Educating patriotism through maps.
In the teaching equipment rooms of schools, there are many types of maps to support teaching. For high school students, each student must equip themselves with a Geography Atlas to support their studies. By looking at a world map, students learn about their own country; by looking at a map of Vietnam and a Geography Atlas, students learn and understand many things about their homeland, along with preparing for graduation exams and university/college entrance exams.
(Baonghean)In the teaching equipment rooms of schools, there are many types of maps to support teaching. For high school students, each student must equip themselves with a Geography Atlas to support their studies. By looking at a world map, students learn about their own country; by looking at a map of Vietnam and a Geography Atlas, students learn and understand many things about their homeland, along with preparing for graduation exams and university/college entrance exams.
When asked about her teaching materials, a fellow geography teacher mentioned that she keeps a globe, a world map, and a map of Vietnam at home. She emphasized that she uses them not only for herself but also to educate her daughter about Vietnam and foster national pride. She always replaces the old maps with new ones. Her daughter also loves and enjoys learning about the globe and maps. It's not just geography teachers who are conscious of acquiring these materials; many other teachers also purchase maps of Vietnam and the world to display in their children's study areas. This contributes to fostering national pride and understanding of Vietnam. Many are delighted to see that many students know the national flags, capitals, area, and population of various countries, and have a good understanding of their own homeland. This is thanks to the habit of studying maps.
Many geography and national defense/security education teachers assign students the task of sketching a map of Vietnam, but many students don't know how to draw it, even when the teacher demonstrates on the board. Some students still struggle to sketch their homeland. Upon investigation, it was discovered that these students either lacked maps or had atlases but hadn't studied them. Their study corners display numerous images of famous bands, singers, actors, and idols from elementary school to the present day, images that have been replaced over time and according to changing tastes. These same students, when told about maritime disputes between countries, including Vietnam, pay close attention. Sadly, while many students already have weak knowledge of Vietnam's mainland, their understanding of the South China Sea is even weaker.
According to the textbook and teaching equipment company on Le Hong Phong Street, a world map at a scale of 1:33,500,000 costs 28,000 VND, a map of Vietnam at a scale of 1:2,200,000 costs 32,000 VND, and a geographical globe costs 240,000 VND. It is suggested that every family should equip their children's study area with maps of Vietnam and the world, choosing a map with an appropriate scale depending on the space available, along with educating children to develop the habit of studying and paying attention to maps. While maps at school are only used during certain class hours, maps at home are more convenient and useful for children. Purchasing maps may seem like a small thing, but it has great significance in educating students about patriotism, national pride, and self-respect.
Nguyen Luong Ngoc (Nguyen Truong To High School - Vinh City)
