INTRODUCTION
1. Overview of the research
"Foster learning method for trainees at military university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought
“take self-studying as essence” is a thesis topic that the fellow has been interested in researching since his training
as teacher of Education at Academy of Politics.
Theoretical framework of the research issue is based on the clarification of values and soundness of
arguments about learning that President Ho Chi Minh pointed out. According to him, in the learning process,
in order to achieve high performance, the learners must improve his learning methods, particularly pay
attention to the role of self-studying, take self-studying as main activity in their cognitive process. This
argument was demonstrated by Ho Chi Minh through the practice of his patient and persistant self-studying
with high will and determination. Learning with its essence as self-studying will help the learners to be
active, positive, creative and achieve high effectiveness in their learning process. Trainees at military
university should have learning method in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-studying as
essence” to apply to their learning and working process later.
The findings of the thesis are presented in 155 pages and 122 references has been used (112
Vietnamese documents, 10 English documents). Structure of the thesis includes: Introduction, overview of
the research issue, 4 chapters (8 periods), conclusion, recommendations, list of the author’s scientific works,
reference list and appendix.
2. Reasons for choosing the thesis topic
President Ho Chi Minh is a shining example of self-learning. Through self-learning and by self-
learning, he has equipped himself with the knowledge, methodology and methods of revolutionary activities.
In Ho Chi Minh’s opinion, to perceive, acquire extensive knowledge of mankind, learners have to learn how
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to recognize, perceive and acquire consistent with the cognition and ability of each person. Thus, in his
works "Amendment of working style" written in 1947, he pointed out: "Learning method: Must take self-
studying as essence. Discussion and direction support supplementarily" [Ho Chi Minh Complete Works, Vol
6, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2002 p.273].
To grasp and manipulate Ho Chi Minh ideology in innovation and improving the quality of teaching
and learning, our Party has always respected fostering active, positive and creative learning methods.
Documents of the Eleventh Party Congress pointed out, "Innovate program, content, methods of teaching
and learning" [Document of the Eleventh Party Congress’s Resolution, p.216]. Education Act of 2005,

university can meet those requirements.
Starting from the above rationale, we selected issue "Foster learning method for trainees at military
university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-studying as essence” as research topic of the
thesis.
3. Research purpose of the thesis topic
Foster learning method for trainees at military university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought
“take self-studying as essence” to help trainees at military university have active, positive learning method of
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high performance ; contribute to the direction and enhance the quality of education and training of military
universities; build military officer staff to meet the requirements of building the Arrmy in the new period.
4. Research object, subject and scope
* Research object: Teaching process at military universities.
* Research subject: Activity of fostering learning method for trainees at military university in
accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-studying as essence”.
* Research scope
- Scope of content: The thesis limits its research scope as learning activities, in which it goes
deep in researching learning methods of undergraduate students at section level today; research the
nature and value of Ho Chi Minh's thought “take self-studying as essence” to foster learning methods
for students in military university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh's thought “take self-studying as
essence”.
- Scope of survey: The thesis focuses on surveys, seminars, and discussion with students at
military academies and schools for training officers at section level in universities, typically
academies and schools training every type of officers: Infantry officers no.1, Infantry officers no.2,
Political officers, Logistics Academy, Military medical Academy. Pedagogical experiment at 2
schools: Infantry officers no.1 and Political officers.
- Scope of the time: Survey and summary data in the thesis from 2007 to present.
5. Scientific and practical meanings of the topic
* New contributions of the thesis
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- Contribute to clarify the nature and practical value of President Ho Chi Minh’s viewpoint “take

work" by Tony Buzan; "Language skills - skills to improve learning efficiency" of Luu Kim Tinh.
The thoughts and researches of learning methods and fostering learning method by foreign authors are
considered as the very important rationale, needs to be studied, inherited and developed in the process of
building the dissertation.
1.2. The researches on methods of learning and fostering learning methods of local authors
Typical of the researches on methods of learning and fostering learning methods for university
students is: "On the issue of education - training" of the former Prime Minister Pham Van Dong; "Method of
learning – researching of students at colleges and universities" by Pham Trung Thanh ; "Traditional teaching
methods and innovations" of Thai Duy Tuyen; the works of Le Khanh Bang, Ha Thi Duc, Tran Ba Hoanh;
"Learning and teaching how to learn" by authors Nguyen Canh Toan, Nguyen Ky, Le Khanh Bang, Vu Van
Tao; "Logics and methods of learning & scientific research" by the authors of Doan Van Khai, Nguyen Anh
Tuan and Du Dinh Phuc.
In the military, the works on learning method and fostering learning method for students at military
university typically are: "The orientations for organizing self-study by students at military university" and
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"Self-study method" of Trinh Quang Tu; "The fundamental solutions for fostering self-learning method for
students training officers at Military University" by Mai Van Hoa; "The basic directions of the positive
perceptions of learners in the process of studying the social sciences" of Dang Duc Thang; "Improving the
quality and efficiency of lectures on social sciences and humanities at military university" by Tran Dinh
Tuan; "On the construction of active learning methods in the academies and military schools" by Nguyen
Chinh Trung; "Applying cooperative teaching in teaching social sciences and humanity at military
university" by Phan Van Ty.
In general, the authors of the military have focused on researching innovation of teaching
methods, organizing self-learning activities outside of the classroom, fostering self-study methods.
However, the authors of the military only focus more on researching the process of innovating
teaching methods and self-study process, equipped with self-learning method for students of military
universities in general, there is no works pertaining to study methods and fostering the methods of
learning in accordance with the thought “take self-studying as essence” for students in military
university.
1.3. Researches on Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of self-study

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as the key, there is no author exploiting, researching, especially for students at military university.
Second, regarding the learning method in general, independent learning method in particular in the
world’s history of education. Through researching the argument points, pedagogical ideas, it’s posible to see that
teachers always have a desire to teach his learners the practical knowledge. The fostering of learning method, self-
study in general have not been interested in deep research.
Third, the issue of fostering learning method, self-learning for university students in general and
students in military university. The issues of how (way, measures) to foster the learning method in which the
learners take self-study as essence for students has not received the attention to research from authors, while
practices needs such research. So, fostering learning method in accordance with the thought “take self-study
as essence” for learners requires to become a clear and consistent pedagogical ideology, an objective and
teaching tasks to achieve, not only is a measure to improve the effectiveness of teaching at military
university.
3. Research objective of the thesis topic
To clarify the scientific basis and nature of Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-study as essence” ; launch
the conception and significance of fostering learning method for students in military university in accordance
with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-study as essence”; survey and assess the status to propose
requirements, measures to foster learning methods in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-
study as essence” for students in military university to improve their academic performance, to meet the
requirements of modern teaching and thereby contribute to improving the quality of training military officers
in the new situation.
4. Research content of the thesis
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- Analyze, interpret, clarify the nature of the thoughts “take self-study as essence” by Ho Chi Minh and
the theoretical issues on learning methods and fostering learning methods for students in military university
in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-study as essence”.
- Assess the situation and draw the issues in applying Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-study as
essence” in fostering learning methods for students in military university.
- Define requirements and propose measures to foster learning methods for students in military
university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-study as essence” today.

1.1. Content of Ho Chi Minh’s thought "take self-studying as essence”
1.1.1. Scientific basis of Ho Chi Minh’s thought "take self-studying as essence”
Philosophical basis of Ho Chi Minh’s thought on self-learning is the development philosophy and
the role of human subject in this development process.
Psychological basis of Ho Chi Minh’s thought on self-learning is the conscious activity of people.
Educational basis of the thought on self-learning is the formation and development of human personality.
Practical basis of Ho Chi Minh’s thought on self-learning is right from the practices of rich
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revolutionary activities and self-study of Ho Chi Minh.
Formation occasion of Ho Chi Minh’s thought "take self-studying as essence”
Ho Chi Minh wrote "modification of working style" in October 1947, signed as XYZ to point
out the shortcomings, disadvantages and deviations, reorganize cognitive thought, improve political,
theoretical level, and ethical quality of party members.
1.1.2. The nature of Ho Chi Minh’s thought "take self-studying as essence”
First, Ho Chi Minh requires to take self-studying as essence in learning.
Second, Ho Chi Minh emphasizes the role of collaboration in learning.
Third, Ho Chi Minh points out that self-studying needs the orientation and direction of teachers.
1.2. Conception and pedagogical value of fostering learning method for trainees at military
university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-studying as essence”
1.2.1. The conception of fostering learning method for trainees at military university in accordance
with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-studying as essence”
1.2.1.1. Learning method
Based on the achievements of teaching theory, it’s the concept on learning method as follows:
Learning method is the way, measures to acquire, process, manipulate learning content into practical
activities in the own way of learners.
1.2.1.2. Learning method of students at military university
Learning method of trainees at military university is the active, innovative way, measures for
acquisition, processing, and applying academic content with researching nature in their process of
learning, to improve the quality of learning, meet the goals and training requirements of the school.
1.2.1.3. Learning method in accordance with the thought “take self-studying as essence”

the learners can continue to receive and process information provided by the life of his life by taking self-
learning as a key activity in the process of acquiring knowledge.
To have military officer staff meeting the requirements of building the army in the new period, military
universities need to put into policy the thought “take self-studying as essence” for learners, help learners at
military universities have good methods for self-learning to the lifelong to meet the development of military
career and social & military practices.
Chapter 2
PRACTICAL ISSUES ON FOSTERING
TRAINING METHOD FOR STUDENTS AT MILITARY UNIVERSITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
HO CHI MINH”S THOUGHT "TAKE SELF-STUDYING AS ESSENCE"
2.1. The process of applying Ho Chi Minh's thought’s “taking self-studying as essence” in
teaching and self-study in the military academies and schools
By studying the documentary on educational, training practices at military academies and schools
from its establishment until now, we have generalized fostering learning method for students in the history of
teaching of military schools.
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2.2. Status of learning method, self-study and fostering learning method for learners at military
university today
2.2.1. Features of training at military university
First, training target at military university is combining training according to learning level with
academic training according to positions.
Second, learning activities of students at military university are cognitive activities with the nature of
research.
Third, learning activities of students take place in the conditions that military environment has close
organization.
2.2.2. Status of learning method and fostering learning method for learners at military university
2.2.2.1. An overview of the status survey
* Survey purpose
* Survey content
* Survey subject, location and time

although in the difficult conditions of war, along with universities nationwide, military schools have self-
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reliance, autonomy in staff training, focus on fostering learners the learning ways of autonomy, efforts and
positiveness.
Status of fostering learning method in accordance with Ho Chi Minh's thought “take self-studying as
essence” for students at military university today has created important factual basis to propose measures
accurately, timely and effectively, contributing to improving the quality of education and training of the
army, improve the quality of officer staff in the new situation, contribute to building the revolutionary,
formal, elite and gradually modernized army to meet the requirements of the national defense industry in the
new situation.
Chapter 3
METHODS OF FOSTERING TRAINING METHOD FOR STUDENTS AT MILITARY
UNIVERSITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH HO CHI MINH”S THOUGHT "TAKE SELF-
STUDYING AS ESSENCE"
3.1. Requirements for developing methods of fostering learning method for learners
at military university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-studying as essence”
From the issues drawn by the practice of fostering learning method, self-study for students of military
universities, to foster learning methods for students, military universities need to well implement
requirements when building fostering methods as follows:
- Closely combine the fostering learning methods in accordance with the thought “take self-studying
as essence” for students with innovating teaching methods of teachers;
- The fostering of learning methods in accordance with the thought “take self-studying as essence” for
students is conducted simultaneously with the process of acquiring knowledge, training study skills of
students;
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- The fostering of learning methods in accordance with the thought “take self-studying as essence” for
students must ensure the practical nature to meet objectives of training and practicing learning habits of military
officer in the future.
3.2. Measures to foster learning method for learners at military university in
accordance with Ho Chi Minh’s thought “take self-studying as essence”

- Prepare seminar: Guide skills of self-researching, teamwork, self-questioning, self-figure out to
answer.
- Conducting seminars : Orient ways of teamwork, how to discuss according to the contents assigned.
- End of seminar : Instruct ways of notes, conclusions, research orientation.
Through other forms of teaching:
- Thông qua thực hành thực tập.
- Through practice.
- Thông qua hoạt động ngoại khóa.
- Through extracurricular activities.
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3.2.3. Develop the processes of fostering learning method “take self-studying as essence” for
learners at military university
Develop the processes of fostering learning method in accordance with the thought “take self-studying
as essence” for learners at military university includes a system of the following steps:
Step 1: Sort out and determine the target of fostering learning method accroding to each content and
form of organizing teaching.
Step 2 : Fostering the learning ways for students
Need to focus on design some fostering ways for students in several ways: Focus on attention; positive
observation, analysis, synthesis, regularly review:
Step 3: Fostering learning skills towards "take self-studying as essence" for students in
military university.
Approach according to the theory of modern teaching, learning skills will help learners to imagine and
grasp the ways of independent, autonomy, exploring and creativity learning. Therefore, teachers need to
focus on a number of skills:
Step 4: Guide students to apply academic skills to the reality of learning process.
- Activities in the classroom: Students should closely combine listening to lecture and takeing notes.
- Activities outside the classroom: Students should carefully study discussion guide; review the
prepared content carefully, discuss with their comrades to identify solutions.
Step 5: Verify the results of fostering learning method for students.
First, research findings, treatment of learning content.

PEDAGOGICAL EXPERIMENT
4.1. The common issues of experimentation
4.1.1. Experimental purpose and hypotheses
* Experimental purpose.
* Experimental hypotheses.
4.1.2. Experimental scope, foundation and subjects
* Experimental scope.
* Experimental foundation.
Pedagogical experiment was conducted in 2 units :
- Unit 1: School of Political Officers.
- Unit 2: Infantry officers training college no 1.
These are the two big military universities of Ministry of National Defense specialized in training
commanding officers of Combined Arrms and political commissar of the section level.
* Experimental subject.
- Experimental unit 1: Students at second year (Battalion 3) training at School of Political Officers.
- Experimental unit 2: Students trained as commanding officers of Combined Arrms at third year
(Battalion 13) training at Infantry officers training college no 1.
4.1.3. Experimental force and time
* Experimental force.
* Experimental time.
Experimental duration is from 22 February 2011 to 22 October 2011, divided into 2 periods :
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- Conduct experiments at the unit 1, from 22 February to 20 June 2011.
- Conduct experiments at the unit 2, from June 23 June 2011to 22 October 2011
4.1.4. Experimental content, methods and measurements, evaluation of experimental results
* Experimental content.
In each experimental unit, the thesis author and collaborators conducted the class, seminars, self-study
hours toward fostering learning method in accordance with the thought "take self-study as essence" in the content
of the subject military education under the programme of training officers at section level. We focus on
experiment the innovation of lecturer’s teaching method towards fostering learning method in accordance with the

- Process, analyze experimental results: The experimental results were analyzed both qualitatively and
quantitatively according to 2 criteria were identified.
- Conclusion of experiment.
4.2.2. Analysis of experimental results
4.2.2.1. Analysis of experimental results quantitatively
4.2.2.2. Analysis of experimental results qualitatively
- Qualitative analysis of the progress in the method of learning in accordance with the thought “take
self-study as essence” of students through experiments
- Qualitative analysis on the progress of the learning outcomes of students through experiments.
Conclusion of chapter 4
The experimental results confirmed the positive effects of measures fostering learning methods in
accordance with Ho Chi Minh City’s thought “take self-study as essence” for students at military university
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today. These measures have helped students at military university have clearer and fuller perceptions on the
purpose of fostering learning methods in accordance with the thought “take self-study as essence”, then foster
positive emotion, attitudes toward learning , effective learning skills , help students accomplish learning
tasks and future authorities.
We conduct experiment on the measures proposed in the subject of military education in two experimental
units. The measures for fostering learning method for students at military university in accordance with the
thought “take self-study as essence” implemented in the form of lecture at classroom are suitable with students at
School of Political Officers ( with programs, training content of 55.0 % politics, 45.0 % military ) and students at
Infantry Officer Training College No. 1 ( with programs, training content of 45.0 % politics, 55.0 % military). The
experimental classes have moderate number of students, it favours teachers to use the lecture toward fostering
learning methods in accordance with the thought of taking self-study as essence. During the experimental
process, we also encountered difficulties, but we had expected them and prepared remedies, so the experiment has
obtained good results.
Impacting outcomes of the measures proposed for the form of teaching at classroom with the subject of
military education are fairly stable in both experiments have confirmed the feasibility, effiency, correctness of the
measures to foster learning methods for students in military university in accordance with Ho Chi Minh City’s
thought “take self-study as essence”.