Making a breakthrough in primary education reform.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, in recent years, primary education institutions have innovated and promoted the initiative and creativity of subject departments; teachers have flexibly applied various teaching methods and organizational forms to develop students' qualities and abilities. In particular, Foreign Languages ​​and Information Technology have become compulsory subjects in the 2018 General Education Program, and educational institutions have focused on improving their quality.

At Dung Liet Primary School in Yen Phong District, Bac Ninh Province, the school has actively reformed its teaching methods over the years. According to Principal Dao Duy Hung, to implement the 2018 General Education Program, the school's foreign language and computer science teachers regularly receive training to ensure they possess strong knowledge and pedagogical skills. In addition, the school is equipped with sufficient teaching aids and equipment such as projectors, speakers, televisions, and internet access.

Therefore, the teaching results, the level and foreign language proficiency of students have improved significantly, and they are more confident when performing presentation and speech activities in English. In addition, the majority of students at the school have achieved basic computer skills such as proficiently using office software, accessing the internet and knowing how to search for information effectively, and are enthusiastic about participating in learning.

The province currently has 224 English classrooms, with each primary school having at least one dedicated English classroom as per regulations. With 547 English teachers in the province, the provincial education sector regularly provides training on textbook usage; innovates teaching methods and organizational forms; and enhances the ability to utilize digital textbooks and foreign language teaching software.

Phi Huu Quynh, Head of Primary Education Department (Bac Ninh Department of Education and Training)

Schools are encouraged to promote reading activities, experiential learning, playgrounds, and exchanges to help students improve their communication skills and interest in English, meeting the requirements of the 2018 General Education Program.

Along with foreign languages, Bac Ninh province currently has 200 classrooms and 217 computer science teachers, with 100% of primary schools organizing computer science classes for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Many computer science education activities, competitions, and playgrounds applying computer skills have been launched… Therefore, in the 2023-2024 school year, 83.8% of students in grades 1 and 2 will be able to study English as an elective; 100% of students in grades 3 and 4 will study English and computer science as compulsory subjects according to the curriculum; grade 5 students will study English for four or more lessons per week, and 99.2% will study computer science.

Not only in Bac Ninh province, but throughout the country, localities are actively preparing the necessary conditions to organize the teaching of foreign languages ​​and information technology in a timely and effective manner, in accordance with the 2018 General Education Program. According to Thai Van Tai, Director of Primary Education (Ministry of Education and Training), currently 100% of schools have implemented compulsory foreign language teaching in grades 3 and 4 as required by the program; the teaching staff has been strengthened; and the infrastructure (classrooms with audiovisual equipment and internet connectivity) serving the teaching of foreign languages ​​and information technology has been prioritized.

From an elective subject, English has now become a subject for over 80% of students nationwide (grades 1 and 2 are elective; grades 3 and 4 are compulsory; grade 5 follows a pilot program and is also an elective). Computer science is taught to 100% of students in grades 3 and 4; while students in grades 1 and 2 are introduced to it as an elective subject.

The implementation of foreign language and computer science education according to the 2018 general education curriculum is a significant effort and innovation, and a necessary condition for preparing future digital citizens with digital skills.

Nguyen Kim Son, Minister of Education and Training

The inclusion of local education content in the 2018 General Education Program is also a new educational activity, posing many challenges for localities due to difficulties in compiling and approving materials, as well as printing and distribution. However, the education sector and localities are gradually overcoming these challenges, directing and guiding educational institutions to implement local education content while ensuring quality.

In Ky Son district, Nghe An province, local primary education faces difficulties due to some content, images, and materials not being suitable for students in ethnic minority areas. However, the District Department of Education and Training, as well as the schools, have held professional discussions and developed plans to integrate local education content into the activities of specific subjects and lessons.

According to Mr. Pham Viet Phuc, Head of the Education and Training Department of Ky Son district, schools and teachers always create conditions for students to explore, form knowledge, and practice on their own, to work, speak, and share more; making maximum use of materials, ensuring that local educational content is conveyed to students in the most effective and comprehensive way.

Meanwhile, Quang Ngai province has organized the compilation of local primary school educational materials, ensuring progress according to regulations and meeting the learning requirements of 106,939 students in 207 primary school-level educational institutions.

According to the Quang Ngai Department of Education and Training, primary schools have proactively and flexibly developed school education plans in accordance with guidelines and in line with reality. They have selected local educational content to integrate into experiential activities and other related subjects, helping students grasp useful information and knowledge.

Meanwhile, Ninh Binh province has 146 primary schools, all of which have incorporated local educational materials into their curriculum in accordance with the implementation roadmap of the 2018 General Education Program, helping students explore and accumulate knowledge comprehensively, and fostering pride and love for their homeland.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the initial results of implementing local education content under the 2018 General Education Program have helped students gain basic knowledge about the culture, history, traditions, geography, economy, society, environment, and scenic spots of their communities. Local education content also fosters in students a love for and sense of responsibility to preserve, promote, and publicize the cultural values ​​of their homeland, and to apply what they have learned to solve problems in life. By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, all 63 provinces and cities had approved local education materials for grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 as per regulations.

In the 2023-2024 school year, primary education achieved fairly comprehensive results, with some notable highlights including the assessment and approval of local educational materials and the organization and direction of teaching according to the 2018 General Education Program.

Pham Ngoc Thuong, Deputy Minister of Education and Training

To continue addressing difficulties in effectively implementing local education content, provinces and cities need to further revise and refine the content framework; review and update data and materials in the documents to ensure accuracy, scientific rigor, and modernity.

During the implementation process, localities need to coordinate closely with units under the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant organizations and individuals to improve the quality and effectiveness of compiling, reviewing, printing, and distributing local educational materials that are appropriate to the specific characteristics of each grade level and class, in accordance with the 2018 General Education Program….

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tao-buoc-chuyen-trong-doi-moi-giao-duc-tieu-hoc-post824827.html