Foreign experts talk about Vietnam's high school graduation exam

The results of the high school graduation exam are an important basis for university admission. According to foreign experts, this exam has shifted its focus from rote memorization to applied knowledge and critical thinking.

Candidates for the 2025 high school graduation exam

Photo: Nhat Thinh

High school graduation exam shifts from memorization to application and critical thinking

The 2024-2025 school year marks an important milestone as the 2018 General Education Program completes its implementation cycle. According to Dr. Scott McDonald, Faculty of Business, RMIT University Vietnam, the high school graduation exam has undergone significant changes, from a rigid, uniform model to a more flexible one. Allowing students to choose subjects that match their strengths is considered a positive step forward, opening up a personalized approach to an exam that was previously completely standardized.

"The introduction of elective subjects is a significant improvement, allowing students to develop their strengths and choose the areas in which they are most confident," Mr. Scott McDonald emphasized.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Melvin Fernando, Senior Manager of Career Guidance and Industry Relations at RMIT Vietnam, commented that this reform has shifted the focus from rote learning to applied knowledge and critical thinking. "Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to solve practical problems, with the exam format changing significantly in subjects such as math and literature," Mr. Melvin Fernando explained. According to this expert, although these changes make the exam more complicated, they also help to assess students' abilities more substantially.

Proposal to reduce multiple choice questions

However, experts also made suggestions to help improve the university entrance exam system in Vietnam.

“Most of us memorize information for a test, and then forget it a few weeks later,” Dr. McDonald asks. “So what exactly are those tests measuring?” He suggests a more balanced approach by reducing multiple-choice questions and replacing them with assessments based on real-life situations, analysis, and problem-solving exercises. He argues that high school needs to focus more on developing skills that are fundamental to college and work, especially critical thinking and problem-solving.

“These skills are often overlooked in traditional exams, but are key to success in college and in the workplace,” said McDonald. “If we shift the focus from rote memorization to application, exams will actually better prepare students for the challenges ahead.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Fernando proposed expanding the form of assessment, reducing pressure with regular tests during the school year, integrating career-focused subjects such as life skills, digital skills or entrepreneurship, and investing more in students' mental health. According to Mr. Fernando, these changes not only reflect the diversity of students' abilities but also help reduce the heavy pressure from a single decisive exam.

The 2025 high school graduation exam has many innovations in the exam questions.

Photo: Nhat Thinh

The comprehensive assessment model should be gradually applied.

Dr Jung Woo Han, Acting Vice President for Academics and Teaching Quality, Student Services and Education, RMIT University Vietnam, gave examples from neighbouring countries, specifically South Korea. He cited the changing admissions model in this country, where more and more universities consider students’ achievements comprehensively: from learning process, volunteer activities, projects, leadership roles to self-reflection essays in addition to traditional academic results. In addition, South Korea also has a separate admission quota for students with outstanding achievements in science , sports or arts. This diversification helps increase fairness in admissions, reduces pressure from a single exam and encourages students to develop comprehensively and connect with the community.

Dr. Han recommends that Vietnam gradually adopt a holistic assessment model, especially in university admissions. According to him, there should be policies to recognize achievements beyond academics and support high schools in building student profiles throughout the school year. Expanding access to psychological counseling services, especially in rural or underserved areas, is also essential to ensure that students are viewed holistically, not just as candidates.

The high school graduation exam remains the centerpiece of Vietnam’s education system, but it needs to transform as we look to the future. An assessment system that recognizes achievement and unlocks potential will accurately reflect students’ abilities and, more importantly, prepare them to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing world .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chuyen-gia-nuoc-ngoai-noi-ve-ky-thi-tot-nghiep-thpt-cua-viet-nam-185250702100725066.htm