Council calls for educational reforms

On Wednesday, members of the council called for the reforms to take place in all areas of education, from curricula and textbook reforms to changes in the organisation of high school graduation examinations.

Members are also seeking the autonomy of public universities so that they can take better advantage of State investment - and the quality of human resources training.

They said the education system should be able to integrate into the region and the world, using the strong connections between different educational levels.

They said that this would relieve pressure on students to gain entry into university and help contribute to the building of a learning society.

Heated discussion revolved around the organisation of a national high school examination to assess graduation performance.

A teacher helps students during a chemistry lesson at Hung Vuong High School in the northern province of Phu Tho. The National Council of Education and Human Resources Development has called for reforms in all areas of education, from curricula and textbooks to the organisation of high school graduation examinations. - VNA/VNS

Many agreed to keeping the graduation examination, but giving autonomy to universities to organise their own entrance exams for higher education.

However, only a few universities have strategies to hold their own entry exams, while the rest want to keep the national college entry examination as a general basis for admissions.

On high school graduation examination, members said the tests should be made suitable for all students, including those living in remote and disadvantaged areas.

They also said the organisation of such examination must be kept as simple, transparent and convenient as possible for students and their parents.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, who is also the council's vice chairman, said he had noted down all the opinions stated at the working session for further consideration.

He also instructed the Ministry of Education and Training to continue the collection of public opinions and scientists' opinions; make a plan to submit its strategies for education reforms and the changes of curricula and textbooks as well as for the organisation of national examinations to the National Committee for Education and Training Reforms.

(Source: Vietnamnews)