Financial education for secondary school student: an analysis of the 2018 general education curriculum and the “Smart consumption” topic (Civic education, grade 9)

Abstract

In the modern world, the rapid development of society, with its continuous and unpredictable changes, has led to new demands being placed on individuals. To enable the younger generation to face and withstand life’s challenges, education is no longer limited to the formation of academic knowledge but is required to help learners connect diverse elements of knowledge, allowing them to adapt to the environment, develop, and act effectively. Financial management is regarded as a particularly important skill. The early formation of such skills enables the younger generation to become wise and confident financial managers, allowing for financial independence, effective money management, and informed financial decision-making, thereby building a stable and successful financial future. Recognizing the importance of financial education, national strategies have been adopted in many countries. In Vietnam, financial education is relatively new and was previously unaddressed in the general education curriculum, leading to a lack of familiarity with financial and financial management concepts among the population. The Ministry of Education and Training has identified financial education in schools as both an urgent and strategic task, incorporating this topic into the 2018 General Education Curriculum, particularly in Civic Education. This article is intended to clarify: 1. The importance of financial education for secondary school students; 2. The content of financial education in the 2018 General Education Curriculum (with a focus on Civic Education); 3. The design and organization of teaching activities for the topic “Smart Consumption” (Civic Education, Grade 9) using a competency-based approach. The research results presented in this article are expected to serve as valuable reference material for Civic Education teachers, supporting the improvement of financial management skills teaching in line with the 2018 General Education Curriculum.