International Scientific Conference: “Vietnamese Educational Philosophy: From Tradition to Modernity”

International delegates included Professor, Dr. Detlef Briesen - Justus Liebig Giessen University, Germany; and Professor, Dr. Jean Francois Dupeyron - University of Bordeaux, France.
In his opening remarks at the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lai Quoc Khanh (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) emphasized: "The conference has great scientific and practical significance, contributing to summarizing the results achieved in research on the theoretical model of educational philosophy, on the history of the formation of Vietnamese educational philosophy, as well as the experiences and lessons learned from other countries, contributing to deepening and perfecting the aspects and content of educational philosophy; at the same time, it points out new issues arising in educational practice that need further research and discussion."

The workshop attracted considerable interest from numerous domestic and international scholars from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU Hanoi); University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Ho Chi Minh City; University of Economics and Industrial Engineering; Thu Dau Mot University; Political Academy, Ministry of National Defence; Institute of Philosophy, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics; National Academy of Public Administration; University of Transport Technology; Institute of Philosophy, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences; Da Nang University of Economics; Chon Khong Zen Monastery; Vung Tau City; People's Security Academy; University of Commerce; Kien Giang Provincial Political School; Hue University of Education; University of Construction; People's Security Academy; and University of Mining and Geology.
Scholars from both Vietnam and abroad submitted a total of 72 papers to the conference, focusing on four main issues:
1. Affirming the significance and importance of developing an educational philosophy for educational institutions and for the nation.
2. The role of social sciences and humanities in shaping and implementing educational philosophy in practice.
3. Some educational philosophies in Vietnamese history and core values ​​that need to be promoted.
4. Educational philosophies of some countries around the world – lessons for Vietnam.
Based on a very thorough and meticulous analysis of early Buddhist and Confucian philosophies on education, the educational views of Vietnamese thinkers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ho Chi Minh's thought on education, UNESCO's educational philosophy; the views of several world thinkers such as Rudolf Steiner, Maria Montessori, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Mahatma Gandhi, etc., as well as from the vibrant reality of the current educational landscape, scientists have affirmed that it is necessary to quickly promulgate a Vietnamese Educational Philosophy with core, general, and guiding values.
Some researchers have delved into analyzing specific aspects and manifestations of educational philosophy in practice: the philosophy of the teacher, liberal education, democratic thought in education, as well as referencing the achievements in the reform efforts of countries around the world (Japan, Germany, France, Singapore, etc.).
Numerous studies that delve into the achievements of educational reform in countries around the world have proposed solutions and lessons learned for Vietnam in building and implementing an educational philosophy in the context of today's rapid scientific and technological development.
In his introductory report, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung (Faculty of Philosophy, VNU-USSH) sparked much debate on several key issues of the conference, such as: Is it necessary to develop a Vietnamese educational philosophy? What are the core contents and values ​​of a Vietnamese educational philosophy? And what solutions can ensure the successful realization of that philosophy in the dynamic practice of today's education system?
 

Associate Professor Tran Ngoc Lieu (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) presented a report on the Philosophy of Education at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, emphasizing that universities pay special attention to and invest in developing educational philosophies according to the "minimum and basic structure"; however, it is necessary to continue building and perfecting educational philosophies according to the "expanded structure" and organize a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of educational philosophies from the perspective of organizational culture.
Professor Jean-François Dupeyron (University of Bordeaux, France) with his report "Liberating Time in Education"
 

While it was difficult to address all the practical issues raised within the framework of the conference, it demonstrated the interest and enthusiasm of scientists and educators for the reform of Vietnamese education. Based on the insights from this conference, further specialized conferences are needed to continue researching and discussing specific aspects that will contribute to building a wise, practical, and effective Vietnamese educational philosophy.