School curricula and textbooks need to be geared more towards practical knowledge rather than theory, said experts at a recent meeting held by the National Assembly Committee for Culture, Education, Youth and Children.

Professor Dao Trong Thi, the committee’s chairman, said that the latest nationwide inspections from primary to high school levels have found that learning materials lack in consistency and practical use.

An imbalance between theory and practical skills exist, he said.

Nguyen Thi Tam Dan, former chairwoman of the committee, said the current materials do not help students learn the skills necessary to enter into a developing workforce.

This is a result of many schools focusing on forcing students to learn by rote from their textbooks, rather than teaching them practical skills, she said, adding that teaching methods are turning students into passive people.

According to Professor Tran Dinh Huong, students are being overloaded with large amounts of theory which is generally irrelevant.

Nguyen Xuan Khang, headmaster of the Marie Curie Secondary School, said some errors could be adjusted. However, the twelve-year study programme with a huge amount of theory is a great burden on both teachers and students.

The content of some textbooks is also beyond the understanding of some children, he said.

Nguyen Thi Hien, headmaster of the Doan Thi Diem Primary School, said some lessons are too difficult for teachers to understand, let alone students.

Teachers have to depend on their guide books to understand the lessons and teach their students, she said.

Pham Hong Quang, dean of the Thai Nguyen University of Pedagogy, said life skills are not being examined, so students are only focusing on what are in their textbooks.

They do not think about the skills they need in later life, they're only concerned about what they need to pass their exams, he said.

Experts suggested that a complete overhaul of the curricula is necessary, taking into account experience from other countries.

Education experts should be involved in the process to avoid gaps and loopholes in the curriculum, Khang said.

He noted the school is also recruiting more teachers who can nurture students' creativity and initiatives, but many teachers who hold excellent degrees are unable to get a job due to its strict recruitment policy.

Participants at the meeting agreed that a qualified individual is needed to oversee the process.

Thi said that any changes made should be realistic with an eye on the bigger picture, adding that if not, the same problem will happen again.

The renewal of the education system is the responsibility of not only the Ministry of Education and Training, but also the National Assembly and the Government, he concluded.-VNA