Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

Methodologies have changed over the years from Grammar Translation method to the latest one, communicative approach. In Vietnam so far, we have talked and learned a lot about learned-centered approach. However, this approach seems not to work well in my country situation in almost secondary and high school. The reason for this is that the teachers follow traditional approach, meaning lecturing to the students. They have to follow the textbooks strictly steps by steps. The reference and information about the learners, and where feasible, from learners are limited. Sometimes, the learners' needs are far away from teachers' goals. Most of them just focus on teaching what the students are going to be tested in the exam. Therefore, few teachers try to find out what the students want to learn and how they go about the task of learning. This results in limitation of equipping the students with necessary skills for them to make informed choices. Moreover, crowded classes make the teachers difficult to manage the activities in class. This situation brings some teachers the feeling of being afraid of using modern techniques in teaching; it takes time and does not meet the need of the final exam. The ability of the teacher is also a reason for this limitation. The role of the teacher is enhanced in learner-centered system, and the skills of the teacher are more demanded in applying this approach. The other aspect that I consider this is a problem in my situation. The interaction in classroom is not concentrated on. Students mostly study Grammar and Reading. Listening and Speaking are rarely paid attention to. Consequently, the students cannot be equipped with interactive skills. Therefore, communicative skills of the students are still restricted.

How can we improve the situation is a serious question I'm looking for. Especially, how can we satisfy the students' needs but still keep the goals of Ministry of Education who doesn't purposely test communication skills in the exam most of the teachers just deal with the ones that are going to be tested in the exam. This turns out to be different between the purpose of teaching and learning.