Active Teaching: An inevitable trend and the key to leading the dynamic Gen Z generation at Dai Nam University

In the context of the 4.0 industrial revolution, equipping students with soft skills such as creative thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills has become more important than ever. To meet that requirement, traditional teaching methods have gradually given way to active teaching methods. At Dai Nam University (DNU), active teaching is not only an inevitable trend but also a core strategy to train generations of dynamic, creative students who are ready to face the challenges of the times. Therefore, active teaching is chosen as one of the five important topics in DNU's internal training program for the 2024-2025 academic year.

With this topic, MSc. Nguyen Thi Thuy - Head of the Department of Training and Soft Skills Development shared experiences with lecturers and explored modern teaching methods. These methods not only help improve teaching efficiency but also inspire, unleash potential, and help lecturers effectively accompany students in the learning process. This is also the way Dai Nam University realizes the requirement of constantly improving the quality of its staff and spreading the spirit of "Devoted to learners".

Active Teaching – An Essential Requirement of Modern Education

Active teaching is not only a trend but also an inevitable need of modern higher education. This method focuses on two-way interaction, encouraging students to actively participate in the learning process and proactively seek knowledge. This is the key to improving educational efficiency, responding to the constant changes of society.

Research and surveys show that Gen Z is a different generation of learners, no longer passively receiving knowledge from instructors. Instead, they want to learn in a creative, practical, and flexible environment. Active teaching meets this expectation by encouraging students to actively ask questions, solve problems, and apply knowledge to real-world situations.

At Dai Nam University, lecturers are not only “transmitters” but must also become “guides”, orienting and stimulating students’ creative thinking. This requires lecturers to know how to arouse curiosity, accompany and support students in discovering knowledge on their own.

How do students benefit from active teaching methods?

With active teaching methods, students become the center of the lesson, participate in discussions, practice and play an important role in building knowledge. Active teaching activities not only provide knowledge but also help students practice and develop comprehensive skills, such as: communication skills, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking.

In particular, lessons linked to practice help students understand more deeply and easily apply knowledge to future work.

Why do teachers need to constantly update their teaching methods?

Answering this question, Dr. Le Dac Son - Chairman of the University Council said: University education is constantly innovating, from teaching content to student approach. Traditional teaching methods are no longer suitable for the GenZ generation, the development of technology and practical needs.

The current labor market requires young people to not only be good at their profession but also proficient in soft skills. The fact that lecturers update new methods helps students be more prepared to face the challenges of society when they graduate.

In particular, constantly updating active and modern teaching methods helps lecturers maintain their position as teachers. A lecturer who constantly learns and innovates not only creates attraction in teaching but also becomes an inspirational role model for students, loved and respected by students.

“Active teaching methods are the key to building a generation of students who are dynamic, creative and well-adapted to the globalized environment. University lecturers need to consider updating teaching methods as a responsibility and mission to continuously improve the quality of education. It is the innovation and dedication of teachers that will contribute to spreading the value of knowledge and awakening the unlimited potential in each student...” Dr. Le Dac Son emphasized.

Forum to share and explore innovative teaching methods

With the view that knowledge is infinite and no one can grasp everything comprehensively, this year's internal training program becomes an opportunity for lecturers to share and explore new teaching methods.

Within the framework of the program, teachers shared many valuable experiences on active teaching methods, such as experience in mastering lectures, effectively managing themselves and students to ensure concentration and interest in class.

Some important methods proposed include: dividing the lesson into small periods, avoiding continuous lectures of more than 60 minutes; building a reasonable lecture structure; encouraging students to discuss, ask questions and participate actively; applying a variety of teaching methods to increase interaction. In particular, the structure of a lesson using the active teaching method is designed with clear steps: starting with a warm-up to create excitement, followed by practice - personal experience, group discussion, and students presenting their approach to the problem. Finally, the lecturer will summarize, point out shortcomings and conclude the theory. This approach not only improves the quality of teaching but also arouses interest and motivation to learn in each student.

The active teaching methods that are considered most suitable for Dai Nam University students are proposed to include: Flipped classroom, experiential learning, learning through games, project-based learning, and role-playing methods.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngan - Lecturer of the Faculty of Communication shared: "The Active Teaching Methods topic is really useful. I learned more about how to apply modern teaching techniques to attract students, while creating a creative, effective and inspiring learning environment. This topic also helped me gain new perspectives and specific techniques to apply in my lectures. Methods such as dividing the lesson into smaller parts or encouraging students to be proactive have inspired me to innovate my teaching methods."

Mr. Nguyen Duy Quoc Tuan - Deputy Head of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design shared: "Active teaching methods not only help increase the effectiveness of knowledge transfer but also build an emotional bridge between teachers and students. This topic has clarified the importance of innovating methods to accompany the dynamic and creative Gen Z generation."

"I was impressed with the way the seminar emphasized the role of lecturers not only as teachers but also as guides, unleashing students' potential. The sharing session provided many specific and easy-to-apply methods, from how to create motivation at the beginning of class to encouraging students to discuss and self-study," said Ms. Nguyen Thanh Huyen - Deputy Head of the Faculty of Economics and Management.

With the spirit of “For the dedicated learners,” Dai Nam University constantly strives to improve the quality of teaching and create conditions for the teaching staff to develop towards building an ideal learning environment, where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the future.

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