What Is School Culture in Vietnam?

TL;DR

Vietnamese schools typically have large class sizes, with up to 50 students per class. Classes start early in the morning, and students often have a full day of lessons. Extra classes are common due to the challenging curriculum, and parents frequently give gifts to teachers during public holidays as a sign of appreciation.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• Vietnamese school classes can have up to 50 students, making them quite large.
• Students start school early, often around 7 AM, and have multiple subjects throughout the day.
• Extra classes are common in Vietnam to help students cope with the demanding curriculum.
• Parents often give gifts to teachers on public holidays to show appreciation for their work.
• Elementary students have two days off per week, while secondary and high school students have only one.
• There is a distinction between attending schools in one's district and those outside, with the latter being more expensive.
• Vietnamese schools are generally coeducational, with both male and female students attending.
• The proverb 'Tien hoc le, hau hoc van' emphasizes the importance of manners before acquiring knowledge.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many students are typically in a Vietnamese school class?

Vietnamese school classes can have a large number of students, typically ranging from 40 to 50 in high school and even more in university classes. This large class size is a common feature of the Vietnamese education system and can impact the way students engage and learn in the classroom.

Q: When do Vietnamese school classes typically start?

Vietnamese school classes typically start early in the morning, around 7 AM or 7:15 AM. This early start is necessary due to the number of subjects students have to cover each day, with each class lasting approximately 45 minutes. Students need to wake up early and have breakfast before heading to school.

Q: Why are extra classes common in Vietnam?

Extra classes are common in Vietnam because the curriculum is often challenging and demanding. These additional classes help students better understand the material taught in regular classes and provide parents with confidence that their children are keeping up with their studies. It also reduces the need for parents to assist with homework.

Q: What is the significance of giving gifts to teachers in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, it is customary for parents to give gifts to teachers during public holidays as a way to show appreciation for their dedication and care for the students. This practice is part of the cultural tradition of respecting and valuing teachers, who play an important role in the education and development of children.

Q: How many days off do Vietnamese students typically have?

Elementary students in Vietnam typically have two days off per week, while secondary and high school students usually have only one day off. This difference reflects the increasing academic demands placed on older students as they progress through the education system.

Q: What is the difference between attending schools in one's district and outside in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, attending a school within one's district, known as 'trường trong tuyến,' is generally less expensive and more accessible. In contrast, attending a school outside one's district, referred to as 'trường trái tuyến,' often involves higher fees. This distinction can influence parents' decisions on where to send their children for education.

Q: Are Vietnamese schools coeducational?

Most schools in Vietnam are coeducational, meaning they are attended by both male and female students. While there may be some single-gender schools, the majority of educational institutions accommodate students of both genders, reflecting a more inclusive approach to education.

Q: What is the meaning of the Vietnamese proverb 'Tien hoc le, hau hoc van'?

The Vietnamese proverb 'Tien hoc le, hau hoc van' translates to 'First learn manners, then learn knowledge.' This saying emphasizes the importance of developing good manners and attitudes before focusing on academic learning. It is a traditional value that underscores the holistic approach to education in Vietnam, where character development is considered as important as academic achievement.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Vietnamese schools typically have large class sizes, with up to 50 students per class. This can make it challenging for students to focus, so group activities and exercises are commonly used to engage students and ensure participation.

• Classes in Vietnam start early, around 7 AM, and students often have a full schedule with multiple subjects each day. This early start is necessary due to the number of subjects and the 45-minute duration of each class.

• Extra classes are prevalent in Vietnam due to the challenging curriculum. These classes help students better understand the material and relieve parents from having to assist with homework. Parents also give gifts to teachers during public holidays as a sign of appreciation.