Banning extra classes, some localities switch to 2-session-per-day learning model

Implementing the model of studying 2 sessions per day is a method that has been implemented by many localities after the Ministry of Education and Training issued Circular 29 on extra teaching and learning, which includes regulations prohibiting paid extra teaching in schools.

Pilot before expanding to the whole province

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Canh, Head of Secondary Education Department, Department of Education and Training of Ninh Binh province, said that the locality is piloting a model of studying 2 sessions/day, 5 days/week. The pilot period is from February 3 to February 28.

"After the pilot period, we will organize a summary to gain experience before mass implementation at all levels of education across the province," said Mr. Canh.

According to Mr. Canh, the pilot implementation of teaching 5 days/week must ensure the correct and complete implementation of the content and program according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, not overloading students and teachers, and suitable to the actual conditions of schools and localities.

Yen Bai province has piloted teaching and learning according to this model since the beginning of January 2025 for secondary school students in the whole province. The Department of Education and Training of Thanh Hoa City has also proposed to the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa City to implement 2 sessions/day.

Previously, on December 19, the Phu Tho Department of Education and Training issued Document No. 1918/SGD&DT-GDTrH on piloting teaching 5 days/week and allowing middle and high school students to have Saturday off. The pilot will be implemented for grades 6, 7, 8 of middle schools; grades 10, 11 of high schools in some schools representing regions from the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year.

Compared to other localities, Lai Chau province implemented the 5-day/week teaching model from Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off for all levels quite early, from September 2024.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Canh said that the implementation in Lai Chau is also an experience for other localities such as Ninh Binh to apply.

Many advantages, suitable for parents' wishes

Mr. Canh said that the implementation of teaching 2 sessions/day is carried out on the basis of the 40-hour work week in 5 days according to Circular 36 (dated September 27, 1999) of the Ministry of Education and Training and the 2-session teaching model/day according to Official Dispatch 7291/BGDĐT-GDTrH on instructions for teaching 2 sessions/day for high schools issued in 2010, Circular No. 32/2018/TT-BGDĐT of the Ministry of Education and Training promulgating the new general education program.

Accordingly, students will study at school all day, from Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.

In addition, all schools are currently invested in good facilities, with sufficient conditions to teach 2 sessions/day. According to the regulations of the new General Education Program, schools are proactive in their teaching plans. Therefore, organizing 2 sessions/day has many advantages and helps reduce the pressure of time and the amount of knowledge in a lesson.

Specifically, studying 6 mornings/week makes students have to study on Saturdays, starting early and having to study until period 5 so finishing late. Studying 5 periods continuously in one morning makes the amount of knowledge quite large and students will be more tired.

Meanwhile, implementing the 2-session/day, 5-day/week model helps schools to stretch out the teaching plan, students can start school later, from around 7:30 instead of 7:00 as at present, reducing the 5th period. The 2-session model also helps schools have more time to be creative and organize richer educational activities for students.

“The survey shows that parents are very supportive of implementing this model. Students being off school on Saturdays is consistent with preschool and primary school, and it also helps students have more time on the weekend with their relatives, making it easier for parents to arrange activities to strengthen family bonds,” said Mr. Canh.

Sharing the same opinion, a representative of the Department of Education and Training of Yen Bai province said that the policy of teaching 5 days/week has received the agreement and support of teachers, students and parents in the area. This model not only helps reduce pressure but also helps students have more time for recreational activities, as well as self-study, self-improvement, and participation in community and social activities. Teachers also have more time for their families or participate in activities and courses to improve their skills.