NHG educational system and "service-learning" model

Online learning in social distancing seems to be a "golden time" to learn and serve the community. NHG students implemented many community projects and innovative technology applications such as producing bilingual videos to propagate against Covid-19 epidemic, introducing Vietnam’s traditional culture to international friends via Skype, preparing and distributing hand sanitizers, gauze masks, rescuing agricultural products via social networks, etc.

The special thing about online teaching at the International Schools of North America (SNA) is that the school does not use the “same formula" for all levels, each level applied a different online teaching method to make sure students can achieve the best result.

“Implementing online learning method has been the policy of Nguyen Hoang Group (NHG) for many years. As a result, although the epidemic came suddenly, all schools in the system could quickly switch to teaching and training 100% online”, said Dr. Vu Thi Phuong Anh, Director of NHG Education

Quality Assurance Council. The online teaching and learning have been implemented instantly, synchronously and drastically in order to support the spirit of "temporarily stop going to school but not stop learning".

 
Teachers and students of UKA Binh Thanh performed “hand-washing” dance to the song "Corona", composed by Mr. Hoang Bac Dong, teacher of UKA Binh Thanh. The performance was broadcasted in “Teenager Said” show on VTV3 and quickly became popular on social networks.

"Service-learning" model

For K-12 schools in the NHG system (iSchool International Integration School, UK Academy International Bilingual School, International Schools of North America SNA), the advantages of service-learning model became more evident during the implementation of 100% e-learning training.

According to Master Huynh Van Tiet, Director of iSchool Saigon South’s Program, the service-learning model is integrated with the project-based learning method. Service-learning is a method of teaching and learning with combination of community service activities, under teachers’ guidance and through learners' reflection. Thus, students have the opportunity to experience reality, train themselves and show responsibility to the community.

Joining hands with the community to prevent Covid-19, under the guidance of teachers, students of grade 10, iSchool Ha Tinh successfully prepared nano silver dry hand sanitizer which is qualified with standard of the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Through learning activities, students know how to apply knowledge into solving specific practical situations and problems at local areas, community and society. In addition, students can develop comprehensive skills such as teamwork, problem solving, creative thinking, etc.”, Master Huynh Van Tiet shared.
Dr. Phuong Anh stated that the three elements reflecting service-learning model include: aiming at educational goals, learning methods based on practical experience, improving problem-solving skills, coping with risks and serving the community where family, friends or interactions between people also belong to. Besides, the conditions for implementation include cooperation and combination of 4 subjects: school, teacher, student and the receiving community.

 
With a desire that Covid-19 epidemic will be quickly repelled, Phan Nguyen An Binh - student of class 4A1, iSchool Ha Tinh made a bilingual video to propagate about prevention and control over Covid-19.

Social-distancing connects hearts

“Service-learning model clearly reflects the Human education philosophy of NHG educational system, that is: all for human, human is the root of education. Student is at the center but also is aware of others, respects and serves the community, especially at the age of high school when learning to be human is important. The epidemic prevents them from attending classes but is also the optimal condition for implementing service-learning model, when they have time and space to observe, explore, learn and detect problems that need to be solved around them", Dr. Phuong Anh said.

 
iSchool Ha Tinh opened a place selling watermelon in order to help Vietnamese agricultural products which are not exported and have low price. The school received positive support from parents and volunteer organizations.

Dr. Phuong Anh emphasized that the strength of online learning method in NHG education system is the interaction and close cooperation between teachers and students, parents and schools. Students not only develop their critical thinking and knowledge, but also foster community awareness, problem-solving capacity and society-serving spirit.

In the curriculum of the NHG system, we always focus on the comprehensive development of knowledge and skills, especially skillset to utilize information technology in the new era. Right from the beginning of primary school, students take ICT class intensively which helps them to apply information technology proficiently in learning.

Each teacher in NHG system is provided with a Microsoft Office 365 account to use in professional work, in daily teaching. Every year, schools and NHG always have training courses to help teachers use the online toolkit effectively. Therefore, teachers and students of NHG system have few difficulties when using online toolkit in teaching and learning.

 
iSchool Quang Tri continues online teaching seriously and effectively. Over the past school year, iSchool Quang Tri implemented many learning projects: "Image of Vietnamese women - from books to life"; "Experiences and explanations about plant species"; "Introduction of Quang Tri folklore to Yen Bai via Skype"; "Introducing the cultural beauty of Vietnamese traditional Tet holiday to international friends through Skype" (connecting with 37 classes - educators of 18 countries in the world); the "White Pollution - Situation and Solutions" project; etc.

According to UNESCO, learning has four purposes: learning to know, learning to do, learning to assert ourselves and learning to live together. It means that the ultimate goal of learning must make a better life around us, a better community around us. This is the civic responsibility that every educational system aims to, including NHG educational system.

BRANDING AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT