On January 20, 2011, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) held a conference to review the first phase of credit-based training (2006-2010) at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The conference aimed to evaluate the achievements of the first phase of credit-based training and discuss fundamental solutions and tasks for implementing the transition to credit-based training in the next phase.The conference was attended by Prof. Dr. Mai Trong Nhuan - Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Trong Quat - Vice Director of VNU, representatives from functional departments, schools, centers, member institutes and faculties under VNU. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Trong Quat delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that the policy of implementing credit-based training with a proactive yet cautious approach, a systematic approach, and ensuring positive outcomes is entirely correct. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities has pioneered this, conducting a pilot program focused on one cohort (QH-2007-X), with the first students graduating and achieving many successes and valuable lessons for other units to learn from. Through the dedicated efforts of all staff and faculty members, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has achieved many accomplishments, basically completing the tasks set out in phase 1, creating a solid foundation for the success of phase 2. Following this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Nha - Head of the Training Department of VNU - presented some results of the credit-based training program in phase 1, methods for implementing training in phase 2, and the main tasks for the 2011-2015 period. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Kim Son - Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - presented a paper entitled "Understanding the achievements and recognizing the challenges to effectively implement phase 2 (2011-2015) of the roadmap for transforming university training to a credit-based system". The discussion focused on clarifying issues that need to be continued in the 2011-2015 period, the main tasks from 2011-2015, and the challenges facing the key work from now until the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. In addition, the discussion also presented several recommendations to the Vietnam National University regarding issues such as: prioritizing investment in infrastructure and equipment; adjusting legal and directive documents to suit the actual situation; increasing the autonomy of lecturers; innovating the operational model of the Youth Union and Student Association to suit the credit-based training system; and strengthening the interconnection and linkage between units within the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Furthermore, member units presented their reports on the implementation of credit-based training, and unit leaders discussed difficulties and proposed solutions for the successful implementation of credit-based training tasks in phase 2.
Concluding the conference, Associate Professor Pham Trong Quat stated: Phase 1 (2006-2010) was the period of applying the positive aspects of the credit-based training method. The entire Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has accomplished significant work, laying the groundwork for the full implementation of credit-based training. He also outlined solutions for implementing training in Phase 2: - Continuing to raise awareness among faculty members about credit-based training; - Developing and perfecting training programs according to output standards at VNU, increasing interoperability, internationalization, and the ability to easily transfer with domestic and international university training systems, ensuring effectiveness in training; - Continuing to improve the course syllabi and supplement textbooks and reference materials, further innovating teaching and learning methods. Making significant changes in class organization, empowering lecturers more, and ensuring student autonomy. Applying credit-based training to all types of training and ensuring interconnectedness, comprehensiveness, and systematic coherence between different levels of training. - Building professionalism in teaching, management, and training services by lecturers; promoting proactiveness and self-reliance in learning and scientific research among students; improving technology in management and administration; implementing synchronously and effectively throughout the process. - Completing version 2.0 of the training management software to meet the needs of organizing and managing credit-based training; deploying it to all units. - Organizing training activities for staff and lecturers, effectively implementing teaching and assessment; innovating training content, developing lecturers, and building policies to motivate lecturers and staff… - Adjusting and updating regulations on promoting training and building human resources for training in a timely manner; developing priority policies to improve the quality of human resources. - Promote research on innovating the operational models of the Youth Union and Student Association to suit credit-based training; strengthen club activities and other forms of social mobilization. - Disseminate information to society and employers about the products and results of credit-based training. On this occasion, Vietnam National University, Hanoi also awarded 6 collectives and 26 individuals for their outstanding achievements in the transition to credit-based training methods during the 2006-2010 period. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities was honored to be one of three units to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
