Vietnam: What does constitutional monarchy mean? Which countries currently follow a constitutional monarchy? What is the minimum teaching equipment for the History and Geography subjects at the lower secondary level?

What does constitutional monarchy mean? Which countries currently follow a constitutional monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy is a political system where the king or royal family acts as a symbolic head of state, while actual power belongs to democratic institutions such as the parliament and the government. Features of this system include:

- Power limited by the Constitution: The king does not have absolute rule; all powers are delineated by the Constitution.

- Government managed by elected representatives: The country's executive power is held by the prime minister and the cabinet, who are elected or appointed through a democratic process.

- Symbolic nature: The king or royal family typically serves as a national representative, participates in important ceremonies, promotes unity, and maintains cultural traditions.

* The countries currently following a constitutional monarchy are as follows:

(1) United Kingdom

- Current monarch: King Charles III.

- Political system: Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, led by the prime minister heading the government.

(2) Japan

- Current Emperor: Naruhito.

- The Japanese parliament plays a central role, with the prime minister as the head of government.

(3) Thailand

- Current King: Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).

- The Thai parliament and prime minister manage all political activities.

(4) Sweden

- Current King: Carl XVI Gustaf.

- The parliament and the prime minister are responsible for government administration.

(5) Norway

- Current King: Harald V.

- The government is led by the prime minister and the parliament.

(6) Denmark

- Current Queen: Margrethe II.

- The parliament (Folketinget) holds legislative and executive powers.

(7) Netherlands

- Current King: Willem-Alexander.

- The parliament (Staten-Generaal) bears main responsibility for political activities.

(8) Canada, Australia, New Zealand (Commonwealth)

- King Charles III is the head of state, but these countries have self-governing governments led by a prime minister.

What does constitutional monarchy mean? Which countries currently follow a constitutional monarchy?? (Image from the Internet)

What are the perspectives on developing the History and Geography curricula at the lower secondary level in Vietnam?

Under Section II of the General education program in History and Geography at the lower secondary level, issued together with Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDDT, the perspectives on developing the History and Geography curricula at the lower secondary level in Vietnam are as follows:

The History and Geography curricula at the lower secondary level adhere to the regulations of the overall program while emphasizing several perspectives:

- The curriculum aims to form and develop scientific thinking in students, viewing the world as an integrated whole in both spatial and temporal dimensions based on basic knowledge and learning tools for research in history and geography; from there, develop specific and common competencies, particularly the ability to apply knowledge and skills practically and creatively.

- The curriculum inherits and promotes the strengths of History and Geography subjects in the current general education program and incorporates the experience of developing subject curricula from advanced countries worldwide. The subject content ensures equipping students with foundational, comprehensive, and scientific knowledge; suitable for the psychological and cognitive characteristics of students, taking into account the teaching conditions of Vietnamese schools.

- History education content is designed chronologically, from prehistoric to ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary times; with integration of world history, regional history, and Vietnam's history in each period. The Geography content flows from general geography to regional geography, and finally Vietnam's geography. The focus is on selecting topics and connecting knowledge and skills to form and develop competencies in students while highlighting the scientific traits of history and geography.

- The curriculum emphasizes the use of active teaching methods, highlighting the use of teaching media, diversifying teaching forms, and assessing educational outcomes to form and develop qualities and competencies in students.

- The curriculum ensures continuity with the History and Geography curricula at the primary level and with the History and Geography curricula at the upper secondary level; it establishes a coherent connection between classes, educational levels, and subjects, as well as with the activities of the general education program.

- The curriculum is open, allowing for flexible implementation depending on local conditions and student groups (students in difficult areas, students needing special support, etc.).

What is the minimum teaching equipment for the History and Geography subjects at the lower secondary level in Vietnam?

According to Section VIII of the General education program in History and Geography at the lower secondary level, issued with Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDDT, the minimum teaching equipment for these subjects includes:

- Wall maps for educational purposes (world, regional, and Vietnam maps) suitable for each class theme and students' cognitive traits;

- General natural geography atlases, continental geography atlases, Vietnam geography atlases, and history map collections;

- Models of artifacts, historical paintings, photos, audio recordings of historical figures' speeches, etc.;

- Samples of natural specimens;

- Printed images on paper, digital static and dynamic images, charts, maps, video clips edited for educational purposes, appropriate for each theme's content;

- Study sheets with various historical sources; worksheets (maps, charts, graphs, diagrams);

- Common observational tools for natural studies (compass, thermometer, hygrometer, barometer);

- Some practical and field tools;

- Digital libraries containing History and Geography teaching resources;

- Teaching software.

In localities with favorable conditions, subject rooms should be organized.

The primary purpose of using teaching equipment is to provide technical and material support for organizing learning activities, enabling students to actively and creatively explore historical and geographical knowledge.