MANIFESTATION OF POWER DISTANCE IN TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIP AT SCHOOL AND SOME PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Vietnamese features the cultural characteristics of large power distance. In school, teacher-student relationship is hierarchical and unequal. Teachers are respected, are the initiators of all class activities, and play an extremely important role in the educational process. These characteristics offer unique cultural features of teacher-student relationship in Vietnam, but also the barriers to educational innovation process. This article discusses power distance and the manifestation ofpower distance in the teacher-student relationship. Furthermore, with the hope to contribute to the improvement of teaching and learning, we also offer some pedagogical implications such as equalizing teacher-student relationship, promoting creativity, autonomy of the learners, adjusting teaching methods, changing social norms about academic performance of students, and enhancing cultural understanding in order to avoid the disadvantages or misunderstandings.