Gradually making English second language in schools: Politburo
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam has urged educational institutions to focus on improving students' foreign language abilities, with the goal of gradually making English the second language in schools.
This directive was part of the Politburo's conclusion last week regarding the implementation of the Party Central Committee’s Resolution 29 from 2013.
This resolution focuses on comprehensive and fundamental reforms in education and training to meet the demands of industrialisation and modernisation in a market-oriented socialist economy and international integration.
The conclusion highlights that after ten years of implementing the resolution, significant progress has been made in education and training.
To build on these achievements and address existing shortcomings, the Politburo has asked the Party committees, authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other socio-political organisations to promote international integration in education and training to meet the needs of developing a high-quality workforce for the country's new development phase.
Efforts should be concentrated on enhancing students' foreign language proficiency, gradually making English the second language in schools.
The Politburo has encouraged domestic educational institutions to collaborate with advanced educational institutions worldwide. It has suggested creating breakthrough mechanisms and policies to attract foreign experts and scientists, as well as overseas Vietnamese, to teach, conduct research and work at educational institutions in Vietnam.
Additionally, the Politburo has advocated for attracting international students to study in Vietnam and encouraged reputable international universities to open branches in the country.
Furthermore, it has stressed funding the training of high-quality human resources abroad, especially in training PhD-level lecturers and experts in advanced technology and engineering fields.
The Politburo has called for the ongoing enhancement of the national education system, emphasising an open, flexible and interconnected approach that promotes lifelong learning and a learning society.
The Politburo has also urged a strong push towards transformation in education and training. A key focus is on reviewing, reorganising and expanding the network of preschools and general education institutions to ensure adequate schools and classrooms, particularly in large cities, industrial zones, densely populated areas and mountainous regions.
This effort aims to ensure equal access to education for all. Additionally, the development of a non-public education system that aligns with global trends and Vietnam’s conditions, along with investment in high-quality education, is encouraged.
The Politburo has also stressed the importance of planning and organising the network of higher education, teacher training and vocational education institutions to ensure efficiency and alignment with the development goals of various socio-economic regions and the whole country. Priority should be given to allocating sufficient land for building preschools, general education institutions, vocational training centres and universities.
Accelerating the digital transformation in education and training is another key objective, with a focus on developing digital education, smart education, personalised learning, creative education and education that adapts to the development of artificial intelligence. Students should be equipped with essential skills to learn and work effectively and safely in the digital space.
The Politburo has encouraged the development of open training methods, open online teaching and learning platforms and open online learning resources. New school models, such as digital schools, smart schools and happy schools, are also encouraged.
