Master Phan Danh Hieu, Head of Literature Group, Tran Bien High School: Effective teaching is promoting students' initiative and creativity.

Mr. Phan Danh Hieu. Photo: NVCC

Talking to Dong Nai Weekend Newspaper, Mr. Hieu said that today's technology greatly supports teaching and learning. In the new era, young people need to be active and quick to grasp technology, serving their studies and work, but also always keep compassion, know how to dream, and overcome the mundane.

A teacher is not only a lecturer but also a guide.

* There are many shared contents about learning and exam experiences in general and Literature in particular as well as life experiences for students on social networking platforms. In your opinion, how do information technology and social networks help teachers?

- Information technology and social networks, if used selectively and with the right direction, are truly the “extended arms” of teachers. In the past, a good lecture could only spread in the classroom, but now, thanks to social networks, that lecture can reach thousands of students’ hearts across the country. I choose to share my learning experiences and life lessons not to “be famous”, but to play the role of a close, intimate companion. Social networks help teachers no longer be distant, but become closer to students, just like the way the young generation is living, feeling and learning in the digital age.

In the digital age, technology supports teachers in many ways, specifically as follows: teaching more effectively thanks to the use of online lectures, videos, PowerPoint, to convey knowledge more vividly. Learning applications such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams can be integrated to help manage the classroom easily. Compared to before, teachers save a lot of time and effort: tools such as Chat GPT, Deepseek, Quizziz, Kahoot... support creating questions, automatic grading, and answering questions quickly. Interacting with the community of teachers and students is easier. In short, technology does not replace teachers, but is a powerful assistant to help improve the quality of teaching and manageeducation more effectively.

Since 2014, Master Phan Danh Hieu has published 3 books published by Hanoi National University Publishing House: "Handbook for preparing for university and college entrance exams in Literature, things to know for preparing for the 2015 National Literature exam and Literature enrichment from grade 9 to grade 10".

* Previously, you had many books on reviewing for the graduation exam in Literature, and could be considered a poet and writer because your works were published. You also wrote for newspapers. Could you share more about this? As a teacher, what is your opinion on the true value of literature?

- Writing is not a side job but a profession - the writing profession. When you respect the profession, it will surely bear fruit. Not to mention teaching literature, the writing profession must be respected even more, because it is an indispensable part of spiritual life. Writing review books is to help students overcome important milestones in their student life, while writing poetry, stories or journalism is to express one's feelings, to preserve beautiful memories in the journey of being a teacher and a human being. I am simply someone who loves the beauty of words and wants to spread it.

For me, the true value of literature does not lie in awards or fame, but in its ability to make people more profound and humane. Literature is a mirror reflecting the soul, a lamp illuminating the corners of life. Literature cannot save the world, but it can save individuals from aridity and indifference, to live responsibly, knowing how to love, share, and sympathize, and that is enough.

Teacher Phan Danh Hieu with students. Photo: NVCC

* In the teaching process, how do you evaluate the initiative and creativity of students today? Is this something that you encourage your students?

- Today's generation of students is intelligent, quick-witted and full of outstanding personalities. They have access to a wider knowledge base than any previous period. However, in the midst of a sea of information, the most worrying thing is that they easily become passive recipients instead of proactively thinking and creating. In my classroom, I always try to create a space for students to be themselves: to ask questions, to debate, to express their own opinions, and even to be skeptical about the truth. From there, I will help students adjust their writing style, their approach to information and stay alert to harmful information streams.

A teacher should not only be a lecturer, but also a guide. I often start a lesson with questions rather than answers. Because what I want to “sow” is not only knowledge, but also the ability to learn, reflect and walk on your own - whether on the path of education or in life.

Young people need to be active and confident in future development.

* Through the recent high school graduation exam, for the Literature subject, in your opinion, is the trend of giving argumentative essays close to real life a good sign in teaching and testing at the high school level?

- I think that the Literature exam has recently had positive changes, especially the social discussion section. Topics related to life such as solidarity, love of country, responsibility of youth, kindness, gratitude, the journey of maturity, the desire to live beautifully... not only help students feel close and approachable, but also open up a space for thinking for them to express themselves.

I support the current exam questions that touch on life, thoughts and emotions, because literature is not a closed world, but always in dialogue with reality and the past, even the future. However, along with that, it is also necessary to focus on differentiation and depth. A good essay not only requires students to write correctly, but also to write deeply, to write with experience, not just with clichés. That is the sustainable direction for teaching and learning Literature in high schools.

* Currently, the country is entering a new era, and the youth are the pillars to firmly enter that era. As a teacher, what message do you have for your beloved students?

- Don't let the pressure of exams, scores or achievements make you lose the joy of studying, lose yourself. Because true success is not the halo at the end of the road, but the persistent steps without retreating, the heart that dares to commit without fear. As long as you have the courage to walk, even if you haven't reached the destination, you are already a winner. In the integration period, you are the backbone generation of the country. So be the owner of knowledge, master technology to create the future, serve the Fatherland. But never let yourself become a slave to mindless machines. Keep a free soul, a clear mind and a flame of enthusiasm, that is the most solid luggage for you to move forward in the era of national development.

The new era needs people who think differently, act differently, but most importantly, live kindly, live with ideals. Study not only to gain knowledge, but to become a better person. Read books not only to know, but to understand and feel. And if possible, keep a small corner in your heart for literature - a place that nurtures gentleness, compassion and dreams that go beyond the ordinary.

* Thank you!

Dao Le (performed)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202507/thac-si-phan-danh-hieu-to-truong-to-ngu-van-truong-trung-hoc-pho-thong-tran-bien-day-hoc-hieu-qua-la-phat-huy-tinh-chu-dong-va-sang-tao-cua-hoc-sinh-47b559f/