Amidst the vast expanse of the Truong Sa archipelago, where living conditions are still lacking and life constantly faces harsh sun and wind, there are still small classrooms where the sounds of spelling lessons resound every day.
Unlike on the mainland, teaching and learning on the islands of the Truong Sa archipelago has its own unique characteristics. The small number of students, uneven age distribution, and limited facilities require teachers to be flexible in their teaching methods.
Over the years, the "multi-in-one" classroom model has proven to be a suitable solution for maintaining education for students on the island.
One classroom, multiple levels
At schools in the Spratly Islands, a classroom may include both preschool children aged 3 to 5 and primary school students from grades 1 to 5.
Each age group has a different curriculum, requiring teachers to both teach effectively and manage time appropriately so that all students have access to the knowledge.
During class, the teacher usually guides one group of students in doing exercises or studying independently, then takes turns teaching another group. Sometimes, while first-grade students are practicing spelling, fourth-grade students on the other side of the classroom are intently solving math problems. Even young kindergarten children are occasionally guided by their teachers in practicing writing, learning the alphabet, or getting acquainted with their first numbers.
Furthermore, teaching in a "multi-level" model requires teachers not only to have expertise but also perseverance, flexibility, and exceptional classroom management skills. Each lesson must be carefully prepared to suit each age group. The teacher acts as both a knowledge transmitter and a manager, guide, and caregiver for students in an environment significantly different from that on the mainland.
According to teacher Cao Van Truyen (born in 1989) from Truong Sa Primary School: "Due to the small number of students in the class, and their diverse age groups, teaching and using appropriate methods still present many challenges. However, despite these difficulties, we, both teachers and students, always strive to overcome them to ensure the best possible teaching and learning."
In particular, despite the lack of learning equipment and teaching materials, the classes on the island always strive to maintain order. Old blackboards, a few simple desks and chairs, and a small library corner with a limited number of books still become places that nurture the dreams of learning for children in this remote island region.
The arduous journey of "spreading knowledge" in the front lines.
Besides the difficulties in teaching conditions, the lives of teachers in Truong Sa also face many challenges. Being away from their families for long periods, lacking basic living conditions, and enduring harsh weather with sun, wind, and sea salt are things that the teachers have to adapt to every day.
In that unique environment, the bond between teachers and students also becomes stronger. For many students on the island, the teacher is not only someone who teaches literacy but also like a family member.
Teacher Luu Quoc Thinh (born in 1970) – Da Tay Primary School – volunteered to work in Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) from mid-2023.
"Because we live far from the mainland and travel is inconvenient, I only go home once a year during the summer holidays, but here we always receive the care of the government and the support and love of our parents."
"In particular, the warm feelings and studious spirit of the students have given us a lot of motivation to confidently carry out the assigned tasks," Mr. Thinh confided.
It is clear that the journey of "spreading knowledge" by teachers in Truong Sa is fraught with difficulties, but their perseverance and love for their profession have contributed to bringing knowledge to children in these remote islands.
From these special classrooms in the middle of the ocean, seeds of knowledge are being nurtured day by day, as a persistent way to affirm that wherever on the S-shaped land of Vietnam, the light of literacy is always present.
Amidst the vast ocean, the small classrooms in Truong Sa still light up every day, the sound of lessons echoing amidst the waves and sea breeze. This is not only a testament to the perseverance of education in the islands but also reflects the spirit of overcoming difficulties and the dedication of the teachers who are silently preserving knowledge in the most remote part of the country.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/lop-ghep-tren-dao-truong-sa-post778226.html
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