Difficulty in choosing reference books

(Baonghean) - At this time, parents are preparing for their children books, notebooks and essential learning materials. In addition to textbooks and learning tools, reference books are also of interest to many parents and students. However, among the countless reference books from many different publishers and authors, choosing books that are truly of good quality and serve their studies well is not simple...

Confused about choosing reference books.

At a bookstore on Le Hong Phong Street, Vinh City, at this time, many parents and students choose to buy books. In addition to textbooks, most customers are looking to buy more reference books. However, among the "forest" of reference books from many publishers, parents and students are really confused. Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh, in Nghi Phu Commune, Vinh City, this year in grade 9, wants to buy reference books to supplement and expand knowledge for some subjects. However, just looking in the Math reference book section, she was "dizzy" with many different titles: "23 topics to solve 1001 elementary math problems for grade 9" by the Education Publishing House; "Detailed classification and solutions of math exercises for grade 9" (Hanoi National University Publishing House); "Lectures and detailed explanations for grade 9 math" (Hanoi Pedagogical University Publishing House)... After much hesitation, Oanh had to choose a book based on her feelings.

With the desire for her child to have more conditions to expand knowledge beyond textbooks, Ms. Dinh Thi Huyen (Quan Bau - Vinh City) chose to buy reference books for her child in grade 3. However, after spending nearly half a day walking around bookstores in the city, she still could not choose a suitable book for her child. She hesitated: "Reference books now not only have many types from many publishers, but each publisher has many books, many different authors, so it really makes it difficult for parents. For grade 3 Vietnamese alone, there are dozens of reference books, from "Reviewing Vietnamese 3 (according to knowledge and skills standards) "35 Vietnamese review questions" "Advanced Vietnamese 3"... I had to randomly choose a book for my child, because I did not know any other way".

Walking around the large and small bookstores in Vinh City, it is easy to see that the number of reference books is many times more than textbooks. The number of reference books increases gradually with the level of education, from preschool there are dozens of books, to primary, secondary and high school levels there are hundreds of books. On the surface, we see that reference books today are very diverse and rich in types and designs, but the problem here is that the quality and content are not really guaranteed. Ms. Le Thi Phuong, a teacher at Kim Lien Secondary School (Nam Dan) said: “When buying reference books for professional purposes, I see that there are many types of reference books with similar content compiled by the same author or group of authors, published by many publishers. Not to mention, there are some books with inaccurate content, so when looking for reference materials to serve our lectures, we have to consider our choices. Based on my own experience, I should look to buy books from reputable publishers, famous authors and especially always spend time reading the content carefully to find books with content close to the curriculum and good solutions.”

Even now, at the preschool level from 3 years old and up, there are many types of reference books. Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Mai, Principal of Sao Mai Kindergarten (Quan Bau Ward - Vinh City) said: "The types of books that the school provides for teaching and learning for children are based on the instructions of the City Department of Education and Training; therefore, we are somewhat assured of the content as well as the quality of the reference materials for the formation and comprehensive development of children".

In addition to textbooks equipped in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, choosing additional reference books is necessary to help students supplement their knowledge. However, in reality, the reference book market is currently chaotic, making it difficult for both teachers and students to choose. Therefore, parents need to consult teachers. At the same time, with the experience gained in the teaching process, professional teachers should also guide parents and students to choose appropriate reference books that are close to the program.

Article and photos:Dinh Nguyet