Conceptualizing reform and professional learning in the contemporary Vietnamese context

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this article, we review the current educational context of Vietnam. We provide readers with general information about the rapid growth of GDP and investment in education in Vietnam. Although Vietnam has achieved some achievements in education, there are still many shortcomings. Therefore, Vietnamese government is making great efforts to reform general education according to a competency-based and student-centred approach. Accordingly, a national program on capacity building for teachers and education administrators have been approved and implemented. In order to successfully implement the Vietnamese educational development strategy, professional learning for teachers faces two main problems: (i) Teacher training curicula at universities need must adjusted towards the competency-based approach; (ii) Teachers need professional learning through different forms: taking courses; professional learning by themselves, actively share knowledge with colleagues; with core teachers to get the best support to adapt to educational innovation requirements.