School curriculums, the
relationship between students and teachers, and violence at schools were among
the issues students raised at a meeting with education officials in HCM City
yesterday, March 23.

The third annual meeting between the
Department of Education and Training and student representatives attracted more
than 100 high-school students.

Many of them complained that they had to
learn by rote.

Quang Van Cu Bi, a student of Hiep Binh
High School in Thu Duc District, put it succinctly, saying he and his classmates
studied from morning to night every day, including extra classes at teachers’
houses. They studied several subjects in a year but did not remember anything
once the year was finished.

Nguyen Thi Mai, a student of Phu Nhuan High
School in Phu Nhuan District, said having to slog at school meant children did
not have time for entertainment and other activities that could help build
skills for their future.

Students hardly did any practical work at
school or had outdoor activities or field trips which helped in understanding
lessons, she said.

She suggested that schools should adopt the
college system, allowing students to choose subjects they want to study.

Nguyen Thi Thao Ly of Tam Phu High School
in Thu Duc District said the relationship between students in her school was not
good, which often led to violence.

She called for having such forums or
meetings between students, teachers, and parents to help them understand each
other and improve bonds between teachers and students.

Dinh Phien Khuc of Dang Khoa Private High
School, Phu Nhuan District, said most of the violence occured in schools because
there was no focus on teaching students ethics.

Parents should also work with schools to
educate their children, he said.

Le Hong Son, the Department deputy head,
said the meeting gave authorities a chance to listen to and understand problems
faced by students.

Huynh Cong Minh, Son’s superior, promised
to apprise his superiors about the issues raised at the meeting.

VietNamNet/Viet
Nam News