Comments on the draft Decree regulating teaching and learning in foreign languages in educational institutions

The Decree is designed to promote teaching and learning in foreign languages in educational institutions to improve foreign language proficiency for learners and teachers, contributing to the acceleration of international integration in education and training. Help attract foreign students to study in Vietnam; promote investment and socialization of education. Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management of teaching and learning in foreign languages in educational institutions; help ensure the rights of learners and teachers.

The Decree also helps improve the compilation of textbooks and learning materials in foreign languages. Overcoming limitations and promoting advantages of Decision No. 72/2014/QD-TTg and related documents; resolving issues arising in practice; in accordance with current legal regulations and international commitments and treaties that Vietnam has signed or is a member of.

The Decree regulates teaching and learning in foreign languages in educational institutions, including general provisions; organization of teaching and learning in foreign languages; documents, procedures, processes, and authority to approve teaching and learning in foreign languages and organization of implementation. The provisions in the Decree do not apply to joint training programs with foreign educational institutions; integrated educational programs; and political, historical, and linguistic fields related to Vietnam in the General Education Program.

The Decree applies to general education institutions, continuing education institutions, vocational education institutions, and higher education institutions and does not apply to foreign-invested educational institutions in education, vocational education, and higher education.

With the open-door policy and increased international integration in education, teaching and learning in foreign languages aims to improve foreign language skills for students and postgraduate researchers to meet the demands of the modern labor market. Based on this reality, programs and projects for teaching and learning in English, especially in STEM subjects, are focused on in the provinces, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Currently , regulations on teaching and learning in foreign languages in schools and other educational institutions are being applied according to Decision 72/2014/QD - TTg dated December 17, 2024 of the Prime Minister.

Reviewing the implementation of Decision 72/2014/QD - TTg in recent times shows that besides the advantages of teaching and learning in foreign languages in some localities and higher education institutions, there are still limitations. Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Training has chaired and coordinated with the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs and related ministries and branches to draft a "Decree regulating teaching and learning in foreign languages in educational institutions" to submit to the Government for consideration and approval.