Part 3: History

Examiner: How is history typically taught in Vietnam?

You: Well, to be honest, it can be a bit dry. The approach is pretty didactic, which means it’s heavy on memorizing facts and dates. We spend a lot of time reading textbooks and cramming information, which doesn’t leave much room for critical thinking or understanding the underlying reasons behind historical events. It’s no wonder some students find it boring, myself included!

Examiner: So how did you find learning history in school then?

You: (chuckles) Let’s just say history wasn’t my favorite subject. The lessons were quite mundane (boring) and repetitive. All those names, dates, and battles – it just went in one ear and out the other. I’d often find myself dozing off in class.

Examiner: Do you think there’s a better way to teach history?

You: Definitely! I think incorporating different mediums like TV series, documentaries, or even historical fiction could be really engaging. Anything that sparks students’ interest and helps them visualize the events is better than just rote memorization.

Examiner: That’s a great point. Is there a difference between learning history through books and movies?

You: Absolutely! Books allow you to use your imagination and conjure up images in your head. You can interpret historical figures and events in your own way. Movies, on the other hand, can be very captivating, but they can also be misleading. Directors might use special effects, dramatic music, and even a biased portrayal to tell their version of history.

Examiner: Why do you think some students find history so unappealing?

You: There are a few reasons. First, the way it’s often taught can be quite repetitive. It’s all about memorizing facts and dates for exams, rather than exploring the bigger picture. Second, some students may not understand the importance of history. They might see it as irrelevant to their lives. But learning from past mistakes can help us avoid repeating them in the future.

Examiner: Is that why some students choose more “practical” subjects?

You: It’s possible. Subjects like economics or business might seem to have a clearer career path compared to history. But history graduates can work in museums, research, or even writing. And who knows, maybe they can even use their knowledge of history to invest in the future!

Examiner: Finally, do you think history is important for a country’s development?

You: Absolutely! History is the foundation of a country’s culture and identity. Understanding the past helps us shape a better future. It’s like that saying, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” By learning from past mistakes and successes, we can make better decisions for our future.

Cụm hay: 

• dry (boring): nhàm chán
• didactic (heavy on memorizing facts and dates): mô phạm, kiểu tập trung vào học thuộc lòng sự kiện và nhân vật lịch sử thôi
• cramming information (memorizing a lot of information in a short amount of time): nhồi nhét thông tin
• a bit mundane (a bit boring): hơi nhàm chán
• went in one ear and out the other (information not being remembered): vào tai nọ ra tai kia
• dozing off (falling asleep for a short period): ngủ gà ngủ gật
• spark students’ interest (make students interested): khơi gợi hứng thú của học sinh
• rote memorization (memorizing without understanding): học thuộc lòng/ học vẹt
• conjure up images (form a mental image): tưởng tượng ra hình ảnh trong đầu
• biased portrayal (a one-sided presentation): mường tượng ra theo cách của ai đó
• the bigger picture (the overall situation): bức tranh toàn cảnh
• doomed to repeat it (certain to happen again): chắc chắn sẽ lặp lại