Conference of Part-time Faculty

Over 100 researchers from various research institutions participated in the adjunct faculty conference organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on January 19, 2011.Mr. Dinh Viet Hai, Deputy Head of the Training Department, shared some information regarding teaching in the regular undergraduate program, with particular attention to the needs of part-time and visiting lecturers. Following this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Quyet, Head of the Postgraduate Training Department, also discussed several issues in the organization and training of postgraduate programs. Most of the opinions and discussions from part-time lecturers mainly concerned credit-based training. Dr. Nguyen Van Hoc (Department of Science and Technology) raised several noteworthy suggestions, such as the inconvenience of teaching 2-3 hours due to the remote location of their workplaces. Part-time lecturer Vu Manh Loi (Institute of Sociology) commented on the limitations of self-study and research among students today. In particular, Mr. Vu Manh Loi provided some examples of assessment and grading methods in credit-based training in several countries around the world. In addition, other opinions focused on discussions and suggestions regarding: limited facilities and equipment that do not meet the requirements of current credit-based teaching and training; the lack of suitable locations for part-time lecturers to interact and work with students; limited access to learning materials and resources for courses; and the compilation of textbooks and lecture notes. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Kim Son - Vice Rector of the University - expressed his gratitude for the opinions and suggestions of the part-time lecturers. The Vice Rector stated that to facilitate better conditions, the university will rearrange teaching schedules to be more suitable for part-time lecturers; the university will consider and improve facilities; and to enhance students' self-study and research, the support, advice, and evaluation of lecturers are always needed. Furthermore, the Vice Rector emphasized that the university is always ready to support lecturers in printing, publishing, and compiling textbooks and lecture notes. At the conclusion of the conference, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Kim Son, on behalf of the university leadership, acknowledged and commended the contributions of the part-time lecturers to training and research. He also expressed his hope that the part-time lecturers would continue to participate in teaching and provide even more in-depth and comprehensive contributions to the university's training programs.