Regulations are needed regarding extra classes and tutoring in preschools.

(Baonghean.vn) Editorial Note:Starting January 3, 2012, Nghe An Newspaper launched a special column titled "Teaching and Learning." Articles are presented in the form of reflections or discussions on educational and training activities in schools, including topics such as (school management, teacher development, school infrastructure development, professional activities, policies and regulations for education and teachers, innovative experiences, etc.). The column has a length of approximately 500-800 words. Nghe An Newspaper hopes to receive many articles for the "Teaching and Learning" column from officials and teachers in the education sector and those interested in the cause of education and training.

In recent years, many preschools in cities, towns, and urban areas have organized numerous extra classes and tutoring sessions. Some schools offer extra English classes for kindergarten children, some offer extra Art classes, and some offer extra classes in other arts; some even offer extra classes in English, Art, and Art. Many parents with 4 or 5-year-old children attending preschools in Vinh City have to pay up to 283,000 VND per month for extra classes, including 183,000 VND for English classes, 50,000 VND for art classes, and 50,000 VND for dance classes.

The current practice of supplementary teaching and learning in preschools reveals many shortcomings. First and foremost is the curriculum. When asked which curriculum their schools use to teach English to the children, and which agency issued it, all three principals of three preschools in Vinh replied that they did not know which curriculum the teachers were using.

Next, there are the teaching materials, the quality of the teachers, and the learning objectives for the children after a course. The school lacks, doesn't know, and doesn't manage any of these things. Another issue is that the children's extra classes are held during regular school hours, obviously cutting out the main curriculum. The reasoning of preschools is that afternoons are primarily for play, so these hours can be used for extra English lessons and art classes. How can that be? In preschool, playtime and playtime are essentially learning sessions and learning content.

Another issue worth mentioning is the tuition fee for extra classes in preschool education. While the People's Committee of Nghe An province stipulates that primary school students attending the second class of the day pay 3,000 VND/session/student; secondary school students attending organized extra classes pay 6,000 VND/session/student; and high school students attending organized extra classes pay 7,000 VND/session/student, the amount charged for preschool children is determined by the school itself.

Upon closer examination, it has become clear that many preschools organize more extra classes than primary and secondary schools. This is a paradox and has caused considerable frustration among parents and the public. It is imperative that the issue of extra classes in preschools be carefully, scientifically, and urgently considered by educational authorities. Perhaps the Department of Education and Training should advise the Provincial People's Committee to issue regulations governing extra classes in preschool education, similar to those implemented in primary and secondary education.

Trung Hoai