Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has directed the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) to review and assess public concerns regarding private tutoring regulations under Circular 29/2024/TT-BGDĐT to provide timely and appropriate solutions.
The directive was issued following media reports highlighting mixed reactions to the new regulation on private tutoring and extra classes.
Concerns over the root causes of private tutoring
Circular 29/2024/TT-BGDĐT, issued on December 30, 2024, addresses private tutoring and supplementary classes. While some have expressed support for its measures, others remain concerned about underlying issues that drive the demand for such classes.
Critics argue that the heavy academic workload in the national curriculum and the widespread societal emphasis on academic achievements are key factors contributing to the prevalence of private tutoring.
With the introduction of a new general education curriculum, updated textbooks, revised high school graduation exams, and a more competitive university admission process, the pressure on students has only intensified.
In the long term, proponents of education reform believe that reducing the focus on exams and assessments and shifting toward student-centered learning will bring private tutoring back to its original purpose.
This purpose, they argue, should involve students seeking additional help to address specific knowledge gaps or enhance their skills, rather than viewing tutoring as a necessity for passing exams.
However, as long as the curriculum remains focused on correct answers and exam preparation, private tutoring is likely to persist in its current, sometimes problematic, form.
Government response
On January 22, the Government Office issued Official Letter No. 597/VPCP-KGVX to MOET, instructing the ministry to review and address concerns raised in media reports about the general education curriculum, including issues related to private tutoring regulations.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has asked MOET to assess the situation within its jurisdiction and provide solutions in line with existing laws and regulations.
For matters beyond its authority, the ministry has been directed to report to higher authorities for resolution.
Thanh Hung