08:09, 16/09/2022

Hands-on and experiential activities focused

Hands-on learning activities at primary schools and experiential and vocational training at high schools are compulsory from the first to the twelfth grades...

Hands-on learning activities at primary schools and experiential and vocational training at high schools are compulsory from the first to the twelfth grades.


Flexible content


The hands-on learning and experiential and vocational training activities have 2 stages: basic (primary and junior high schools) and work skill building (senior high schools). Experiential training focuses on learning about the surroundings, personal development and relationship building with friends, teachers, family members and knowledge about common jobs (primary schools); social activities towards natural environment, personal development and career planning (junior high schools); activities towards personal development and social and natural environments with ability assessment for career orientation (senior high schools).

 

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Pham Van Dong High School students (Nha Trang City) experience fire prevention and control.


In addition, local education about basic issues about culture, economics, society, environments, career orientation and so on is integrated in experiential learning held via flag activities, class meetings, themed activities and clubs inside and outside school. The educational program is flexible in contents, teaching methods and  schedules provided educational goals are met. The experience activities include visits to traditional craft villages, learning about historical relics, participation in English competitions and exchange; social activities to help revolutionaries and those in need.


Experiential activities focused


"In the new curricula, hands-on activities are integrated in class meetings and extracurricular activities, helping kids gain teamwork skills and become more confident. However, experiential activities were limited mostly to theoretical learning due to Covid-19 in the last 2 years. The new curricula have been applied at primary schools for the third year in the 2022 – 2023. The school will boost experience activities for students this school year," said Nguyen Thi Hoa, Principal of Dien Khanh Town 1 Primary School in Dien Khanh District.

 

According to Le Dinh Thuan, Vice-Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Education & Training, Khanh Hoa Department of Education & Training, experiential activities play an important role, benefiting both learners and teachers. The experience helps students to make progress, widen knowledge through practical activities, develop soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication and presentation skills. Students feel more excited and motivated with diverse learning methods. Teachers are also more inspired with new teaching methods and in vibrant learning environments.


However, there are some challenges due to limited funding; much time and labor required; difficulties in finding  suitable places for experiential activities, especially in remote areas. Therefore, Khanh Hoa Department of Education & Training has requested schools to have appropriate experiential activities, and enhance cooperation with students’ parents and localities; relevant individuals and organizations to organize experiential activities inside and outside school. Khanh Hoa Department of Education & Training will boost supervision and inspection of hands-on and experiential activities.


H.Ngan
Translated by N.T