Fostering Critical Thinking in Vietnamese Language Learning
At Vinschool Metropolis, the development of critical thinking is not limited to natural sciences but is also widely integrated into other subjects, especially Vietnamese language. Critical thinking is not only a skill for deep reflection on issues but also the ability to analyze, evaluate, and present arguments logically and with strong reasoning. With its inherently analytical and logical nature, the Vietnamese language provides an ideal environment to nurture this skill.
We would like to share a noteworthy example from a recent lesson with our fifth graders, where they explored a poem about green rice (from Hương Cốm Mùa Thu, Book TV5, Connecting Knowledge with Life series) – a cultural symbol of Hanoi. Through this poem, students are guided not only to understand but also to analyze and interpret:
- Describing the production process of green rice: Students are guided to describe the process of making green rice based on the poem and illustrations. This requires them to focus on details, consider the connections between the steps in the production process, and explore how these are conveyed through language.
- Analyzing word repetition: Students analyze the effect of word repetition in poetry, exploring how the author uses this technique to enhance emotion and emphasize the poem’s message. This activity helps them develop a deeper understanding of language and the underlying meanings within literary texts.
- Identifying the author’s emotions: Through the poem, students are also guided to analyze the emotions the author expresses toward green rice, thereby strengthening their ability to evaluate and interpret an author’s perspective through a literary lens.
These activities not only enhance reading comprehension but also encourage students to develop a structured approach to critical thinking. Through each activity, students are encouraged to think independently, question what they learn, and connect it to real-life situations.
