LookAtVietnam – A new teacher rotation project is facing some controversy. Director of the Institute for Educational Studies Prof Dinh Quang Bao spoke to Nong Thon Ngay Nay (Countryside Today) newspaper on the issue.

Living conditions for these teachers needs to be improved so they can concentrate on their work.

It should not be obligatory, but rather based on voluntary participation. I believe that there are still many teachers who are fearless of the hardships associated with moving to more disadvantaged areas.

Has this project caused any problems in educational quality?

Sometimes, yes. An extensive knowledge of local languages, customs and traditions is required for qualified teachers. As a matter of fact, teachers play the most important role in improving the quality of education. Newly rotated teachers would surely need more time to get to know new work areas.

How does the rotation project affect teachers?

If teachers rotate every five years, they, especially those who are moved to remote and mountainous areas from cities, will not be able to keep their minds on their work, as it takes one year for them to become familiar with the new place, and the second and third years to do the tasks and then from the fourth year onwards, they will be wondering where they will go next, as their five years will already soon be up. How can the teachers concentrate on their work under these conditions?

If this project is implemented, who do you think should be moved to these disadvantaged areas?

It would be better to send highly qualified teachers to poorer, rural areas, where they cannot only teach the children but also impart their experience and knowledge to other local educators.

However, in my opinion, local teachers should stay in their hometowns. A proper training strategy is required for these regions so that qualified teachers can be recognised. They will be the ones who help train other teachers. Co-ordinated training between teachers is best through the sharing information and experiences.

What are your proposals for this issue?

The State and Government need to simultaneously realise two things.

First, we would better appeal to teacher volunteers. I reaffirm my strong belief that there are still many volunteers who are willing to work in disadvantaged areas. For these people, the State and Government should have incentive polices such as an increased income and better assistance.

Additionally, living conditions for these teachers needs to be improved so they can concentrate on their work. Besides, it’s essential to work out policies for attracting teachers from advantaged areas as well as internal training in disadvantaged areas.

Secondly, we need to make teachers to participate in the rotation, as the shortage of educators in poor, rural areas is a serious problem. Regarding this issue, the Ministry of Education and Training should immediately conduct a survey on the number of teachers needed and which school subjects are suffering the most, so that there can be appropriate solutions to the issue.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News