The thesis researches to clarify the rationale of innovating theoretical education methods for students of universities in our country, on that basis, surveying the situation, proposing a number of master views and solutions. weak to innovate the method of political theoretical education for students of universities in the midland and mountainous areas of our country today.
MINISTRY OF HO CHI MINH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF EDUCATION & TRAINING POLITICS ACADEMY OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION TRẦN HUY NGỌC INNOVATION IN METHODS OF EDUCATION ON POLITICAL THEORY FOR STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITIES IN THE NORTHERN MIDLAND AND MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF VIETNAM (Through survey at Thai Nguyen University and Tay Bac University) Major: Idealogical work Code: 9 31 02 01 SUMMARY OF THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION ON POLITICS SCIENTIFIC SUPERVISOR Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Huy Kỳ HA NOI 2018 The reaserch was completed at: Academy of Journalism and Communication Scientific Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Huy Kỳ The dissertation will be defensed before the Academic Thesis Board at: Academy of Journalism and Communication At 2018 INTRODUCTION 1. Rationale of the study 1.1. President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam always determine that education on political theory is an important part of ideological work, contributing to building and strengthening the spiritual foundation of the society. From the practical work of the education on political theory, the Party has issued many directives and resolutions to innovate and improve the quality and effectiveness of the education on political theory. The document of the Congress XI stated: "Continue to renew the content and methods; further improve the fighting, persuasiveness, and effectiveness of ideological work, propaganda and study of MarxismLeninism, Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, viewpoints of the Communist Party, policies and laws of the Government; innovate and improve the quality of education on political theory, educate citizens in the system of political schools as well as schools in the system of national education. Every officer and member of the Party must study and raise the political theory competence” 1.2. After more than 30 years of renovation, Vietnam has achieved great achievements in all aspects of social life. However, the negative sides of the market economy, globalization and international integration have negatively impacted life, ruined many traditional beauties and traditions, changed our perceptions and lifestyles, faded ideals and beliefs of a large part of people in general as well as the youth and students in particular Therefore, the urgent practical necessity is to increase the quality and effectiveness of education on political theory in universities. Especially, the method of education on political theory for students of universities in Vietnam in recent years has revealed many limitations with slow innovation compared with the reality of the country and the world. In fact, it is required to continue to innovate the method of education on political theory in the universities in our country today 1.3. The Northern midland and mountainous area is the largest territory of the country (account for about 30.5% of the total area and 14.2% of the country's population). This is an important political, cultural and social region. However, it has a difficult economic condition, most of which are ethnic minorities with cultural diversity. Thai Nguyen University and Tay Bac University, located in the Northern midland and mountainous area, are responsible for training highquality human resources for the region, at the same time carrying out the task of scientific research and technology transfer, making an important contribution to the socioeconomic development of the Northern region. Over 90,000 undergraduate students studying at these universities will be a very important human resource for the future of the region and the country. Education on political theory for students in universities in the midland and mountainous areas is of significant importance However, the real innovations in education on political theory, including innovative teaching methods for students still reveal many limitations and inadequacies Therefore, continuing to innovate the approaches of education on political theory to improve the quality and effectiveness of education on political theory for students in universities has profound theoretical and practical implications. In order to handle this issue, the author selects: "Innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam" (Through survey at Thai Nguyen University and Tay Bac University) as his doctoral dissertation 2. Purpose of the study The study clarifies the theoretical basis of the innovation in education on political theory for students of universities in our country, surveys the situation, and proposes some viewpoints and major solutions to innovate methods in education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam 3. Tasks of the study To achieve the above purposes, the thesis should perform the following tasks: Clarify theoretical issues on the methodology of education on political theory for university students and innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities Describe the characteristics of the Northern midland and mountainous areas, the characteristics of universities and their students in the Northern midland and mountainous areas; analyze the situation of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous areas of our country, indicate the achievements, limitations, causes and issues for the innovation of methods education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous areas of our country today Propose some viewpoints and major solutions to innovate methods in education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam 4. Subjects and scope of the study 4.1. Subjects of the study Innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities 4.2. Scope of the study The thesis focuses on the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam. However, these areas are the largest territory in the country (accounting for 30.5% of the total area and 14.2% of the total population) with 15 provinces and cities. There are many universities in these areas, such as Viet Tri University of Industry (Phu Tho), Hung Vuong University (Phu Tho), Quang Ninh University of Industry (Quang Ninh), Tan Trao University (Tuyen Quang) Viet Bac University (Thai Nguyen), Thai Nguyen University (Thai Nguyen) and Tay Bac University (Son La), etc. Therefore, for this research, the author mainly studies the status of innovating in methods of education on political theory for fulltime university students through a survey at Thai Nguyen University (a regional university with 11 training units, including 7 universities) in the midlands and Tay Bac University in the Northern mountainous area. These are the largest universities in terms of organizational structure and the number of students. For this reason, these universities can be representative of the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam The dissertation examines the issue of innovating methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam in the period from 2009 to present 2009 was the time when universities began to move to a new creditbased training system that required the need to innovate educational content, programs, methods and facilities. Besides, this is also the year in which the curriculum of the political theory subjects was reduced from five subjects to three subjects: the basic principles of MarxismLeninism (based on the integration of three subjects which are three sets MarxismLeninism), Ho Chi Minh ideology and Revolution Lines of Vietnam Communist Party 5. Rationale, practice and methodology of the study The dissertation is based on the theories of MarxismLeninism and Ho Chi Minh’s Thought; the views of the Communist Party, resolutions and directives of the Party, the laws of the State on education, training, education on political theory and innovation in methods of education on political theory It selectively receives and inherits the results of relevant scientific researches both domestically and internationally The dissertation is based on the reality of education on political theory in universities in our country; the process of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous areas of our country. It is also based on the system of documents and data archived by agencies and units and the results of the actual survey by the author. The dissertation uses a combination of scientific research methods, including analytical and synthesis methods, logic and history, psychology, and pedagogy such as system structure, expert, statistics, comparison, investigation, observation, information collection In particular, in order to serve thesis research, the sociological survey method was mainly used through ANKET questionnaire for lecturers (100 votes) and students (1400 votes). After obtaining the results of the sociological investigation, the author shall synthesize, classify, analyze data, draw up models and graphs in order to compare, contrast and draw objective conclusions as basis for the dissertation 6. New scientific contribution of the study The thesis has made significant contributions to the systematization, interpretation and clarification of theoretical issues on: methods of education on political theory and innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam. At the same time, the thesis clarifies the reality in innovating the method of education on political theory in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous areas of Vietnam in the recent time. From that point, it provides some proper evaluations on the advantages and limitations and issues for the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous areas of Vietnam. Based on that, it proposes a number of key ideas and solutions to further innovate the effective methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area 7. The practical implications of the study The research results of this dissertation contribute to the increase of knowledge about the methods of education on political theory and innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities. The research results of the dissertation contribute to the reliable and scientific materials for teaching, studying, researching and leading educational activities in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam in particular and universities in Vietnam in general The research results of the dissertation contribute to the development of some major solutions to innovate the methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam our country today 8. Structure of study The thesis includes: introduction, overview of the research related to the dissertation, 3 chapters, 7 periods, conclusions, list of references and appendices OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCHES RELATED TO THE DISSERTATION I. Vietnamese scientific researches A. Studies on idealogical work and education on political theory * Studies on idealogical work Books: Ha Hoi (chief author), Ngo Van Thao (2002), Innovating and improving the quality and effectiveness of the idealogical work, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Dao Duy Quat (2004), On the idealogical work of the Communist Party of Vietnam, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Luong Khac Hieu (chief author), (2008), Principles of the idealogical work Volume1,2, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Pham Tat Thang (chief author) (2010), Renovation of the idealogical work and political theory for the sake of national construction and defense, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Nguyen Danh Tien (chief author), (2010), The Communist Party led the idealogical work in the renovation period, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Ngo Huy Tiep (2011), Theoretical issues of the idealogical work of our Party today, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi Scientific articles: Nguyen Phu Trong, “Improving the quality and effectiveness of the idealogical work in the new situation”, Journal of Thought and Culture no. 8/1999; Huu Tho, "From the reality, think more deeply about the idealogical work ", Information on the idealogical work no. 3/2001; Nguyen Khoa Diem, "Continuing to accelerate the implementation of the central resolution of the year on the main tasks of thought and theoretical work in the new situation", Information on the idealogical work No 1/2005; Luong Khac Hieu, "study on oral propagation in the history of the Vietnamese, Journal of Thought and Culture, No. 1/2001; Thai Hoa (2015), "Promoting the role of the idealogical work in selfcriticism and criticism", Journal of Propaganda and Education, (9) * Educational researches on education on political theory Book: Vu Ngoc Am (2003), Renovation in the work of political thought education for officers; Tran Thi Anh Dao (chief author), (2010), Education on political theory for Vietnamese students today, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi Scientific articles: Bui Dinh Phong, (2009), "The role of Ho Chi Minh’s thought in adult education, Journal of Propaganda and Education, (9); Hoang Thao, (2011), "To improve the effectiveness of education on political theory in police schools in Hanoi, Journal of Propaganda and Education, (9); Vu Ngoc Am, (2011), "Effectiveness and criteria for evaluating education on political theory", Journal of Propaganda and Education, (11), B. Studies on methods and innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students Book: Nguyen Duy Bac (chief author) (2004), Some theoretical and practical issues in teaching and learning Philosophy of Marxism and Leninism and Ho Chi Minh’s Thought in universities, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Vietnamese Universities and Colleges (VUN), Academy of Journalism and Communication (2004), Methodology of teaching learning, testing and assessment of humanities and social sciences, Political Theory Publishing House, Ha Noi; The Hoang Quoc Bao, Learning Revolutionary Methods of Ho Chi Minh Revolution (2006, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Vu Ngoc Am (2009), Some problems in methods of education on political theory, News Agency Publishing House, Hanoi; Pham Huy Ky (2010), Theoretical and Methodological Research on education on political theory, National PoliticalAdministrative Publishing House, Hanoi; Hoang Chi Bao (2011), Understanding Ho Chi Minh Method, PoliticalAdministrative Publishing House, Hanoi Scientific articles: Nguyen Thanh Khai (2009), "Innovation in teaching methods at Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, Journal of Political Theory, (9), Hanoi; Dang Thi Nhiet Thu (2010), "Innovation in methods of teaching political theory in universities and colleges", Journal of Political Science, (3), Hanoi; Bui Van Ga (2015), "Issues in fundamental and comprehensive reform in university education", Journal of Propaganda and Education, (5), Hoang Quoc Bao (2015), “Ho Chi Minh’s thought on methods of improving propaganda effectiveness”, Journal of Propaganda and Education, (9) II. Some scientific researches of foreign countries A. The Lao People's Democratic Republic The Lao People's Democratic Republic has many scientific researches on education on political theory for officers and Party members. Typical examples are: Doctoral Dissertation of Philosophy BY Bun Phiet Xu Ly Vong Xac (1994), Raising theoretical thinking for members of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party in the current period, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Hanoi; Bun ket – Ke son (2006), Raising the moral ethics of key officials of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the present period, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Hanoi. [20] Articles and magazines: Bun Nhang Vo Luu Chit (2005), “Improving the quality of building and fostering officers and leaders to meet the requirements of the Party's innovation” on Journal of Lao Theory and Administration (No. 1); The article by Tra Lon Nhia Pao Ho (2005), "Ten years with the development of the Lao National Academy of Politics and Administration", Lao Journal of Theory and Administration (No. 1), a paper written by Sa Mut Thong Som Pha Nit (2007), "Role of teachers in new conditions", Lao Journal of Theory and Administration (No. 6) B. The People's Republic of China Many Chinese scholars have done a lot of research on the idealogical work, education on political theory, teaching methods and innovation in methods of education on political theory such as Uong Tin Nghien (2003), “Three methodologies in studying Chinese Marxist Philosophy” published in the Journal of Chinese Philosophy, No. 12; Ho Tu Luc (2004), “New thinking on education on political theory in universities”, The Journal of Ha Nam College of Taxation Finance, (Vol 2, No 18); Education on political theory education for students has the article “Tips from teaching the Marxist theory” (Journal of Marketing No 24/2005, translated by Nguyen Duc Sam in the magazine Politicalsocial issues, No. 16/2006); Vuong Bot Binh, "Some issues on the idealogical work by the Chinese Communist Party in the new situation”, published in Journal of Political Thought Research, No. 32006; Vuong Yen, "Raising theory and competence of political and thought work in the new situation", published in the Journal of Chinese Communist Party History, October 2007; Dr. Ly Kien's doctoral dissertation (2013), Research and assessment of student qualities; Hoang A Loi's doctoral dissertation (2014), Current status, visual and political values of students and research on educational strategies III. Achievements and issues for further study A. Achievements The abovementioned scientific researches have focused on studying and systematizing the theoretical issues: the idealogical work , the work of education on political theory and the work of education on political theory for Vietnamese students. In particular, some of the researches focus on the different aspects of education on political theory for undergraduate students in our country today from which solutions have been developed to innovate and improve the quality of education on political theory for students today There have been studies on methods and innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students However, most of the studies focus on innovation in methods of education on political theory, innovation in methods of teaching and learning education on political theory, innovation in methods of testing and assessment of learning outcomes There are studies on the methods of education on political theory. However, they approached from the perspective of other sciences such as pedagogics and psychology, etc B. Issues for further study Theoretical issues of methodology and innovation in methods of education on political theory for students should be generalized and systematized by approaching the idealogical work The thesis further clarifies the theoretical issues on: methods of education on political theory and innovation in methods of education on political theory for students with a focus on clarifying goals, principles, and criteria for assessing the innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students The thesis approaches the innovation in methods of education on political theory on the following criteria: Innovation on the basis of application of new methods of education on political theory for students; Partial innovation in current methods of education on political theory educational for students; Innovation on the basis of diversification and integration of methods of education on political theory for students The research and evaluation on the reality of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous areas of Vietnam must now pay attention to the characteristics of subjects. The subjects of education on political theory in this dissertation are students of ethnic minorities in the midland and mountainous area in the North, an area of economic, political, cultural and social importance, national security and defense of the country; This area also has difficult economic conditions with the majority of population is ethnic minorities. Therefore, it is necessary to research and innovate the methods of education on political theory for university students in order to improve the effectiveness of education on political theory for students The dissertation studies and proposes effective ideas and solutions to innovate teaching methods to improve the quality and effectiveness of education on political theory for students at universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam. Chapter 1 THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ISSUES OF INNOVATION IN METHODS OF EDUCATION ON POLITICAL THEORY FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF VIETNAM 1.1. The methods of education on political theory for university students 1.1.1 The concept of political theory and education on political theory for university students 1.1.1.1. Political theory 10 and rules of the education program to form the scientific world view, communist life, methods of dialectical and scientific thinking and working, contributing to promoting sociopolitical activism for students in practice Characteristics of methods of education on political theory for university students: Classification of methods of education on political theory for university students: + Based on the means of using the educational methods, there are: speech methods group, visual methods group, and practical methods group. + Based on the subjects involved in education, there are: method of school education, method of family education and method of social education. + Based on the content of education, there are: method of education on Marxism Leninism political thought and Ho Chi Minh’s thought, method of education on guidelines of the Party, policies and laws of the State, method of educating knowledge and political experience in the country and the world + Based on the advanced nature of the method, there are: traditional method and modern method. + Based on the nature and method of absorption of subjects, there are: passive method and positive method 1.2. Innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students 1.2.1 Concept of innovation and innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students 1.2.1.1. Innovation and innovation in higher education 1.2.1.2 Innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students Innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students is a fundamental and systematic replacement of the existing modes and activities of the subject and the object of education by means of new methods and activities which are in line with the nature and rules of the education process in order to bring greater effectiveness in education on political theory and to achieve education goals on political theory for university students 1.2.2 Objectives and principles of innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students 1.2.2.1. The objective of innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students Objectives: Comprehensively innovate towards modern methods; promote the positive, active, creative and theoretical use in practice for students; focus on learning how 11 to study, think, encourage selflearning, create a basis for students to update themselves and renew knowledge, skills, capacity development to improve quality and effectiveness of education on political theory for university students 1.2.2.2. The principle of innovating methods of political theory to students of universities Innovation in methods of education on political theory must be inherited Innovation in methods of education on political theory must link with practice Innovation in methods of education on political theory must be based on a learnercentered basis Innovation in methods of education on political theory must have a proper roadmap 1.2.3. Content for assessing the innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students 1.2.3.1. Substitution and application of new and modern methods of education on political theory for university students 1.2.3.2. Partial changes in existing methods of education on political theory for university students 1.2.3.3. Diversification and integration of methods of education on political theory for university students Summary of chapter 1 In the process of fundamental and comprehensive innovation of education and training, the innovation of education on political theory is set to be one of the key tasks in which innovation in methods of education on political theory is particularly valued. Based on the research results of the scientists, the thesis has systematized, developed and clarified a number of theoretical issues on the methods of education on political theory and the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in our country today. Particularly, the dissertation has focused on clarifying the concepts, goals and principles of innovation, the criteria for evaluating the innovation in methods of education on political theory university students. In addition, Content for for evaluating the innovation in methods of education on political theory university students includes: (1) The degree of substitution and application of new and modern methods of education on political theory for university students; (2) The degree of partial changes in existing methods of education on political theory for university students; (3) Level of diversification and integration of methods of education on political theory for university students. This is an important theoretical basis for the thesis to survey and 12 evaluate the status of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam Chapter 2 CURRENT SITUATION AND ISSUES INNOVATION IN METHODS OF EDUCATION ON POLITICAL THEORY FOR STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITIES IN THE NORTHERN MIDLAND AND MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF VIETNAM 2.1 Characteristics of universities and students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam 2.1.1 The characteristics of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam (universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam mentioned here include Thai Nguyen University and Tay Bac University) Thai Nguyen University was established on April 4, 1994 under Decree No. 31CP of the Government on the reorganization of universities in Thai Nguyen city, a center for training human resources for provinces, universities, colleges and vocational schools in the region, at the same time carrying out the tasks of scientific research and technology transfer, making an important contribution to the socioeconomic development in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam. Over the past 20 years of perseverance, Thai Nguyen University has strived for the direction of the Government, constantly grown up in all aspects and better met the requirements of human resource training as well as scientific and technological research. Additionally, it has served effectively for the socioeconomic development of the Northern midlandand mountainous area of Vietnam and step by step affirmed its position and role as a regional university in the education and training system and in the process of industrialization and modernization of the country Tay Bac University has a long history and tradition of education and training for ethnic minorities of Thai Meo autonomous region (formerly) in particular and the North West region in general. Tay Bac University was established in 1960 with many times of renaming and moving to many different places in Son La province. Up to now, with over 55 years of establishment, development and growth, it has a new spacious premise and increasingly modern equipment which meet the needs of learning and research of teachers and students. It is worth being the leading center for training and scientific research in the Northwest region 2.1.2 Characteristics of university students in the Northern midland and mountainous area 13 Students of Thai Nguyen University and Tay Bac University are mostly children of the Northern midland and mountainous provinces with a majority of students are ethnic minority and disadvantaged. Most of them are studious and determined in their study. However, this is an area of difficult economic conditions and the political awareness of a part of the people is limited so students are susceptible to be propagated and manipulated by hostile forces, which negatively affects the education on political theory in universities The number of university students in the midland and mountain areas in the North is high. Thai Nguyen University has more than 90,000 students, including 56,753 fulltime undergraduate students (school year 20142015). Tay Bac University has 7,155 fulltime students, including 5,092 undergraduate students (school year 20142015) 2.2. The current situation of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam 2.2.1. Results and causes 2.2.1.1. Result Based on the criteria for innovation in methods of education on political theory mentioned above, we can examine the results obtained in the process of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area Firstly, innovation in methods of education on political theory on the basis of applying new and modern teaching methods for university students Innovation in methods of teachers of education on political theory: Some teachers of education on political theory have had certain innovations in their methods of education on political theory for students and have had inherited selective new and modern but not yet popular teaching methods Innovation in methods of students of education on political theory: Some students have innovated their knowledge acquisition methods towards the creation of new and personalized learning methods A part of the students has applied new and modern methods in the process of acquiring education on political theory In conclusion, innovation in methods of education on political theory on the basis of the application of modern methods has achieved positive results. According to the survey results, the degree of innovation in methods on the basis of the application of new methods of education on political theory at the universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area showed that the percent of teachers with new methods account for 4.17%, the percent of teachers using new and modern methods account for 40.83%, the percent of students is respectively 2.36% and 30.14% 14 Second, partial innovation in existing methods of education on political theory for students For the teachers of education on political theory: Teachers of education on political theory have made changes in the concept of innovation in methods of education on political theory in the direction of partially innovating the existing methods. They have made great attempt in innovating the use of traditional educational methods for their students For the students of education on political theory: A portion of students have a sense of innovation in their traditional learning methods in order to adapt to the process of innovation in methods of education on political theory in universities. Additionally, self learning methods of students have been actively applied in new educational conditions The results of the survey show that the current level of partial innovation in existing methods of education on political theory is 30% in teachers and 64.21% in students. These are not very satisfactory results, but showed positive signs in the process of innovating the methods of education on political theory by teachers and students in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam Third, innovation on the basis of diversifying and integrating methods of education on political theory for university students For the teachers of education on political theory: Teachers have diversified and integrated a variety of methods of education on political theory for students. Initially they have flexibly combined the methods associated with the effective use of modern educational facilities For the students of education on political theory: Students are able to use a variety of methods during the acquisition of political theory. Some students use a combination of positive learning methods with the use of new and modern means of learning political theory Innovation on the basis of diversifying and integrating various methods is a major trend in the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students at universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area. According to the survey, 75.83% of teachers and 60.79% of students have used a variety of integrated methods of transmitting and acquiring political theory 2.2.1.2. Causes of the result Subjective reasons: The attention of the Party Committee, the Board of Rectors in innovation in methods of education on political theory for students The effort and attempt in innovating methods of university teachers and students in the Northern midland and mountainous area 15 Objective reasons: The attention of the Party and State towards the innovation of teaching and learning methods in higher education institutions Significant achievements of the country's renovation process; the positive aspects of globalization, international integration and the evolution of science and technology revolution are important factors contributing to the innovation in methods of education on political theory in universities 2.2.2. Limitations and causes 2.2.2.1. Limitations First, the restriction of the innovation in methods of education on political theory on the basis of applying new and modern methods For the teachers of education on political theory: The teachers of education on political theory have not yet created many new methods to meet the needs of students. The ability to use new methods of some teachers is limited and the number of new methods is not high. For the students of education on political theory: Only a small number of students have the ability to create new methods in acquiring new political theory. The students’ ability to use new methods in the acquisition of political theory is still limited and the frequency of use is still low The results of the survey of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area show that the number of teachers and students who innovate the methods on the basis of creating new methods is not high, accounting for only 4.17% and 2.36% respectively. The use of new methods in transmitting and receiving political still face obstacles due to many reasons, so the effectiveness is not high Second, the limitation of the partial innovation in current methods of education on political theory for students. For the teachers of education on political theory: The perception of a part of leaders and managers over the innovation in methods of education on political theory is still simplistic In other words, they consider the method innovation as a negative approach to existing methods. The process of partial innovation in methods of education on political theory is slow and ineffective For the students of education on political theory: The method of acquiring political theory of a part of students is still passive, dependable, lazy and therefore ineffective. Many students are slow to innovate their learning methods, so they do not have effective selfstudy and research methods. At present, in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area, the majority of teachers and students of education on political theory are innovating their 16 methods based on the partial innovation of existing methods. In particular, students mostly use traditional methods and are slower to innovate their methods than the teachers. According to survey data, 77,5% of students have no awareness of innovating the methods of acquiring education on political theory, 80,83% of students do not have effective self study and research methods, 67,5% of students have passive way of learning and lazy thinking Third, the constraints of innovation on the basis of diversifying and integrating methods of education on political theory for students. For the teachers of education on political theory: The use of diversified methods of education on political theory for students is limited Additionally, the innovation in methods only uses traditional methods combined with modern means of education. The integration of methods in education on political theory for students is still embarrassing. Moreover, integrated methods are not smooth and suitable for the content For the students of education on political theory: In the process of studying political theory, many students mainly use traditional methods They are unable to combine modern methods in a proficient and effective way. The integration of methods in studying studying political theory of students still faces a number of difficulties. Many students have not been able to innovate their acquisition of political theory in connection with the effective use of modern educational facilities Thus, the innovation on the basis of diversifying and integrating methods of education on political theory for students is a major trend in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area. However, from the teachers and students, the process of innovation has some limitations. In detail, students are slower in innovating their methods towards diversification and integration than the teachers, especially in terms of flexible use of the methods which are linked to the effective use of modern and new means of education Thus, the innovation on the basis of diversifying and integrating methods of education on political theory for students is a major trend in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area. However, from the teachers and the students, the process of innovation has some limitations In detail, students are slower in innovating their methods towards diversification and integration than the teachers, especially in terms of flexible use of the methods which is linked to the effective use of modern and new means of education 2.2.2.2. Cause of the restriction Subjective reasons: The awareness of innovation in methods of education on political theory by both teachers and students is limited 17 The coordination among teachers in innovating the method of education on political theory for students is not tight and frequent The quality of teaching staff has not met the current requirements of the innovation in methods of education on political theory The motivation and learning attitude of a part of undergraduate students have not yet been active in terms of innovating learning methods Objective reasons: The content and educational program of political theory for students have not been innovated in time with the requirements of innovation in education on political theory The technical conditions and facilities have not met the current requirement of innovation in education of education on political theory The plot of "peaceful evolution" by hostile forces is mostly in the field of culture and thought for young people and students The limitations and shortcomings of the country's renovation process and the adverse impacts of the market mechanism, globalization and international integration in our country today 2.3. The issues for the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area 2.3.1. The awareness of the importance of innovating methods of education on political theory has not been in line with the urgent need to innovate methods of education on political theory in the current period 2.3.2. The degree of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students is still slow compared to the need to rapidly and promptly innovate the methods of higher education today 2.3.3. The conditions for innovation are not synchronous, which fails to motivate the teachers and students in innovating their methods to the requirements of the innovation in methods of education on political theory Conclusion of chapter 2 By analyzing and evaluating the current situation of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of our country, it can be concluded that the innovation in methods of education on political theory has been implemented and achieved remarkable results. These are encouraging signals that the process of innovating methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area is going in depth and meets the requirements of fundamental and comprehensive innovation of education and training in our country today 18 However, the thesis also points out the limitations and inadequacies in the process of innovating methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area today such as: the use of new methods which includes the creation of completely new methods has not yet been diverse; the innovation in methods on the basis of creatively inheriting and applying traditional methods is limited; the integration and diversification of methods are still embarrassing. From the analysis of the causes of limitations and inadequacies in innovating methods of education on political theory for students in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area at present, there are problems and contradictions as the following: (1) the awareness of the importance of innovation in methods of education on political theory is not in line with the urgent need to innovate methods of education on political theory in the current period; (2) the degree of innovation in methods of education on political theory for students is slower than the need to innovate the higher education methods rapidly and timely; (3) the conditions for innovation in methods of education on political theory are not synchronized, which fails to motivate the teachers and students in innovating their methods to the requirements of the innovation in methods of education on political theory Chapter 3 PERSPECTIVES AND SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE THE INNOVATION IN METHODS OF EDUCATION ON POLITICAL THEORY FOR STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITIES IN THE NORTHERN MIDLAND AND MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF VIETNAM 3.1. Perspectives on innovation 3.1.1 Innovation in methods of education on political theory must be associated with the innovation and improvement of the quality of the managers and teachers of political education 3.1.2. Innovation in methods of education on political theory must be carried out simultaneously with the comprehensive innovation of the content and the program of political education 3.1.3 Innovation in methods of education on political theory must be associated with the innovation of the educational management mechanism and technical conditions and facilities 3.2. Solutions to innovation 3.2.1. Group of solutions to raise awareness of managers, teachers and students on the importance and necessity of innovating the methods of political education in the Northern midland and mountainous area 3.2.1.1. Raising the awareness of managers and teachers 19 It is necessary to continue to raise the awareness of the Party Committee and the Board of Rectors of universities about the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students, especially in universities which do not train Marxism – Leninism and Ho Chi Minh’s thought, so that the university leaders are able to propose appropriate policies to enhance the innovation, improve the quality and effectiveness of education on political theory for students It is essential to raise the awareness of functional units and unions in the universities on the need to innovate methods of education on political theory for students In particular, people should be aware of their role and responsibility for education on political theory, the need for innovating methods and approaches of education for students in the current period. There should be a coherent, synchronized and unified cooperation under the leadership and direction of the Party Committee, the Board of Rectors of universities in innovating teaching methods of education on political theory for students in the spirit of taking learners at the center as well as considering them as both an object and an educational goal It is necessary to raise awareness of teachers about the requirements and urgency of innovation in methods of education on political theory. Each teacher should be aware of the tremendous role of innovation in methods of education on political theory from which they constantly learn and apply new teaching methods and active teaching methods aiming at learners In addition, the teachers also need to cultivate revolutionary virtue, professionalism, enthusiasm and teaching passion 3.2.1.2. Raising the awareness of students The majority of students in the past have been conscious of innovating their learning methods However, there are still a large number of students who are still limited and inadequate in innovating their learning methods due to their improper awareness. This is also one of the reasons for the limited and ineffective quality of education on political theory 3.2.2. Group of solutions to innovate methods of education on political theory of teachers and students 3.2.2.1 Solutions to innovate methods of education on political theory of teachers Firstly, the Party Committee, the Board of Rectors, Departments and Faculties should continue to innovate methods of education on political theory for students Educational leaders and managers should continue to vigorously pay attention and innovate methods of education on political theory for students. Universities need to speed up the process of implementing the guidelines, policies of the Party and the State on innovation of education on political theory in general and innovation in methods of 20 education on political theory in particular Universities should soon issue guidance documents that assist the faculties and divisions to innovate the methods of education on political theory to the students. Functional departments need to pay attention to building plans, offering various forms of propaganda and education on political theory for students. In particular, attention should be paid to the extracurricular activities, practical subjects and professional practice which are associated with the propaganda and education of patriotic traditions, traditions of revolutionary struggles and local history for students. It is necessary to make teaching and learning schedules, timetables and exam schedules in accordance with the content and curriculum of the education on political theory courses In addition, universities need to develop and effectively organize their academic advisors who will be an important force to help promote the students’ acquisition process of education on political theory Training should be provided to improve the use of new methods for teachers of political theory in universities. Universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area have taken care of, fostered and developed both quantity and quality of the officials and teachers who are involved in education on political theory. Prior to the requirements to improve the quality and efficiency of education on political theory in the new situation, the care and task of building officials and teachers on education on political theory is urgent with fundamental and longterm significance Innovation in methods of resolution sessions, listening to the political – social news and initial political studies Secondly, methods of education on political theory should be innovated The way in which methods of education on political theory are used should be innovated. Teachers need to constantly research, study and regularly apply new and active teaching methods into education on political theory to students. In particular, it is necessary to focus on updating lectures in the teachers’ classroom because lectures in class are still the main stage for students to receive scientific knowledge which is closely related to other stages such as selfstudy and research. Teachers need to have good discussions, which are considered to be an important part of the current creditbased curriculum in universities The methods of examination and evaluation should be innovated The examination and evaluation are an important stage in the teaching process at the universities. This will be the basis for assessment and classification of students. It is necessary to change the students’ perception on study for the score. In addition, it is essential to focus on all aspects of the process of examining and evaluating students' learning outcomes from contents and forms to approaches of organizing the examination and evaluation in order to avoid the situation of injustice 21 Innovation in methods of education on political theory should be closely linked to the task of teachers’ scientific research. Scientific research should be promoted in the faculties and division of education on political theory Teachers ought to regularly update information on the situation and new research directions on education on political theory domestically and internationally Assignments should be actively given to students through assignments and essays to help them practice scientific researching The method of using example in education on political theory should be applied. Besides stated solutions, there is also need to pay attention to the method of using example. This approach has the most positive impact on students, encouraging students to innovate their learning methods, selfstudy, passion for learning, passion for research, leading to changes in their perception and actions Third, method of education on political theory of organizations should be innovated It is necessary to further promote the leadership role of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Student Association in organizing and attracting students into practical sociopolitical activities. Organizations and associations should have more active content and forms of education. They should educate students to have the right motivation, selfdiscipline and creativity in learning through emulation movements. Additionally, they should continue to innovate and develop youth volunteer activities and green summer among students; promote cultural activities, arts, physical training and sports such as forums, cultural exchanges, arts and sports, etc. to meet the cultural exchange needs of students. There is a need for the coherence between family, university and society in the management of students. It is necessary to understand that universities will be the nucleus with the family and society in managing and helping students learn and shape their personality 3.2.2.2 Solutions to promote the activeness and creativity of students in innovating methods of education on political theory Students should be aware of the role of innovating methods of education on political theory with the formation and development of personal personality from which students have the motivation, purpose and attitude to innovate their learning method properly. In order to do this, students need to: engage in new learning approaches as well as integrate and diversify their methods to acquire higher outcomes of education on political theory. Innovation in approaching to education on political theory is tied to the effective use of modern and new means of education and practical socialpolitical activities and scientific research activities 3.2.3. Group of solutions on policies and conditions to ensure the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students 22 It is necessary to innovate educational policy mechanisms for both teachers and students. There is a need to create all material and spiritual conditions for teachers of education on political theory, especially those who are improving their professional qualifications. It is required to strengthen professional training for teachers of education on political theory; enhance the teachers’ responsibility toward students and have appropriate regimes and policies to increase their income by their own teaching and research activities. It is necessary to set up a fair and democratic regulation of reward and discipline for students in the whole university in general and in the subject of political theory in particular Universities need to take further care of investing in technical and educational facilities for education on political theory. This is a practical measure that contributes to improving the quality of education on political theory in general and innovative teaching methods in particular Technical and educational facilities should be modernized, synchronized and standardized in line with the trend of rapid development of science and technology that the region and the world are facing Conclusion of chapter 3 From the survey of the current situation of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area over the past few years, it can be seen that there still have been some limitations and shortcomings in the process of innovating the methods of education on political theory for students in universities. In order to further enhance the quality and effectiveness of education on political theory for students, the thesis offers a number of fundamental and basic solutions for innovating methods of education on political theory for university students. It focuses on the following three groups of solutions: (1) a group of solutions to raise the awareness of managers, teachers and students about the importance and necessity of teaching innovation; (2) a group of solutions to innovate methods of education on political theory of the teachers and students; (3) a group of solutions for policy mechanisms and conditions that guarantee the innovation inmethods of education on political theory for students CONCLUSION Education on political theory is an important part of education and training at the university level. It is an objective requirement for the formation and development of personality for students. From the practical experience of innovating the methods of political education for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area in the past, it shows that the process of methodological innovation in the universities has made some significant achievements. However, there are still limitations and weaknesses. Therefore, it is necessary to strongly innovate methods of education on 23 political theory for students. This should be considered as an important and urgent task in universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam The dissertation has systematically studied the theoretical basis and clarified the concepts of: methods of education on political theory and innovation in methods of education on political theory for university students. In particular, the thesis has focused on clarifying the theoretical issues of innovating methods of education on political theory for university students such as the concept of innovating methods of education on political theory for university students; goals, principles and criteria for evaluating the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students The dissertation has clarified the characteristics of universities and their students in the Northern midland and mountainous area of our country. The thesis has surveyed the state of innovation in teaching methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area today (through survey at Thai Nguyen University and Tay Bac University). The thesis has evaluated the achieved results and causes as well as some limitations. Besides, it has outlined some of the issues raised in the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of our country in recent years From that, it has set out basic ideas and some key solutions to innovate the methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam in the coming time. The main groups of solutions include: a group of solutions to raise the awareness of managers, teachers and students about the importance and necessity of teaching innovation; a group of solutions to innovate methods of education on political theory of the teachers and students; a group of solutions for policy mechanisms and conditions that guarantee the innovation inmethods of education on political theory for students 24 THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHES OF THE AUTHOR RELATED TO THE DISSERTATION 1. Tran Huy Ngoc (2012), "Some basic views in Ho Chi Minh’s thought on diplomacy", Journal of theoretical education, (181). 2. Tran Huy Ngoc (2012), "The importance of Marxism and Leninism theoretical education for university students in Vietnam", Journal of Education, Vol 125 (287). 3. Tran Huy Ngoc, Nguyen Thi Ngan (2014), "Improving the quality of education on political theory for students of our universities", Journal of Science and Technology, Volume 125 (11) 4. Tran Huy Ngoc (lead researcher) (2014), The Party’s leadership in the socialistoriented market economy through 30 years of renovation, Scientific and technological research project at grassroots level, University of Economics and Business Administration. 5. Tran Huy Ngoc (2015), "Characteristics of economic integration process and promoting the role of the State in the process of economic integration in Vietnam", Journal of Science and Technology, Volume 141 (11). 6. Tran Huy Ngoc (lead researcher) (2015), The role of the State in a socialist oriented market economy through 30 years of renovation, Scientific and technological research project at grassroots level, University of Economics and Business Administration. 7. Tran Huy Ngoc (2015), The role of the State in the process of international integration in Vietnam today, Thai Nguyen University Publishing House, Thai Nguyen 8. Tran Huy Ngoc (2016), "Innovating methods of education on political theory for current university students", Journal of Theoretical Education, (243) 9. Tran Huy Ngoc (2016), Applying Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on Youth into the education and fostering of Vietnamese university students, Journal of Theoretical Education, (254) 10. Tran Huy Ngoc (lead researcher) (2016), Innovation in methods of education on political theory for students at University of Economics & Business Administration, Scientific and technological research project at grassroots level, University of Economics and Business Administration University of Economics and Business Administration ... interpretation and clarification of theoretical issues on: methods of education on political theory and innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area of Vietnam. At the same ... 2.3. The issues for the innovation in methods of education on political theory for students of universities in the Northern midland and mountainous area 2.3.1. The awareness of the importance of innovating methods of education on. .. new and modern methods in the process of acquiring education on political theory In conclusion, innovation in methods of education on political theory on the basis of the application of modern methods has achieved positive results. According to the