Vietnamese students have to take many standardized tests, which has led to the creation of a giant exam preparation industry. However, the industry is killing students’ creativity, experts say.

Eleven percent of university students say they study English only at school, while nearly 90 percent of students take extra English lessons at foreign language centers or via the internet, because lessons at school are not sufficient to pass exams.

VietNamNet Bridge - Many Vietnamese who describe themselves as ‘progressive parents’ have criticized those who send their children to school before aged six.

VietNamNet Bridge - Though the new academic year only began several days ago, students are as busy as bees with overloaded learning schedules. 

Nguyen Minh Thuyet, editor in chief of the curriculum for comprehensive education reform, tells the Kinh te & Do thi newspaper that the reform must ensure harmonisation throughout the curriculum.

The lack of adequately equipped playgrounds and healthy entertainment activities has become a concern in rural areas, especially during the long summer vacation.

Immediately after announcing information about summer classes early in May, the 218 Ly Tu Trong extra education centre in HCM City was packed with hundreds of parents queuing till early in morning to sign their children up.

VietNamNet Bridge – It is accepted by everyone that children need plenty of regular physical exercise, but parents in major cities are not doing enough to ensure this, 

 VietNamNet Bridge – Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha spoke with the Nhan Dan (People) weekly about private tutoring and education reform plans.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vo Van Hoan, chief of staff and spokesperson for the HCM City People’s Committee, said the ban on extra classes would be reviewed.

 VietNamNet Bridge – At a meeting with HCM City People’s Council last week, a principal of a local public primary school burst into tears while talking about a harsh prohibition in which schools are no longer permitted to operate extra classes.

VietNamNet Bridge - While many HCM City schools have stopped giving extra lessons to students in the summer holiday, following the city authorities’ ban, many others still maintain classes, citing many reasons.

VietNamNet Bridge – Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee asked the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Culture and Sports to end extra classes outside the schools except for foreign training centers and studying centers. 

Analysts say they don’t believe the Ministry of Education and Training can prohibit private teaching unless the wage policy is adjusted and teachers’ salaries are high enough to cover their basic needs.

 The academic year is coming to an end. Phoenix flowers shed their bright orange red blooms on the boulevards of Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

School should be fun and encouraging to students, though some find it hard getting through the entire day, particularly while they're locked into a tight, constraining set of clothing called a "school uniform".

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 VietNamNet Bridge – Parents and teachers are continuing the practice of double-shift classes for primary school students in spite of a ban by the Ministry of Education and Training.

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese students rank fifth in the world in spending time at extra classes, according to the Ministry of Education and Training.