Exemplary morality and lifelong self-learning

In the digital age and artificial intelligence (AI), when national competitiveness is closely linked to the quality of human resources, the role of teachers becomes more important than ever. That requires teachers to not only be good at their profession but also be role models of ethics and lifelong learners.

In every stage of the country's development, teachers always hold a special position because they not only teach letters, but also build the spiritual foundation of the nation. Resolution 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo defines the goal: High-quality human resources, scientific and technological talents become the driving force and core competitive advantage of the country, contributing to making Vietnam a developed country with high income. But to achieve that goal, we need a team of teachers with enough heart, enough capacity, enough courage to lead the younger generation.

The emergence of AI does not diminish the role of teachers but places them in a higher position - the position of guides. AI can answer quickly, analyze big data, write text in seconds, but AI cannot replace compassion, fairness, moral courage and the ability to influence.

As knowledge changes every day, teachers are no longer just “transmitters” but become “guides”. More importantly, teachers must arouse curiosity, promote critical thinking and create motivation for self-discovery , so that students do not only learn for grades but also for the need to develop themselves.

Today, society not only expects teachers to be good at their subjects, but also expects them to help the younger generation develop core lifelong skills - qualities that AI will find difficult to replace: critical thinking, complex problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, the ability to collaborate and especially the ability to learn for life. This is the foundation for students to stand firm in the future, avoid dependence on technology and become masters, not people who are swept away.

Along with that, teachers are the ones who guide students to form digital competencies: understanding how AI works, recognizing the risks behind digital tools, avoiding data bias, protecting privacy and distinguishing between truth and falsehood in cyberspace. Knowledge about AI literacy - AI education, data, digital ethics is no longer the business of engineers, but the capacity of citizens of the digital age.

Resolution 71-NQ/TW also requires gradually making English the second language in schools. Therefore, teachers must not only be role models of ethics and digital proficiency, but also proactively improve their English proficiency, demonstrating the true role of "lifelong learners". Without teachers to guide them, the younger generation can easily become passive users of technology, even being dominated by technology.

Meanwhile, the requirement for strong innovation in teaching methods, building an open, flexible and comprehensive digital education model, requires teachers to shift from "reading and copying" to designing activities, organizing projects, and assessing competencies instead of just testing knowledge. Teachers need to know how to use AI as a support tool, not to prohibit it too much, nor to be lax - but to guide students to use AI for the right purpose: summarizing documents, suggesting ideas, comparing information, detecting errors, simulating situations. Only teachers can help students understand that AI does not replace thinking, but reflects the quality of thinking of the user.

But great expectations must come with guarantees. A civilized society cannot afford to leave teachers with such heavy responsibilities without adequate protection and policies. These include a living income, a safe environment, clear codes of conduct, and support mechanisms for enforcing pedagogical discipline.

Where local authorities still disregard education, disregard teachers or put them under unreasonable pressure, it is difficult to talk about sustainable development. On the contrary, where localities know how to respect and invest properly in the teaching staff, there will be a stronger human resource, a better learning culture and increased competitiveness.

In all circumstances, teachers are still the spiritual support for students, families and society. They are the ones who keep the flame of knowledge, maintain discipline, uphold justice and guide the young generation to enter the AI ​​era confidently and responsibly.

DR. HOANG NGOC VINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tam-guong-dao-duc-va-tu-hoc-suot-doi-post824409.html