Navigating the Waves of Change ~ Education Trends in Vietnam for 2023-2024

As the global education landscape evolves, Vietnam's education sector stands at the forefront of significant transformations. The 2023–2024 academic year in Vietnam is marked by notable trends and innovations that are shaping the future of learning in this dynamic region.
What's Out
The traditional educational frameworks are giving way to more modern, inclusive, and technologically integrated models. The shift away from rote learning towards experiential and student-centred learning is a notable change. This transition is not without its challenges, as discrepancies in local economic conditions and resources affect the uniformity of this innovation process across different regions.
What's In
A Three-Pillar Transformation: The Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam emphasises three key areas for educational reform: governance system transformation, environmental transformation, and integration of digital technology. This holistic approach aims to align Vietnam's education system with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on inclusive and equitable quality education (VietnamPlus).
Focusing on the Educators: There is a growing emphasis on enhancing the quality and standardisation of teachers, lecturers, and educational administrators. This involves not only professional development but also legislative reforms like the anticipated Law on Teachers, which aims to bring significant changes in the teaching profession.
Innovative School Cultures: The concept of 'happy schools,' promoting a culture of love, safety, respect, and proactive learning is gaining traction. This includes reducing programme loads to enhance student engagement and interest, emphasising the role models of teachers, and focusing on developing the personality and ethics of learners (Vietnam.vn).
What's Coming
Higher Education Boom: The higher education market in Vietnam is forecasted to grow significantly, with an expected increase of USD 528.6 million during 2023–2028, accelerating at a CAGR of 15.43%. This growth is driven by changes in educational content delivery methods, a new higher education strategy, and a growing middle-class population (Research and Markets).
Digital Transformation: A key trend is the promotion of digital transformation in education. This encompasses not just the integration of technology in teaching and learning but also in administrative processes, aiming for a more efficient, accessible, and modern education system.
International Integration: Vietnam's education sector is increasingly focusing on international integration. This includes collaborations with global organisations and aligning educational strategies with international standards and practices.
In conclusion, the educational landscape in Vietnam is undergoing significant changes, with a focus on modernisation, internationalisation, and technological integration. These trends point towards a more inclusive, dynamic, and quality-focused education system, preparing Vietnamese students for the challenges of the 21st century.
For those in the EduLert community and international teaching circuit, staying abreast of these developments is crucial for adapting to and thriving in this evolving educational environment.
Sources: Vietnam.vn (, ), VietnamPlus (), Research and Markets ().