, we need to build an educational environment that encourages diversity in the definition of success, where students are valued for their efforts, passions, and individuality.
Exams are just a milestone in the journey of learning and growing up, not the final destination. As an educator, what would you say to students and parents who feel “at a dead end” when their exam scores are not as expected?
The high school graduation exam, although important, is just a milestone in the long journey of learning and growing up, not the final destination. To students who feel “dead” because their exam scores are not as expected, I want to say: You are not failures.
A score is just a number, it cannot measure your worth, your potential or your dreams. Life has many doors, sometimes, an unsatisfactory path leads you to unexpected and better opportunities.
Parents, please be a loving and trustworthy support for your children during this time. Instead of focusing on grades, explore other options with your children, from applying to suitable schools, learning a trade, or even taking time to discover themselves.
Encourage them to see difficulties as lessons that will help them become stronger. I believe that with the support of family and school, they will find their own path where they can shine in their own way.
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| According to Associate Professor, Dr. Do Tat Thien, parents should take time to talk and let their children share their feelings and thoughts. (Photo: NVCC) |
In the era of rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI), the labor market is also changing dramatically. In your opinion, how should Vietnamese education shift – from examination-based education to competency-based education so that students can adapt and develop in the future?
AI is developing strongly, the labor market is changing rapidly, requiring skills that machines cannot replace: creativity, critical thinking, adaptability and communication skills... Vietnamese education needs to shift from a test model that focuses on scores to education that develops comprehensive competencies, helping students be ready for the future.
Specifically, we should focus on building curriculum that encourages creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Subjects should be designed to develop soft skills, such as time management, emotional management skills, collaboration skills...
At the same time, education needs to integrate technological elements, helping students understand and use AI as a supporting tool, instead of competing with it. More importantly, a learning culture based on curiosity and passion, instead of pressure to achieve results, should be built. The role of teachers also needs to shift from knowledge transmitters to guides, companions, helping students discover their own potential.
From your experience working with students and parents, can you share specific, practical guidelines to help families and schools support students after exams, especially when they are facing an important crossroads in their lives?
In my opinion, parents should take time to talk to their children, let them share their feelings and thoughts. A hug, a sincere word of encouragement can help them overcome anxiety. Support them to explore different paths, from university, college, vocational training, to short-term training programs or starting a business. Help them realize that each choice has its own value. Guide them to think about their interests, strengths and personal values, from there to orient their career accordingly.
Schools should provide counselling sessions to help students understand their post-exam options, from choosing a school to developing skills. They should also set up support channels such as school counsellors or peer groups to give students a place to share and receive advice. Invite alumni, experts or businesses to share their real-life experiences to help students gain a clearer view of their future.
Young people should take time to rest and participate in activities they enjoy to balance their emotions. Set short-term goals such as planning the next step, whether it is continuing education, working or discovering yourself. Every small step is a big step forward. Seek support, do not hesitate to seek guidance from teachers, friends or a counselor.
Regardless of your exam results, you are still full of potential. With the support of your family and school, I believe that you will find the right path where you can develop and be happy.
Thank you!
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/pgsts-do-tat-thien-diem-thi-tot-nghiep-the-nao-ban-tre-van-tran-day-tiem-nang-con-nhieu-canh-cua-321029.html
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