Ho Chi Minh City proposes 8 solutions.

A workshop on solutions to make English the second language in schools was held in Ho Chi Minh City today, October 11th.

On October 11th, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training organized a workshop on solutions to make English the second language in Vietnamese schools. Attending the workshop were Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong, along with representatives from district education departments and schools throughout the city.

According to the Department of Education and Training, the workshop aims to share experiences and propose practical and effective solutions to make English the second language in schools, in accordance with Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW dated August 12th by the Politburo .

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, noted that many countries around the world have successfully implemented bilingual education models, making English the second language in schools. These countries have achieved significant success in improving English proficiency among students, thereby facilitating their studies, research, work, and international integration.

Based on international experience, according to Mr. Hieu, to make English the second language in schools, several solutions need to be focused on: Building a favorable learning and English-speaking environment, encouraging students to use English in daily communication; innovating English teaching and learning methods, emphasizing the development of communication skills and the practical application of English; improving the quality of English teachers and teachers of other subjects to meet the requirements of teaching in an internationally integrated environment; strengthening international cooperation in English education, learning from the advanced experiences of countries that have successfully developed English as a second language in schools and countries with developed education systems.

A comprehensive plan based on technology adapted to the actual conditions.

Mr. Ho Tan Minh, Chief of the Office of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, believes that to make English the second language in schools in Ho Chi Minh City, a comprehensive plan based on technology suitable to the actual conditions is needed.

In it, Mr. Minh proposed eight solutions to achieve the goal of second language education in schools, including:

1. Investing in digital infrastructure development: Upgrading technology infrastructure in schools is fundamental.
2. Implementing integrated programs: Applying integrated methods supported by digital content allows students to learn English naturally through other subjects.
3. Teacher training and professional development: Teachers play a crucial role; therefore, enhancing their technological skills and English language proficiency is essential.
4. Participate in educational activities with an international element: Organize online cultural exchange programs with schools in English-speaking countries, encourage students to participate in international competitions, organize international competitions with the participation of students and countries in the region, thereby helping students gradually become familiar with using English in a learning environment.
5. Implement assessment frameworks: Develop standards to recognize and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of introducing English as a second language in schools.
6. Support policies: Policy and financial support from the government is essential for the effective and sustainable implementation of the plan.
7. Content localization: Developing learning materials for subjects such as local education, history, and geography in English within a virtual environment. This allows students to experience the material authentically, supporting their learning while simultaneously creating context for their English language studies.
8. Bridging the digital divide: Ensuring equitable access to technology for areas with limited infrastructure through the deployment of cloud-based systems and solutions that utilize and reuse older equipment.

A plan to make English the second language in schools will be implemented in 2025.

Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong delivered a speech at the workshop.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong said that the Ministry will advise the Government to soon issue a national-level plan on making English the second language in schools, including solutions regarding resources, policy mechanisms, teacher training and development, and creating opportunities for native-speaking teachers to cooperate and work in Vietnam. Mr. Thuong also stated that five main pillars are needed: state management, scientists and experts, educators (educational institutions), schools, and businesses, all contributing ideas to implement this national-level plan.

According to Mr. Thuong, this project could be completed by 2025, clearly defining the roadmap and implementation solutions. "Ho Chi Minh City's practical experience in implementing Project 5695 (Teaching and learning mathematics, science, and English integrated with the English and Vietnamese curricula) according to Decision No. 5695/QD-UBND dated November 20, 2014, of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City shows the need for a strategy and a specific plan…"

"We need to implement solutions in a coordinated manner, identifying immediate, long-term, and breakthrough solutions. This way, while maintaining a synchronized approach, we must identify breakthrough solutions, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. We should implement solutions where conditions are suitable. We encourage localities with sufficient resources, such as Ho Chi Minh City, to take the lead in guiding and directing effective English teaching and learning," Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong said.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong also shared that this is the first large-scale workshop organized since the Politburo's Conclusion 91. This shows Ho Chi Minh City's determination to be a pioneer in making English the second language in schools.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tieng-anh-la-ngon-ngu-thu-2-trong-truong-hoc-tphcm-de-xuat-8-giai-phap-185241011192749812.htm