In response to the requirements of Conclusion 91 of the Politburo “On fundamental and comprehensive innovation of education and training, meeting the requirements of industrialization and modernization in the conditions of a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration”, making English the second language in schools is not only a distant goal but has become an urgent task.
However, the roadmap and methods to carry out this task are posing many challenges to all educators.
Current situation and challenges
At the seminar "How to make English the second language in schools?" organized by the People's Representative Newspaper, Dr. Dam Quang Minh, Deputy General Director of EQuest Group, shared remarkable information about the current situation and solutions to promote the popularization of English in schools.
Mr. Minh said that Vietnam's English proficiency has made significant progress in recent times. An IELTS score of 5.5 - 6.5, previously considered very good, has now become common.
Even the number of students achieving IELTS 9.0 is increasing. However, Mr. Minh also commented that the English proficiency of students, society and teachers in Vietnam has increased significantly but is still modest compared to the world.
“The world has an index to assess the level of English proficiency in society. In 2015, Vietnam ranked 29/70; in 2020 it dropped to 65/100 countries. The latest is 2024, Vietnam reached 58/113 countries. Somewhere in the middle of the rankings. It can be seen that although English proficiency in Vietnam has increased significantly, other countries are still increasing.”
“This is a race, all countries must accelerate their development speed. Vietnam cannot be satisfied with its development speed, despite many efforts” - Dr. Dam Quang Minh emphasized.
Dr. Dam Quang Minh also pointed out that Vietnamese parents are very willing to invest in education, especially English, which is one of the strengths of English education in our country. Therefore, Vietnam's education work and education index are much higher than other countries at the same economic level due to the great contribution of today's parents.
Also at the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Ha Le Kim Anh, Vice Principal of the University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, emphasized the positive changes in English teaching in the past 10 years, especially the emergence of many legal frameworks, systematic training programs and teacher training activities.
However, in addition to the achievements, English teaching in Vietnam still faces many difficulties. Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Hoa, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, pointed out the limitations in the quality of English teaching and learning in many localities and educational institutions. She also emphasized the problem of lack of teachers and facilities, especially in remote areas.
Dr. Le Duc Thuan, Head of the Education and Training Division of Ba Dinh District, said that the current situation of the difference in teacher and student qualifications between schools and the pressure of exams are also big challenges. “As for English, many people question: What is the purpose of learning it, because we never use it? That is the story of creating an environment! I would like to share this to show that the entire political system needs to do it right away, it cannot be leveled but it must be classified and graded specifically; it must be both macro and detailed for each step” - Mr. Thuan raised the issue.
Need a synchronous solution for public and non-public schools
According to Dr. Dam Quang Minh, one of the advantages of teaching English in Vietnam is that learning this subject well will bring direct benefits to students and people.
“According to EQuest statistics, students in the system with English skills often have a starting salary increase of 25-50%.
The results reflected in our private school system are quite clear, the output of all schools with grade 12 falls around 9.6 - 9.8/10. This result reflects that when investing in English, the results of learners will improve" - Mr. Minh added.
To promote the introduction of English as a second language in schools in the spirit of Conclusion 91 of the Politburo, Dr. Dam Quang Minh proposed some practical solutions to the current situation in Vietnam.
Firstly, it is necessary to complete the legal corridor with clearer and more specific regulations on the implementation of English training programs, especially bilingual programs.
Second, there needs to be systematic and synchronous investment in teacher training, improving the quality of programs, teaching materials and facilities.
Third, it is necessary to apply technology and encourage the use of technology platforms in teaching and learning English, especially in remote areas. Finally, it is necessary to strengthen public-private cooperation and promote the sharing of experiences and effective English training models between public and private schools.
Dr. Dam Quang Minh also emphasized the important role of private educational institutions in pioneering the testing of advanced teaching methods, applying modern technology, and supporting students in disadvantaged areas...
He also gave a practical example when implementing the iLINK Program (a program to teach and learn English through Math and Science by iSMART Education - a member of EQuest Group) in Mu Cang Chai. With a technology platform and digital lecture system, EQuest has expanded access to high-quality education for students in remote areas, where there is a lack of facilities and foreign language teachers.
Through the form of online learning combined with direct learning, iLINK has connected iSMART teachers with schools, especially schools in remote areas, helping students access English through advanced teaching methods, contributing to the equalization and socialization of education.
"When we improve English in all areas, the entire system will benefit from that foundation," affirmed Dr. Dam Quang Minh.
Despite many challenges, the task of transforming and making efforts to make English a second language in schools is completely feasible if there is high synchronization and determination, with a clear strategy and the joint efforts of the whole society, especially the participation of private educational organizations with pioneering and creative ways of combining technology and experience, training methods from advanced educational systems in the world.
As stated by former Deputy Minister of Education and Training, Professor Tran Van Nhung: "With the participation of the entire political and social system, learning, teaching and using English in our country will be strongly and resolutely implemented and will also have spectacular progress."
