99 Teacher training courses provide new learning

Nguyen Vu

In theory, children have a right to access a quality learning environment. In practice, the quality of teaching and learning at preschools in Vietnamese communities supported by Plan has been uneven and preschool attendance is low.

Many preschool teachers are untrained or underqualified. There is little innovation and creativity and there’s little understanding of child development stages and the importance to small children of learning through playing. Poor understanding on the Rights of the Child and Gender Equity, as well as a lack of toys and teaching aids, add to current problems. 

To address these issues, Plan Vietnam worked with the local Departments of Education and Training to run a range of training courses, including training for pre-school teachers in special subjects areas like music, art and drawing plus training for primary school teachers on active teaching/learning methodologies.

“99 teacher training courses were held for both pre-school and primary school teachers throughout Plan’s Vietnam supported areas in 2004”. In Quang Tri province successful training courses were organised for pre-school teachers and parents on ways to use puppets to tell stories to help pre-school children develop their language. Plan’s courses on making toys using local materials were held in Quang Tri, Nam Ha and Bac Giang. The teachers who participated are now training other teachers and parents in their communes.

“The professional training project is closely aligned with the Government’s education renovation program. Our new knowledge and skills are very practical and will bring great benefits to our students,” said Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh, a pre-school teacher from

Hung Cong, Binh Luc district who participated in the Pre-school Teacher’s training.