Prioritize the assessment of textbook quality.

It is necessary to study and learn from international experience.

Participating in a debate with National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Thi Mai Hoa (Dong Thap Delegation) regarding assigning the Ministry of Education and Training to lead the compilation of a set of textbooks, National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy (Da Nang Delegation) stated that this National Assembly has the right to issue a Resolution with content different from Resolution 122, but she wondered whether it was advisable to do something that society has already done. She emphasized: “ Changing a major policy midway requires time for research, consultation with international experience, and careful impact assessment .” According to Ms. Thuy, while Appendix 7, a compilation of proposals and recommendations from the Government, ministries, and localities, is 35 pages long with 282 items, the Ministry of Education and Training alone has 114 items. On page 26, item 208, there is a recommendation for the Ministry of Education and Training to lead the compilation of a set of textbooks (for two localities).

“ I believe that instead of the Ministry of Education and Training organizing the compilation of a set of textbooks, it is more urgent for the Ministry to focus on directing the compilation of textbooks for hearing-impaired and visually impaired children, and textbooks for teaching ethnic minority languages,” Ms. Thuy expressed her opinion. According to Ms. Thuy, there are still some opinions that “there must be a standard set of textbooks.” However, Ms. Thuy believes that this understanding is incorrect according to Resolution 88. According to this Resolution, whether the Ministry of Education and Training organizes the compilation of a set of textbooks or not, that set of textbooks must be evaluated and approved fairly alongside textbooks compiled by other organizations and individuals.

"It's true that in the past we only studied one set of textbooks and ate only sweet potatoes and cassava, yet we still grew up healthy. But times change, and we can't expect today to be the same as the past. Now, our children and grandchildren must have a balanced diet to improve their stature and stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's leading nations," Ms. Thuy emphasized.

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy ( Da Nang Delegation).

Would adding another set of textbooks solve the price problem?

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Assembly, National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Thi Viet Nga - Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, and Deputy Head of the Hai Duong National Assembly Delegation - said that in recent days there have been many different opinions and debates among those researching and drafting legislation, National Assembly deputies, the general public, teachers, and education administrators.

"In my opinion, does the Ministry of Education and Training need to compile a set of textbooks? Yes, the Ministry does. However, the Ministry of Education and Training doesn't need to compile another set of textbooks at the present time. Because, currently, there are already a number of textbooks that have been evaluated and are suitable for teaching through the socialized system," Ms. Nga said.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education and Training is currently overwhelmed with various tasks related to implementing the 2018 general education program.

At the same time, it was stated that there are very large-scale issues that need to be addressed immediately, such as the shortage of teachers and the urgent need to prepare for the 2024-2025 high school graduation exam, which is the first exam under the implementation of the 2018 general education program.

"Therefore, if we ask the Ministry to immediately produce a set of textbooks at such a busy time, it will not be very effective and will be difficult to implement. Thus, we should wait until the Ministry of Education and Training has fully prepared all the necessary infrastructure to implement this set of textbooks, not at the present time," Ms. Nga emphasized.

Sharing the same view, National Assembly Deputy Truong Trong Nghia (from Ho Chi Minh City delegation) clearly stated that the policy of socializing textbooks aims to leverage the intellectual resources and experience of experts, scholars, educational scientists, and teachers to compile textbooks serving educational reform. At the same time, it mobilizes the economic potential of society.

According to the delegates, while the process of socialization is progressing well, there will always be certain initial problems, and these problems should be addressed.

"Now, if the Ministry of Education and Training is proposed to develop and compile a new set of textbooks, will this solve the problems that are currently being faced, such as the issue of price?" Representative Nghia raised the question.

If there are price issues, this can be resolved through subsidies or fundraising to provide textbooks on loan, or to support disadvantaged groups in remote areas.

"It's not like we can solve the problem by simply 'creating' a new set of textbooks from the State; what if that doesn't solve the problem?", Mr. Nghia wondered.

Prioritize the assessment of textbook quality.

Regarding the issue of textbooks, which is of concern to National Assembly deputies, Minister Nguyen Kim Son stated that the Government's report on socio-economic development noted that "textbooks do not yet meet the requirements." This assessment is considered a high demand and a matter of great responsibility for the Government. Although much has been accomplished, further improvements are still needed, and the education sector is striving to fulfill this requirement.

Minister Nguyen Kim Son delivered a speech explaining some issues of concern to National Assembly deputies.

Recently, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly supervised the implementation of reforms to the general education curriculum and textbooks, and in its supervision resolution 686, noted that: The system of textbooks and educational materials has been organized, compiled, appraised, approved, printed, and distributed basically according to schedule, meeting the requirements of teaching and learning.

The textbook content closely adheres to the required learning outcomes of the new general education curriculum, aligning with the development of students' qualities and competencies. The textbook compilation process has mobilized a large number of experts, scientists, and educators with high prestige and experience. From 2020 to the present, 381 new textbooks have been published, totaling 194 million copies. "Thus, this acknowledges the efforts of the entire education sector, the teaching staff, and those involved in textbook compilation," Mr. Son stated.

Regarding the delegates' concerns about the Supervisory Delegation's Resolution concerning the assignment of the Ministry of Education and Training to compile a set of textbooks, Mr. Son said: "I believe that from now until 2024, the most important priority should be to thoroughly assess the quality of textbooks for grades 5, 9, and 12, ensuring sufficient textbooks before the new school year. As for the assigned issue, we will conduct research, make proposals, and strive to complete it within the next 1-2 years. Once the reform cycle is complete, we will conduct a thorough assessment and submit it to the National Assembly."

PV

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bo-truong-bo-gddt-uu-tien-cho-viec-tham-dinh-chat-luong-sgk-post270753.html