The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) of Vietnam announced on December 24, 2024, significant changes to the high school graduation exam regulations set for 2025, signaling a pivotal shift toward evaluating student competencies rather than merely their knowledge retention. This reform aligns with the educational program introduced back in 2018, which emphasizes developing student skills suitable for the modern workforce.
One of the most notable changes involves restructuring the examination process to consist of three distinct sessions: one for literature, another for mathematics, and the third for a self-selected subject. According to the MoET, this adjustment reduces the overall examination burden by eliminating one session and two subjects compared to prior years. An official stated, "By reducing one examination session and two subjects, we are aiming to ease the pressure and lower social costs of the exam," ensuring quality is not compromised.
Another significant reform is the introduction of a balanced assessment approach by combining scores from continuous learning evaluations (also known as academic records) and exam results at a 50-50 ratio. Previously, assessments relied heavily on final examinations, leading to high-stakes pressure on students. The MoET has advocated for this ratio as it encourages consistent performance throughout high school, promoting lifelong learning and adaptability among students.
Previously, students' final scores considered mainly their last year’s grades, but with the new changes, grades from the entire high school years will be included, weighted accordingly to reflect the students’ progress more accurately. "This change is intended to cultivate effective teaching and learning right from the start of high school," remarked another MoET official.
Language learning remains prominent within the new regulations, albeit with adjustments. While certificates for foreign languages will still be acknowledged for exemption from taking the language exam, they will not be converted to perfect scores. This decision is meant to incentivize language learning without giving excessive advantages to students who may have had access to quality language education. For example, the recalibrated system eliminates instances where students with varying levels of proficiency could both achieve maximum points, allowing for fairer assessment as students work to master their skills.
Besides, the regulatory changes introduce the elimination of bonus points for vocational certificates, as well as for IT and language qualifications for students pursuing lifelong learning programs. "This adjustment aims to promote equality among educational backgrounds and ensures all students graduate under the same standards," the MoET representatives explained.
Notably, foreign students enrolled in the Vietnamese education system who hold valid Vietnamese language proficiency certificates will be exempt from taking the literature examination. This move aims to facilitate their graduation process without compromising their educational integrity, allowing simultaneous progression through language training and cultural assimilation.
Another innovative advancement is the introduction of encrypted electronic transport for examination papers across Vietnam's 63 provinces. This implementation incorporates secure communication technology to streamline the transportation of exams from the council's drafting locations to printing sites. The MoET stated, "This is an important step toward applying technology to key processes of the exam organization," reflecting its commitment to modernizing Vietnam's education system.
The Ministry's reforms are expected not only to alleviate pressure on students but also to prompt teachers and educational administrators to adapt their methods accordingly. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, as educators anticipate these changes will provide more conducive teaching and learning environments.
With these substantial reforms set to rollout, Vietnam's education system gears up for transformation, aimed at fostering holistic student development and preparing them to meet the demands of the 21st century. More than mere changes to regulations, these initiatives symbolize Vietnam's commitment to cultivating skilled, competent, and versatile individuals ready to navigate complex social and professional landscapes.
