Reading is the shortest way to help pupils and students accumulate knowledge from basic to advanced in all fields. Developing a reading culture aims to maintain the habit of reading and contribute to promoting the lifelong learning movement in schools and the community.

The programme “Viet Nam Book Day” themed “School Reading Culture” at the University of Science and Education - the University of Da Nang attracted many students. Photo: DOAN HAO LUONG

Building a widespread reading culture space

Most universities across Da Nang have invested in a relatively synchronous and modern system of reading rooms and libraries. In order to create a habit of daily contact with new knowledge through books and newspapers, schools and universities have focused on building a reading culture space.

Ms. Vu Thi An, Deputy Director of the Da Nang General Science Library, said that many schools have practical solutions to promote reading culture among pupils and students, especially developing and innovating the school library system, and at the same time organising book-related events to honour the value of books and spread reading culture in schools.

A typical example is the “Viet Nam Book Day” with the theme “School Reading Culture” organised by the University of Science and Education - the University of Da Nang in collaboration with the Da Nang General Science Library on the occasion of Viet Nam Teachers’ Day (November 20).

The event attracted many students from universities citywide to participate in many useful activities such as exchange activities between readers and culturalists, scientists, writers and leading experts; debate contest “The Book I love”; a talkshow themed “Students with reading culture in the 4.0 era”; the launching of a movement to support books and give books, issue free library cards, the art of arranging books, and introduction of the author - Bui Giang’s work and talk about “Musician Phan Huynh Dieu uses books as a torch to enter the dark world of music”.

The abovementioned activities help students discover new books, good books and interact with authors and book lovers.

“Reading culture will help students and lecturers have the ability to orient information; have the skills to search, select, exploit and use information scientifically; have effective reading methods; and have the skills to receive and apply the knowledge they have read into practice, thereby meeting the requirements of self-study and self-research. Reading culture plays an important role in building the personality of Vietnamese people, especially the young generation in terms of ideals, intelligence, ethics, lifestyle, physical strength, national pride, social responsibility and awareness of law compliance”, Ms. An emphasised.

Developing thinking and creativity

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Book and Youth Club, Nguyen Thi Thanh Tien, a student of class 23STH5 from Faculty of Primary Education at the University of Science and Education, said that through programmes and competitions, reading culture has been formed and gradually become a habit among students.

Many students have understood the importance of reading and become more interested in reading, thereby spreading the love of reading to other students, creating a vibrant reading movement.

“For students in general and students of the University of Science and Education in particular, reading culture plays an important role in promoting the research process and knowledge acquisition in both time and method. Reading culture supports scientific research, helps students self-study, develop thinking and creativity, practice learning skills and independence in the learning process. Through reading, students are equipped with a lot of useful knowledge, broaden their vision, have steadfastness and stability in perception and action. Thoughts and emotions are also cultivated, thanks to which they live with more ideals and goals”, Thanh Tien shared.

Regarding the importance of books for pedagogical students, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Minh, Principal of the University of Science and Education, said that reading culture and books are very important factors for the society. Over the past time, the university has persistently aimed at spreading reading culture, especially paying attention to books. Up to now, in addition to the library, there are books in the water rooms and bookcases. The university's goal is to continue spreading them to the lecture halls.

"We are interest of books because among teachers, students, and learners, books are not only textbooks and reference materials but also literary works, works of art, and other reference books that enrich knowledge and make the soul more beautiful. They will spread to millions of people because most of the university students will later become teachers and administrators. Our current mission is to create and disseminate knowledge in three fields including natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, and educational sciences” Associate Professor, Dr. Vo Van Minh emphasised.

Reporting by DOAN HAO LUONG - Translating by M.DUNG