Establish a Training Advisory and Support Team.

Recently, the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities signed a decision to establish the Training Advisory and Support Team under the Center for Training Quality Assurance, abbreviated as CASA. Dr. Nghiem Xuan Huy - Deputy Director of the Center for Training Quality Assurance - was appointed as the Head of CASA. In regional and international universities, CASA (Cultural and Academic Academic Association) is an indispensable part of academic and teaching life, playing a positive role in building a proactive learning environment from both teachers and students. For the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, CASA was established to meet the practical demands of the university's training system after many years of actively implementing the credit-based training method. This training method requires students to create their own optimal study plans based on their abilities and other circumstances. However, in reality, many students, especially first-year students, still lack the necessary skills to effectively adapt to this new learning method. Therefore, one of the important tasks of this department is to help students enhance and sustainably develop positive learning abilities and methods such as: teamwork skills, presentation skills, active information-seeking skills, etc. For lecturers, CASA functions to support pedagogical methods and skills, helping lecturers quickly adapt to innovative teaching methods and update the latest pedagogical skills and knowledge. CASA also aims to establish a network of young lecturers and young research groups with many active activities such as: building research projects in interdisciplinary groups, exchanging experiences and initiatives in teaching and research, etc. In addition, with the establishment of an independent department responsible for advising and supporting training, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is taking another step in the standardization process to meet the criteria for accreditation of training quality according to national, regional and international standards. Dr. Nghiem Xuan Huy believes that the establishment of CASA will be a highlight, a significant turning point in the university's training activities, contributing to building a positive learning environment where students truly become the center of the teaching and learning process. “If students previously relied too heavily on lecturers and didn't know how to independently utilize learning support resources, with the establishment of CASA and its regular, structured counseling and support activities, this situation has the potential to be significantly improved on a broad scale,” said Dr. Huy. With these implications, the specific activities of CASA will include: - Counseling students on building learning pathways, choosing courses, selecting lecturers, career guidance, etc.; supporting students through training sessions on study methods, scientific research, soft skills, and developing information retrieval skills; organizing training in soft skills and university-level learning methods according to societal needs. - Providing consulting and support to young lecturers on modern teaching methods and techniques through short-term training courses; organizing research group networking, workshops, seminars, and information sharing among lecturers on scientific research activities, teaching methods, and experiences in handling pedagogical situations. - Researching and adopting modern teaching and learning methods to disseminate to lecturers and students; advising the University on necessary adjustments and changes to build a positive learning environment. According to Dr. Nghiem Xuan Huy, in the 2012-2013 academic year, CASA will focus on two main areas of activity: Firstly, advising students, including direct and online counseling. CASA will contract with experienced lecturers, scientists, and experts to provide weekly counseling to students. Secondly, organizing training sessions and seminars to systematize students' learning skills. Dr. Nghiem Xuan Huy stated: “This September, there will be a workshop aimed at helping first-year students familiarize themselves with and equip themselves with effective university learning methods. For lecturers, we will begin with a seminar to exchange experiences on using the course website – an innovative teaching method that has just been piloted and has initially received very positive feedback from lecturers.”