Extra teaching and learning is an issue that many people are concerned about. Meanwhile, the draft Law on Teachers does not mention this. Lao Dong Newspaper had a conversation with Dr. Hoang Ngoc Vinh - former Director of the Ministry of Education and Training about the current issue of extra teaching.
What do you think about the Regulations on professional activities of teachers in the Draft Law on Teachers?
- The Draft Law on Teachers has emphasized the important differences in the professional activities of teachers, especially the requirements for creativity and professionalism. However, the application of current legal regulations on civil servants and labor is not really suitable for the characteristics of the teaching profession.
The draft has clearly stated the role of teachers in developing the qualities and abilities of learners. However, the division of professional activities according to each level of education still lacks detail. In particular, the role of university lecturers and vocational education in scientific research and innovation of teaching methods has not been fully mentioned. The connection between lecturers and businesses has not been clarified, which may limit practical opportunities for students and reduce the effectiveness in improving the quality of teaching.
According to you, are regular training and career counseling part of the professional activities of teachers?
- The specificity of professional activities at each level of education has not been clearly shown in the draft but is still very general.
In addition, continuous learning is very important in the modern educational environment. Teachers need to regularly update their knowledge, especially in educational technology, to ensure that they keep up with changes in the curriculum. However, the draft does not clearly stipulate lifelong professional development, which may limit the ability of teachers to improve their expertise.
The role of teachers in career counseling, especially at the high school level, has not been emphasized enough. Teachers not only teach knowledge but also need to guide students in choosing a career that suits their abilities and interests, helping them to have a clear direction for the future.
Should extra teaching be considered a professional activity of teachers when the Draft Law on Teachers does not mention it?
- Currently, extra teaching is not clearly regulated in the Draft Law on Teachers, and this is a controversial point. Personally, I think this issue should be considered.
On the one hand, tutoring should not be considered an official professional activity of general teachers because it can lead to many consequences. That not only has a negative impact on students, but also undermines the trust of society in the teaching staff. When tutoring becomes an official activity without strict control, it can create inequality between students who can afford to pay for tutoring and those who cannot.
On the other hand, if tutoring is properly managed and implemented, it can assist students in consolidating their knowledge. Especially for students who need more time and individual guidance to understand the lesson, tutoring is necessary.
By the way, could you tell us about your experience in managing tutoring activities around the world?
- Many countries such as South Korea and Singapore have very successful after-school learning support models where teachers can legally and systematically tutor, but are not allowed to teach their own students to avoid conflicts of interest.
Therefore, if Vietnam decides to include tutoring in the professional activities of teachers, there must be strict and transparent regulations on the conditions for implementation and ensure that tutoring does not affect the quality of formal teaching. This will help tutoring become a useful activity, beneficial to students without causing injustice.
If you want to contribute to perfecting the Draft Law on Teachers regarding regulations on teachers' professional activities, what recommendations do you have?
- To complete the Draft Law on Teachers, I propose that the content of Article 10 should be restructured. The regulations should be divided into three main parts: General regulations on the duties of teachers, specific regulations for each level of education, and regulations on extra teaching in general education. A clear division will help clarify the roles and responsibilities of teachers at each level, while supporting the process of recruiting and managing the teaching staff more effectively.
In addition, defining specific professional activities at each level of education will not only ensure the quality of education but also protect the rights of teachers. At the same time, reorganizing regulations also helps to clarify responsibilities and powers, supporting the educational management process more effectively.
Thank you very much!
