Journey "Child-centered" - Lang Son Newspaper and Radio and Television Station

Class time of teachers and students at Binh Phuc Kindergarten, Van Quan district

The theme "Building child-centered preschools" was launched by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) in 2016. In Lang Son, the theme was implemented from the 2016-2017 school year and is now entering phase 2 (2021-2025), focusing on replicating model models and improving implementation quality. By the end of the 2024-2025 school year, the whole province has 79 pilot preschools, including 22 provincial-level schools and 57 district-level schools, an increase of 35 schools compared to the previous phase. The selection of pilot units is carried out on the basis of practical surveys, ensuring representation of both favorable and disadvantaged areas. At the same time, the Department identifies child-centeredness as a core requirement in reforming preschool education. From there, the direction is not spread out but focuses on schools with the potential to be pilot models to create a spreading nucleus.

From that direction, investment in facilities at key schools has received special attention. In addition to prioritizing the allocation of resources from the state budget, schools are also given favorable conditions to mobilize socialization, improve the landscape, and build a friendly, green - clean - beautifuleducational environment. Many schools have effectively utilized available space, combined local materials to make toys, and designed creative experience corners. Some typical units such as Chi Lang Kindergarten (Chi Lang), Hoa Huong Duong (Lang Son city), Tan Van (Binh Gia) ... have proactively advised and mobilized parents and the community to participate in building facilities, gradually meeting the criteria of the phase 2 topic.

In many schools, the classroom space is designed to be flexible and child-friendly. For example, Chi Lang Kindergarten (Chi Lang District), one of the typical models, has built a learning space divided into three areas: learning materials area, experience area and product display area. Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, Vice Principal of the school, shared: “Organizing such a space helps children freely explore , create, develop their imagination and independence from a very early age. It is the open, friendly environment that promotes the spirit of cooperation and joy of going to school every day.”

Results at 79 key schools showed that the rate of children attending class and the rate of children meeting comprehensive development requirements were both above 99%; 100% of children were safely cared for, and no serious incidents occurred. The teaching staff performed well in capacity-based assessment, knowing how to adjust plans based on the abilities and emotions of each child. The child-centered educational mindset was gradually realized in teaching practice.

Along with investment in facilities, training for teachers at provincial-level key schools has also been systematically implemented. During the 2021-2025 period, the Department of Education and Training organized 24 specialized training courses for managers and teachers from provincial-level key schools. In addition, the sector also organized 8 specialized seminars, 1 two-year review seminar and 15 training courses to improve the capacity to implement the topic at key units. The training contents focused on building educational plans, organizing integrated activities, assessing children's development, inclusive education and enhancing Vietnamese for ethnic minority children. In-depth training has contributed to raising awareness and pedagogical practice skills for teachers at key schools, creating a solid foundation for promoting the effectiveness of the topic in practice.

Thanks to regular training, the teaching staff at key schools have become more proactive and flexible in innovating teaching methods. Teachers are no longer bound by standard lesson plans but have created many learning activities through play, enhancing experiences, encouraging children to express their emotions and develop personal skills. Schools organize a variety of activities such as: "Friendly Meals", "Ring the Golden Bell", "Children Love Vietnamese", English exchange days..., creating a vibrant competitive atmosphere, connecting teachers - children - parents.

A highlight in the implementation of the project is the promotion of digital transformation. To date, 100% of key schools have used school management software, electronic records, electronic lesson plans, and parent-teacher data connection via QR codes and social networking platforms.

In addition, the coordination between schools, families and communities at key schools is increasingly effective. Parents not only support with materials and working days, but also directly participate in making teaching aids, renovating the landscape, and supporting the organization of experiential activities. Through Zalo groups and classroom Facebook, parents are updated with teaching plans, advice on diet and lifestyle, creating a close and positive two-way information link between teachers and parents.

Results at 79 key schools showed that the rate of children attending class and the rate of children meeting comprehensive development requirements were both above 99%; 100% of children were safely cared for, and no serious incidents occurred. The teaching staff performed well in capacity-based assessment, knowing how to adjust plans based on the abilities and emotions of each child. The child-centered educational mindset was gradually realized in teaching practice.

Promoting the achieved results, the provincial education sector determined that "taking children as the center" continues to be the consistent orientation in the innovation of preschool education. According to Ms. Nguyen Ngoc, Deputy Head of the Preschool - Primary Education Department, Department of Education and Training: "The theme is no longer a slogan but has permeated the thinking and pedagogical actions of the teaching staff. Through each school year, the awareness of cadres and teachers about taking children as the center is increasingly clear; practice is increasingly flexible and close to reality". In the coming period, the department will advise the department to continue to replicate effective models, integrate the theme content with the new preschool education program, increase investment in facilities, foster the capacity of the team, promote the coordination role of parents and the community.

It can be said that 5 years is not a long journey but enough to affirm the correctness, effectiveness and strong influence of the "child-centered" approach. The 79 key schools of the province have not only created a positive learning environment but also become the nucleus, creating a solid foundation for the process of innovation in preschool education throughout the province in the coming time.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/lay-tre-lam-trung-tam-5-nam-nhin-lai-5047143.html