Happy School: Need to go into depth, not stop at slogans

On the morning of November 29, the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City held a conference to review one year of implementing the happy school model.

A happy class of students at Nguyen Van To Secondary School, District 10 - Photo: NHU HUNG

At the conference, the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City proposed key solutions to continue building happy schools in the coming time.

Pioneering, methodical

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, assessed that Ho Chi Minh City is the first locality in the country to systematically implement the construction of happy schools. Following Ho Chi Minh City, many other provinces and cities have also put forward specific plans to implement this model.

"Over the past year, the construction and implementation of the happy school model has created positive changes, not only in the awareness of staff and teachers but also strongly spreading to students and parents. Many schools in Ho Chi Minh City are not only places to impart knowledge and skills, but have gradually become truly happy "second homes".

"Here, each student is respected for their differences, feels the love and sharing from friends and teachers, and is nurtured in their physical and mental health. Here, every day at school is a happy day - not only for students but also for the school's staff, employees, and teachers," said Mr. Phuc.

However, Mr. Phuc also admitted: "Happy school is a very special content, very good but also very difficult to implement. The criteria must be implemented in a systematic way, avoiding the situation of implementing it in a formal way or evaluating it in an administrative way.

Over the past year, Ho Chi Minh City has done this very well, demonstrated through the seriousness and substance in the implementation. I suggest that the city continue to promote that spirit, ensuring that happy schools do not stop at slogans but really go into depth and bring practical results."

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, speaking at the conference to review 1 year of implementing the happy school model - Photo: NHU HUNG

Training for teachers on emotional management

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, after one year of implementing the happy school model, the department has identified solutions to continue to bring this model into depth in the coming time.

Solutions include: Creating a friendly and modern learning space, in which schools will develop "happy corners" such as relaxation areas, art creation corners and green spaces for students to have a place to balance their emotions; Expanding sports areas, libraries, and functional classrooms; Organizing "Happiness Festivals" for teachers, students and parents to participate in meaningful activities such as writing thank you letters and sharing positive stories; Organizing seminars and workshops on practicing life values, helping students and teachers understand more deeply about gratitude, love and responsibility...

"In addition, the Ho Chi Minh City education sector will organize training courses for teachers on emotional management, positive pedagogical behavior and early detection of student psychological problems; Implement the program "Happy and Healthy Teachers" with activities to take care of teachers' mental health.

In addition, educational institutions will also carry out many activities to accompany parents such as: Workshops to share parenting skills in the new era; Promoting the "Family Accompanying" model where parents are invited to participate in activities with schools to build cohesion, understanding, and close coordination in the process of educating students.

At the same time, the department also identified the task of promoting technology and innovating management processes; Allocating the budget effectively, prioritizing activities that directly bring happiness to students and teachers" - Mr. Hieu shared.

Leaders of the Ministry and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education awarded certificates of merit and "happy trees" to schools that have successfully implemented the happy school model. These include Nguyen Binh Khiem Primary School, District 1, Go Vap Secondary School, Go Vap District;... - Photo: NHU HUNG

What is the basis for building a happy school?

From referring to the UNESCO Happy School model with 22 criteria, from seminars, conferences and opinions sent to the advisory department, based on the actual situation, the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City has built a set of Happy School criteria with 18 criteria divided into 3 groups of standards.

The criteria are based on a survey of teachers and students' feelings at the school. Each criterion is evaluated into 3 levels: Needs improvement, Fair, Good. Because happiness is a process, perceived, evaluated by the attitude, emotions and joy of going to school from teachers and students.

The Happy School Criteria have been deployed for kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, high schools, non-public educational institutions, continuing education centers, vocational education - continuing education centers, colleges and intermediate schools implementing continuing education programs at high school level in Ho Chi Minh City from 2023.

Based on the set of criteria, schools self-assess their own level of achievement. Which indicators have been well implemented need to be maintained, which indicators have not been achieved well need to set goals and directions to improve the level and quality so that the school can be truly happy.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/truong-hoc-hanh-phuc-can-di-vao-chieu-sau-khong-dung-lai-o-khau-hieu-20241129132450383.htm