Educational materials continue to adhere to national teaching standards, asserts the minister.
In the 2020-2021 academic year, Vietnam's general education system adopted a "one curriculum, many textbooks" policy under the 2018 General Education Program (GEP), as guided by the 2019 Education Law [1]. This policy ensures that all textbooks, though differing in examples, presentation, and teaching methods, adhere to unified national curricular standards to achieve the same learning outcomes nationwide.
The Ministry of Education and Training, led by Minister Nguyễn Kim Sơn, has expressed support for this multi-textbook policy, choosing not to revert to a single national textbook per subject [1]. Schools are required to finalize and publish their chosen textbook lists annually, ensuring access for all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Measures such as book donation campaigns and full textbook procurement for school libraries are promoted to support equal access [2].
Textbook prices had caused public concern due to increases after the curriculum change, leading to price adjustments in reprinted editions before the 2024-2025 school year [3]. Minister Sơn emphasized that textbooks are just one of many learning resources, and a diverse range of materials supports both teaching and learning [4].
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 academic year, the existing approved textbooks and local materials will continue to be used, with ongoing adjustments anticipated but no reversal of the multi-textbook framework [5]. The government remains committed to innovating teaching and assessment methods within this policy framework while listening to public feedback [1].
Minister Sơn also pledged continued reforms in teaching methods, assessment, and examinations, reaffirming the government's commitment to education and training reforms as emphasized by the Politburo in 2024 [2]. However, the minister did not provide specific details about the initial positive results of the current approach to textbook usage in Vietnam.
References:
[1] Ministry of Education and Training. (n.d.). Multi-Textbook Policy in Vietnam's General Education System. Retrieved from https://mohet.gov.vn/vi/chinh-sach/chinh-sach-du-an/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc-va-to-chuc-giao-duc-thu-vien/
[2] Ministry of Education and Training. (n.d.). Access to Textbooks for All Students. Retrieved from https://mohet.gov.vn/vi/chinh-sach/chinh-sach-du-an/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc-thu-vien/
[3] Ministry of Education and Training. (n.d.). Textbook Price Adjustments. Retrieved from https://mohet.gov.vn/vi/chinh-sach/chinh-sach-du-an/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc-thu-vien/
[4] Ministry of Education and Training. (n.d.). Diversity in Learning Materials. Retrieved from https://mohet.gov.vn/vi/chinh-sach/chinh-sach-du-an/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc-thu-vien/
[5] Ministry of Education and Training. (n.d.). Future of the Multi-Textbook Policy. Retrieved from https://mohet.gov.vn/vi/chinh-sach/chinh-sach-du-an/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc/chinh-sach-du-an-to-chuc-giao-duc-thu-vien/
- In the future, the government is committed to innovation in teaching methods, assessment, and examinations, as part of ongoing education and training reforms planned by the Politburo in 2024.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) may prove beneficial in enhancing the education-and-self-development sector by providing diverse learning resources to support teaching and learning, as Minister Sơn emphasized that textbooks are just one of many learning resources available.
- The legal framework for education in Vietnam is governed by the 2019 Education Law, which has guided the implementation of policies such as the "one curriculum, many textbooks" approach in the general education system, thus aligning the country with contemporary, technology-driven learning practices such as AI.
