In just a few days, students across Vietnam will embark on their Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday for 2025. Whether or not homework should be assigned during this time has once again sparked widespread debate among parents.

Today, let’s dive into this topic in the Words on the Street column of The Hanoi Times.

This year, depending on the locality, the Tet holiday for students will last from 9-17 days. In Hanoi, preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students will have a 9-day break – the shortest in the country.

Tet is now around in the air. The students must be feeling excitement right now. Schools have already wrapped up the first semester exams, and the final week of the lunar year is a time for students to unwind after a demanding semester.

Amid the anticipation of festive fun, however, there’s also the lingering concern about “Tet homework” – a recurring issue every year.

For students in pivotal grades like 9th and 12th, this period carries added significance as it can shape their future paths. It’s common for homeroom and subject teachers to assign homework for these students to complete over the Tet break.

It’s important not to misconstrue this as teachers trying to make life difficult. Their intentions stem from concern. A long, unstructured break can cause students to lose momentum, making it harder for them to resume their pre-Tet learning rhythm.

There are, indeed, certain benefits to assigning homework over the holiday. Some students indulge in such prolonged relaxation during Tet that they “forget” the discipline and study habits they’ve developed.

Others, especially those who struggle academically, may also forget the material covered in class. Homework can serve as an effective tool to help these students retain knowledge and maintain a basic level of focus.

Some argue that even adults desire a fully uninterrupted holiday, so why not let children enjoy the traditional Tet without the burden of homework? Assigning tasks during this time, they say, doesn’t make students more accomplished but instead adds unnecessary stress and pressure.

However, these critics might not realize that students must immediately resume their academic rhythm upon returning to class. Teachers would prefer not to waste valuable time re-teaching previously covered material.

Assigning homework over Tet is a way to help students maintain positive study habits and remind them to manage their time wisely by gradually tackling their assignments before returning to class.

The key question here is not whether to assign homework during Tet, but how much and what kind of homework is appropriate.

In recent years, provinces like Quang Ninh, Quang Binh, and Ba Ria–Vung Tau have outright banned teachers from assigning Tet homework of any kind. In most other places, however, the decision is left to schools and teachers.

So, how do we strike a balance between teaching and learning during Tet?

Parents want their children to retain knowledge but also fear that piles of homework will rob them of the joy of a true Tet celebration. They wouldn’t want their children to return to school after Tet with empty heads, sluggish spirits, and drained energy.

If Tet homework is to be given, it should consist of basic exercises and review materials that reinforce core concepts from class. These assignments should be designed to be manageable – enough to maintain academic engagement without consuming too much of the students’ time.

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Rector of the University of Education under the Vietnam National University – Hanoi, believes Tet homework still has a role. However, he advocates for a more “open” approach. Teachers should be creative in designing assignments that spark curiosity and inspire students to explore new ideas on their own.

Rather than traditional homework, teachers could assign tasks tailored to different age groups and grade levels. For example, younger students could explore the meaning of Tet customs and traditions with their families or participate in activities to learn a new skill.

These activities could culminate in simple reports or reflections submitted to their teachers. Students could also be encouraged to engage in creative pursuits like journaling, composing poems, or crafting personal plans.

Such assignments foster a sense of responsibility and self-direction, allowing students to take ownership of their learning. By innovating how tasks are assigned, teachers can help students cultivate positive emotions toward learning.

Additionally, Tet is an excellent time for mental rejuvenation and provides an ideal environment for children to spark their creativity and imagination for the future. It’s a chance for them to gain valuable personal experiences.

Teachers should play the role of inspirers, guiding students to identify meaningful tasks they can complete during Tet.

Learning should be a lifelong process. Tet shouldn’t become a time when teachers and students impose undue burdens on themselves. Let’s embrace the holiday with a natural and relaxed mindset, savoring the joy, happiness, and serenity it brings.