A more practical Education System in

Vietnam
Our country has never lost the pride of being one of the fourth smartest
ethnic group in the world. We stand in the 12th rank due to research, having a
large number of doctors, scientists Nevertheless, rarely can we see a
Vietnamese invention showed in real life, ranging from Science to economics.
Nearly in every international academic competition (mathematics, chemistry,
physics), our students score so well in the test but nearly always fail in
experiments. The questions raised: are we lacking practicality? In my point of
view: YES, we do. Our education system has been poorly upgraded, too
intensive academic knowledge required in school. In additional, it is the Asian
perception that make we follow unconsciously. The consequence can be
hardly seen, can be so minimal, so far to expect at the moment, however if
we do not carefully prepare for the global integration, we will certainly fall
behind.

Not surprisingly, almost all Asian countries apply the academically intensive
curriculum in schools. We focus too much on theories on paper Nearly all
homework for student is from the textbook, no research, no self-discover. For
example, physics, chemistry and biology are those which require
experiments or observation. However, many schools in Vietnam dont even
have a proper lab/botanical garden. This prevent both students and teachers
from doing research and invent new teaching method. In addition, our
society still appreciates this kind of education, not realistic aspect vocational
training. This is due to expectation for a better life. Asian people believe that
only higher education can bring you wealthy life. That is why vocational
training is disdained.

Saying government does not focus on thorough, complete education is not

exact, the word biased is more precise. The testing system is too theoretical.
Students are unconsciously follow rote learning. Vocational training is not
acknowledged since our society looks down on that, therefore government
cannot set it as a priority. Even laboratories for scientist have not been a
focal point. The promised 3% in government budget werent abided strictly.
More seriously, corruption happen in some province when authorities steal
government budget for personal purposes. This lead to a prominent
consequences: brain-drain. According to statistics provided by Vietnamese
Ministry of Education and Training, there are more and more students study
abroad each year. This is a good thing since if they come back to our country
and contribute to our nation, our society. Nevertheless, it is just a belief.
Vietnamese students are now tending to stay to look for opportunities.
Developed countries have advanced technology that enable them to conduct
their research, to fulfill their academic goal. Besides, whoever returns to
Vietnam faces this two thing: lower job opportunities in Government agency,
especially in Science and poor facilities serves research.

We should make it clear that we are on the verge of losing ground. Unless we
do something to improve the situation, the will be many negative impacts.
Education Reform is a must. We are now carrying out a Reform but not
thoroughly, just some improvement in national university entrance exam.
How can students adapt to new testing procedure when they are not well-
prepared while they are at school? And how can they show their strong sides
when they have to carry boring curriculum where appreciate score more than
real life results? We need to change this embryonic system, theory, academic
knowledge must go along with practice. Moreover, Government should invest
more money/resource to education. Educational Infrastructure has been
poorly improved. Also, we do need to create more opportunities for talented
people, make them fell acknowledged. The backward recruiting system is a
big setback for talents. Invest more on projects/research, make it relevant to
real life can also be a key to develop our country.

Our country are now facing many problem in improving education. A too
theoretical/academic system loses its efficiency. This is due to our societys
concept that appreciates academic system more and look down on practical
vocational training. Also, it is the fault of government when they focus
biasedly, lack of sense to invest more on talents. This create a negative
impact on our society when we are facing brain-drain. We are now many
steps behind compared to other countries, which even include some of our
neighbors. Although government are now implement some change in testing
system, it is not enough. We should reform a better education where theory
must go along with practice. The situation is real, we have to accept and
face it bravely.

REFERENCES:
1. Business Insider. The 10 smartest countries based on math and
science [Online]. Available at:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-10-smartest-countries-based-on-
math-and-science-2015-5
2. Tuoi Tre News. Why do Vietnamese students refuse to return home
after studying abroad? [Online]. Available at:
http://tuoitrenews.vn/education/31445/why-do-vietnamese-students-
refuse-to-return-home-after-studying-abroad
3. IECF Monitor. Number of Vietnamese students abroad up 15% in 2013
[Online]. Available at:
http://monitor.icef.com/2014/11/number-vietnamese-students-abroad-
15-2013/
4. Tuoi Tre News. Educators express skepticism over Vietnams 12th
position in global education rankings [Online]. Available at:
http://tuoitrenews.vn/education/28138/educators-express-skepticism-
over-vietnams-12th-position-in-global-education-rankings
5. Vietnamnet. Vietnams growth rate could fall behind Laos, Cambodia:
experts [Online] Available at:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/114333/vietnam-s-growth-
rate-could-fall-behind-laos--cambodia--experts.html