Confusion with optional subjects
According to the 2018 General Education Program, 10th graders study 8 compulsory subjects. Students will also be able to choose 4 subjects out of 9 subjects including: Geography; Economic and legal education; Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Technology; Information Technology; Music; Fine Arts.
Currently, many candidates are in a state of lack of information, do not fully understand their abilities and have not determined their future goals. This makes the problem of "choosing which subject, dropping which subject" a pressure from the beginning.
Bui Van Tai - a student taking the 10th grade entrance exam in Ninh Binh - said that he is still confused about the subjects he chooses. The male student observed that his friends chose a combination of dreams, but he still didn't know what he liked and was good at. "I keep worrying about choosing the wrong one, it will be difficult to replace it in the future" - Tai said.
Tran Thanh Tam - a 10th grade entrance exam student in Nghe An - said that this is an important turning point, which can directly affect his future study and career path.
I feel quite worried because choosing a subject is almost always a decision in the three years of high school, university entrance exam and choosing a future job. I plan to choose Physics and Chemistry because these two subjects are my strength and related to the profession I want to pursue" - Thanh Tam said.
Not wanting to choose wrongly leading to wasting time adjusting, the female student proactively discussed with her family, asked for opinions from the elderly and compared them with her own interests and abilities.
I hope the school will organize more specific orientation consultation on occupations suitable for each subject combination, providing full information about university entrance exams and job opportunities in the future. In addition, if I have any questions, I also want to be answered promptly so as not to choose the wrong direction" - Thanh Tam expressed.
Parents and teachers need to stand side by side with students
Giving advice to candidates, Ms. Tran Thi Tho - a teacher at Hoang Van Thu High School (Hanoi) - shared that when choosing elective subjects, students need to rely on three criteria: individual ability, career orientation and university admission combinations that they love.
According to Ms. Tho, choosing the right elective subjects will facilitate students in the process of orienting the university entrance exam. With 4 elective subjects, students will consider choosing 2 subjects to register for the high school graduation exam, thereby determining the admission combination suitable for the desired major and university.
Ms. Tran Thi Hong Ninh - a teacher at Dieu Cai High School (Dong Nai) - advises students to look back on their 4-year study process at secondary school level to self-assess their abilities and strengths.
You should ask yourself which subjects you study well and which fields you are strong in. From there, students should continue to see what major they will choose after graduating from high school, which major will they take to choose the right subject combination" - Ms. Ninh said.
Looking at reality, the female teacher said that many students have the same academic performance between subjects, so they are wondering how to choose to promote their abilities. At that time, they need close support from their families and homeroom teachers.
Ms. Ninh recommends that parents spend more time talking with their children, observe their abilities and interests with them to make appropriate choices. At the same time, schools and teachers also need to promote career counseling activities, not only in the final year of junior high school but should start earlier so that students have enough time to learn and orient for the future.
