Ho Chi Minh City Accelerates Educational Integration – Final Part: The Sweet Fruits of Innovation

Ho Chi Minh City is demonstrating remarkable progress in integrating its education system, reaping the rewards of its innovative approaches and open policies. This transformation is evident in the evolving mindset of educators and the increased dynamism and confidence of students, supported by a growing network of international collaborations.

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From the existing foundation and the 'open' mechanism, Ho Chi Minh City is reaping sweet fruits in the journey of educational integration.

A prime example of this innovative spirit is the project-based learning model implemented at Le Quy Don High School. Students are not just passively receiving information; they are actively creating and presenting impressive projects, such as the " mũi tàu Tổ quốc" (Ship's Bow of the Fatherland) initiative. This interdisciplinary project, involving subjects like history, national defense, foreign languages, and sciences, equips students with comprehensive knowledge of Vietnam's seas and islands. They conduct field trips, research natural environments, historical significance, sovereignty, and economic potential, culminating in proposals for marine resource protection, sovereignty preservation, and sustainable marine economic development.

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We can see a generation of teachers with innovative thinking, dynamic and confident students, and an increasingly broad international cooperation network creating a new look for the education and training sector of the city named after Uncle Ho.

The creativity extends beyond traditional academic outputs. Students are producing English-language posters, brochures, and videos to promote Vietnam's islands and maritime sovereignty. They are composing and performing rap songs celebrating the seas and the Vietnamese navy, and developing chatbots to provide information on international maritime law and sovereignty. Some even design and showcase eco-friendly paper fashion shows themed around maritime sovereignty and cultural characteristics of coastal regions.

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Depending on the curriculum of each grade and subject, subject teachers will provide basic knowledge within the scope of the project to the students. They have field trips to Khanh Hoa. Based on knowledge of nature, environment, history, sea and island sovereignty, biological resources, economic and tourism potential..., students propose solutions to protect marine resources, preserve sovereignty, and develop sustainably...

This hands-on approach, where teachers act as advisors rather than instructors, fosters essential skills such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Student leaders like Duong Minh Phi Long from Le Quy Don High School highlight the invaluable experience gained from coordinating such large-scale projects, learning to navigate disagreements, listen to diverse opinions, and communicate effectively. This educational philosophy is not just about imparting knowledge but about cultivating well-rounded, capable individuals ready to contribute to the nation's development, particularly in safeguarding and developing its vital maritime territories.

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The 'Ship's Bow of the Fatherland' project has the participation of all students in all three grades 10, 11, and 12.