SHIFTING FROM ONE‑WAY TEACHING TO COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT꞉ A MUSIC EDUCATION APPROACH IN LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNDER THE 2018 GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

Abstract

This study investigates the current teaching and learning practices of Music education at lower secondary
schools (grades 6–9) in Hanoi and several northern provinces of Vietnam, aiming to assess the effectiveness of
existing methods in fostering students' competencies and character development. The research proposes
improvements to traditional teaching approaches, with a particular focus on transitioning from one‑way,
teacher‑centered instruction to student‑centered methods that enhance musical creativity and thinking in
accordance with the requirements of the 2018 General Education Program (GEP). The study employs
document analysis, classroom observation, and in‑depth interviews with lower secondary music teachers to
clarify how teaching practices are shifting in terms of lesson design, instructional strategies, and student
assessment. Findings indicate that with the implementation of the new curriculum, teachers have begun to
move from the role of knowledge transmitters to learning facilitators, placing greater emphasis on student
engagement, creativity, and personal expression through musical activities. This research provides practical
implications for improving teachers' capacity in competency‑based music education and contributes to the
effective implementation of the 2018 GEP in the field of arts education