Around the title of self-management in the VNEN school model

(Baonghean) - In the new school model (VNEN), positions in the classroom organization structure such as the titles "chairman" and "vice chairman" receive the most controversial opinions from inside and outside the education sector.

Those who agree say that the new school model that has been applied at primary schools for a long time has helped train students in self-management, self-study, teamwork, and the courage to express their opinions.

Bringing elements of a self-governing council into the classroom is aimed at forming a sense of autonomy for students from an early age. The title of “chairman” will help students more clearly identify their responsibility to the collective, thereby enthusiastically participating in school and class activities to demonstrate their outstanding abilities.

In addition, if the rotation of the title of "president" in the class is done well, it will create conditions for each student to have skills in organization, supervision, and teamwork, increase confidence in studying and living, and create a "foundation" for students to develop comprehensively at higher levels of education.

This is extremely necessary because communication and teamwork skills have long been one of the inherent weaknesses of our country's students.

Besides the consensus, there are also many concerns and even oppositions, saying that the titles of “president” and “vice president” are quite unfamiliar and not as friendly as the titles of class president and vice president. When the title of “president” is elected through campaigning, it will cause more stress for students and instill in children a desire for fame, leading to unnecessary negative consequences in the school environment such as “running for positions”, “running for power”, “jealousy”, “arbitrariness”…

Group study time using new teaching methods in grade 2a, Long Thanh Primary School, Yen Thanh. Photo: H.Thu

Let us not mention the reasonableness or unreasonableness of the title “chairman” in the elementary school charter. From the conflicting opinions on this issue, it has been shown that in recent times, many adults are forcing children to live and think in their own way.

I think calling the class monitor title for elementary school students as “class monitor” or “class self-management council chairman” is not a big deal. Because for students at this age, the title is not as important as creating a friendly, open, flexible learning and living environment for students, helping them confidently practice the necessary basic skills.

As for the idea that calling "chairman" means "official", it seems that we adults have been imposing and instilling that idea into the immature thinking of children.

It is known that any draft proposed for change will likely encounter debates and opposing opinions. However, it is advisable that the contributions should be directed towards the common good, and the primary school students should not be distorted by subjective impositions of thoughts that distort the positive aspects and benefits of the change.

Tuan Minh

Readers can send their comments to the 3rd Session of the 17th Provincial People's Council.

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