Speaking at the International Conference on Happiness in Education on November 23, Minister Nguyen Kim Son emphasized that a community of happy individuals can only be created through a system of happy education. This is the overarching direction that the Ministry of Education and Training is implementing nationwide.

The core of happy education, according to the Minister, lies in students’ ability to create and experience happiness in their learning journey. For students to find joy and fulfillment in their studies, teachers must help them set meaningful goals, thereby inspiring motivation and a sense of achievement.

“The greater one’s aspirations, the easier it is to overcome challenges. Hardships shrink in comparison, and obstacles cannot block the path to happiness. Conversely, shallow ambitions lead to quick satisfaction and frequent abandonment, leaving individuals unable to reach the joy of ultimate achievement.

Small ambitions may yield easy successes, but such successes lack depth and sustainability. A life built on easy accomplishments and fleeting joys rarely produces great achievements,” the Minister explained.

Teachers also play a crucial role in guiding students to solve problems independently in their studies. Encouraging exploration and critical thinking sets the foundation for students to pursue happiness through learning.

“When students engage in self-directed exploration, problem-solving, and discovery, they develop enthusiasm and are motivated to delve deeper. This progression - from knowing to understanding, from analyzing to applying and synthesizing - enhances their excitement and happiness as they master each level,” the Minister elaborated.

When students encounter roadblocks or frustration, teachers or learning tools can provide support to untangle difficulties. Overcoming such challenges often leads to a sense of relief, accomplishment, and happiness.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of personalized teaching methods, which allow educators to nurture each student’s strengths while addressing their weaknesses. This individualized approach fosters joy and interest in learning by tailoring encouragement, evaluation, and support to each student’s needs.

By aligning learning experiences with individual capabilities, students are more likely to achieve happiness in their educational journey. Measuring progress against one’s own benchmarks - seeing oneself improve over time - provides a unique sense of satisfaction.

The Minister noted that abstract theory often fails to inspire enthusiasm. Therefore, education should closely integrate learning with practice, ensuring that knowledge is applied in real-world contexts.

“When students see tangible results from their efforts, they experience the practical value of learning. This connection fosters a lasting sense of fulfillment throughout their educational journey.”

Minister Nguyen Kim Son also underscored the importance of developing emotional intelligence, including the ability to regulate and express emotions. Such education equips individuals to live happily and create happiness for themselves and others.

“In education, teachers who listen, understand, and empathize make learning enjoyable for students. Happy teachers transform the world. Only those who are happy themselves can build a world of happiness,” the Minister concluded.

Thuy Nga