More humane in disciplining students
The Ministry of Education and Training issued Circular No. 19/2025/TT-BGDDT regulating rewards and discipline for students, effective from October 31.
According to the new Circular, disciplinary measures for primary school students include 2 forms: Reminder; Request for apology. Disciplinary measures for students other than primary school students are: Reminder; Criticization; Request to write self-review.
Thus, all forms of discipline that have been stipulated in Circular No. 08/TT issued since 1988 have been officially abolished. Circular 08 stipulates 5 forms of discipline including: Reprimand in front of class; Reprimand in front of the school's disciplinary council; Warning in front of the whole school; One-week session; One-year session.
Feeling that the new regulation is very humane, Tuan Anh - a 10th grade student in Thanh Tri commune (Hanoi) - said that the new regulation is more suitable for students.
"Instead of pushing violators out of class, teachers will create opportunities for you to review your behavior and take responsibility for your mistakes. I think this is a gentle but effective way of education, helping students realize their mistakes without being too hurt" - Tuan Anh said.
However, the male student also wondered if he only wrote a review, some students could do it without really thinking about their mistakes. Tuan Anh hopes the school will combine other educational activities, such as public service, and participation in extracurricular activities. At that time, discipline is both serious and creates opportunities for students to practice skills and mature.
"I believe that when teachers discipline, encourage, listen and orient, students will be more aware of correcting mistakes and trying to change. That is the ultimate goal of education" - Tuan Anh said.
Teachers are patient, accompanying students
Sharing about this issue, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Huyen - a teacher at Nghi Kim Primary School (Nghe An) said that the form of school suspension is not really suitable for students. They are easily attracted to feelings of distance, low self-esteem, and can even drop out of school and form negative psychology. More importantly, the educational goal is to train and shape personality, so disciplinary measures also need to be educational and encouraging instead of excluding.
For primary school students, reminders and apology requirements help them realize their mistakes and practice thinking about their actions. However, it is necessary to combine other forms of education such as: direct communication with students, close coordination with parents, assigning remedial tasks such as: daycare, participating in collective activities... Thus, students feel both responsible and practice skills and a positive attitude.
Ms. Huyen also emphasized that the important thing is that teachers need to be patient in accompanying, listening and creating trust for students. When they are respected and given the opportunity to correct their mistakes, they will easily open their hearts and voluntarily adjust their behavior. A timely word of encouragement is sometimes more powerful than a strict form of discipline, Ms. Huyen shared.
