Appropriately applying the principle of theory – practice unity (herein after the principle) in the teaching of social sciences and humanities will contribute to nurturing knowledge and developing political steadfastness, confidence, motive, will and capability for learners. This is also a common concern of Military Colleges, including the Army College No. 2.

Recently, facing the new requirements of developing the cadres for the Military, the Army College No. 2 has seen new evolutions in its education and training tasks with both advantages and disadvantages. Given this situation, the College has implemented a number of synchronous measures for enhancing the quality of education and training, in which “renewing teaching method, attaching importance to the application of the principle of theory – practice unity in the teaching of social sciences and humanities” is considered an importance matter. However, the application of that principle has yet to meet expectations. This has badly affected its quality of education and training and the capability of learners when graduate. To solve this issue, in the coming time, it is necessary to focus on the following solutions:

First, strengthen the leadership and direction over the application of the principle in the teaching of social sciences and humanities. Annually, basing on its assigned tasks, the Party Committees and Headquarters of the College should have opportune leadership and direction over its departments, particularly those conducting the teaching of social sciences and humanities so that they thoroughly grasp and effectively implement the resolutions, directives of the Central Military Commission, the instructions of the General Political Department on the teaching of social sciences and humanities in Military Colleges. Strengthen propagation and education to make its bodies, forces and teachers of social sciences and humanities to grasp the viewpoints, guidelines of education and training of the Party, State and the Military. At the same time, build firm political steadfast, sense of self-discipline, ethics and sense of responsibility for its cadres and teaching staff to make them truly exemplary for learners to follow. The College should acquire new equipment for teaching; ensure sufficient teaching and learning material to meet the demand of teachers and learners. Opportunely inform latest news and provide awareness orientation for teachers and learners given the emerging issues in practice.

Second, enhance the capability of teachers of social sciences and humanities and renew the learning method of learners. In the past years, though being renewed towards proactiveness direction, teaching of social sciences and humanities in the College is still theory-based. Teachers of the subjects have yet to use teaching equipment skillfully. The application of information technology is somewhat limited, etc. These have limited the proactiveness of learners. Besides, teachers of the subjects are employed from different sources, hence their levels and capability are not equal. Therefore, the College should standardize and enhance its teaching staff in qualification, teaching methodology and practical experience. As for learners, it is necessary to renew their method of learning and doing scientific research, especially the skill of “self-study, self-training, learning and exercising together from thinking to practice”, and apply the theory learned right into the study and work at the College. Renew the way to take notes in class; pro-actively participate in discussion and argument; actively study the lesson both before and after class; try to master the lesson both theoretically and practically.

Third, continue to renew the programs, contents and model of teaching to meet the goals and requirements of training. This is the core measure for applying the principle in the teaching of social sciences and humanities in order to improve the practicality in teaching. This measure requires teachers to make careful preparation for their lessons to make it relevant to different type of learners. At the same time, learners must apply the knowledge learned to problem solving through team work and discussion. The renewal of training contents and programs should be focused on reducing the general knowledge to increase professional knowledge; reducing theory to increase practice and internship; avoiding passive teaching and learning which focus too much on theory without connection to training and combat practice of units. Annually, the College should conduct survey of training and combat practice of units where its graduates work to update new contents and programs. Regularly conduct checking and supervision over the preparation and teaching activities of the teachers and the learning and training of learners. Gradually change the testing and examining forms to open questions in order to enhance the thinking and application of learners. Seriously adhere to the Drive of “Say no to wrongdoings and the rush for achievements in education”; conduct timely review to overcome the limitations and weaknesses.

Fourth, promote the proactiveness and self-study of teachers. To improve the teaching level, one of the important requirements is that each teacher build their own plans for self-study and self-training. Their plans must be specific, practical and highly feasible which include the goals, contents, methods, material and timeline, etc. As this is a difficult task which can be easily affected by external factors, besides determining the sound goals and motives, teachers must show strong determination and will to overcome the barriers so that their plans become effective. Each teacher must be proactive, diligent, and persistent with their plans. On the other hand, party organisations, and leaders of the departments should provide favourable conditions, regularly have check, assistance, encouragement and inspire the teachers during their self-study. Besides, the College should upgrade its facilities to meet standardization; build specialised classrooms, and acquire teaching aids, such as: projectors, visual aids, maps, etc. In addition, it should promote initiatives in renovating the teaching and learning facilities; encourage teachers and learners to have effective use and exploitation of the equipment and apply information technology and digital devices in teaching; regularly pay attention to the living standard of cadres and teachers; build an open, democratic, united atmosphere and provide the best conditions to make teachers enthusiastic with their job and try their best in work.

Master HA VAN THIEU, Army College No. 2