Top Principle: Respect Students

Teacher Pham Xuan Anh, a math teacher at a high school in Bac Ninh, shared: "In nearly 30 years of teaching, I have always considered respecting students as the most important principle. Each student is an individual with their own thoughts and opinions. Instead of imposing, I choose to accompany them, helping them discover their own potential."

He often avoids using the word "teach" and instead uses "discuss" or "debate" when lecturing or interacting with students. Mr. Xuan Anh emphasizes that allowing students to freely debate, even when their opinions are not logical, will encourage creative thinking.

A notable point in Mr. Xuan Anh's teaching method is that he does not call his students "child" but always uses the word "em". According to him, this way of addressing helps maintain the appropriate boundary between teacher and student, while encouraging students to confidently express their opinions and views without feeling awkward. He believes that the knowledge transmitted by teachers is not the absolute truth, teachers need to encourage students to ask questions, debate and thereby create new knowledge.

Respect contributes to happy schools

Not just a personal opinion, many schools have included the element of "respecting students" in the code of conduct for teachers as well as school staff. Dong Son Primary School (Ninh Binh) requires teachers to listen to students' opinions, not to insult their honor or discriminate. Similarly, Thach Thang Primary School (Ha Tinh) stipulates that teachers need to behave tolerantly, respect differences and encourage students to actively participate.

In the code of conduct for cultural behavior in schools of Lang Son Primary School (Ha Hoa, Phu Tho), it is stipulated that teachers, managers, staff, and workers in the school must always respect the personality of students, be gentle but resolute and thorough when handling student violations.

"Always put love and responsibility first, grasp the characteristics of psychological development to know how to share, listen to students, respect and treat them fairly. Behave in a friendly and gentle manner, understand the students' family circumstances, care for and help students with special circumstances," the school's code of conduct clearly states.

The code of conduct for cultural conduct in schools issued by the Ministry of Education and Training also emphasizes the role of teachers in listening, understanding and treating students fairly.

When teachers respect their students, they feel more confident, their potential is awakened, and lessons become more effective.

Education experts say that many tensions between teachers and students stem from an authoritative and oppressive educational style. This not only demotivates students but also creates a gap between teachers and students. Teachers need to abandon the mindset that "whatever they say is right", and instead accompany, listen to, and positively inspire students.

Respecting students is not only a principle of conduct but also the key to building an effective and happy educational environment. Teachers, as leaders, need to accompany students, encourage their creativity and develop their potential in the most natural way.