Urgent need to innovate specialized school model

GD&TĐ - Specialized schools and gifted schools have affirmed their role as "cradles" of training talents for the country for many decades.

However, model innovation is an urgent requirement for specialized schools today, in order to fulfill the mission of nurturing national talent in the new context.

Why innovation?

Answering the question "Why must the specialized school model be innovated?", Mr. Nguyen Quoc Phong - Principal of Nguyen Thien Thanh High School for the Gifted ( Vinh Long ) said that the context of globalization and the 4.0 technology revolution requires high-quality human resources, especially in the fields of STEM/STEAM.

The current model of specialized schools still focuses heavily on exam preparation, lacking creativity and research orientation. Diligent students develop more comprehensively, not only in knowledge but also in thinking, skills, qualities and innovative capacity. The number of specialized STEM/STEAM classes is still limited, not meeting the practical needs and potential of students.

Proposing some innovative directions from management experience at specialized high schools, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Phong first emphasized the innovation of training programs with the construction of specialized programs with a research orientation, integrating STEM/STEAM; enhancing project teaching, learning through experience, learning through problem solving. At the same time, developing digital and AI capacity through organizing specialized classes in Information Technology, Data Science , Robotics, Creative Programming; connecting with universities and technology enterprises so that students can access practical experience.

Expand specialized classes based on ability; flexible admission, not only based on exam scores but also on capacity profiles and interviews. In particular, it is necessary to innovate school governance by applying an academic governance model, granting professional autonomy to subject groups; strengthening international cooperation, inviting foreign experts to teach and exchange.

According to Mr. Ngo Thanh Xuan - Principal of Lao Cai High School for the Gifted (Lao Cai), specialized schools and gifted schools have affirmed their role as "cradles" of training talents for the country for many decades.

However, the new context requires model innovation. The previous specialized school system focused heavily on basic science subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Information Technology, Literature, History, Geography, Foreign Languages). This is still necessary but not enough. Without expanding new specialized blocks or new educational methods such as STEM/STEAM, it will be difficult to keep up with the demand for human resources for innovation and national development.

From management and teaching practices, Mr. Ngo Thanh Xuan believes that innovation is needed in three directions:

Firstly, diversify the specialized class model. In addition to traditional subjects, boldly introduce new knowledge areas such as: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Earth Science - Environment, Engineering - Technology, specializing in Creative Arts (Design, Media, Music) ... into the curriculum, especially necessary subjects such as AI. Even consider new subjects.

Second, connecting research - training - businesses. Schools do not stop at teaching but must become miniature research environments. Students can participate in scientific projects, labs, makerspaces, and cooperate with research institutes, universities, and technology businesses.

Third, innovate training methods. Accordingly, shift from “learning to take exams” to “learning to create”, develop comprehensive capacity, especially critical thinking, problem-solving ability, teamwork, digital skills and foreign language ability.

Photo illustration INT.

To help specialized schools fulfill their new mission

In order for the specialized school model to fulfill its new mission, Mr. Ngo Thanh Xuan emphasized that the first thing is to have a specific mechanism and policy. Specifically, the State needs to have a recruitment mechanism and appropriate remuneration for specialized school teachers, allowing for more flexible pilot programs, methods and international cooperation.

Along with that, specialized schools are invested in modern facilities; labs, STEM/STEAM centers, digital libraries, lecture studios, makerspaces must be synchronized and on par with the region. Build an ecosystem for talent development with a network connecting specialized schools - universities - research institutes - businesses - alumni so that students have an environment to experience, create, and start a business. Along with that, specialized school students are not only nurtured in 3 years of high school but also need a continuation mechanism at university and graduate level so as not to waste talent.

Sharing many similar views, Mr. Le Van Luc - Principal of Nguyen Trai High School for the Gifted (Hai Phong) hopes that the State needs to have a specific mechanism for specialized schools: regarding finance, personnel, training programs, policies to attract and reward good teachers, invite university lecturers and foreign experts to participate. Build a network of specialized schools nationwide to connect, share resources, and create an ecosystem to develop talents.

To the Ministry of Education and Training, Mr. Le Van Luc proposed to soon issue an innovative curriculum framework for specialized schools, focusing on STEM/STEAM, creativity, soft skills and global citizenship qualities. Localities need to pay attention and invest more in facilities; at the same time, create conditions for specialized school students to participate in many experiential activities, internships and research at science centers and technology enterprises.

In order for specialized schools and gifted schools to innovate their models, focus on nurturing national talents, and expand specialized STEM/STEAM classes, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Phong proposed that the Ministry of Education and Training issue a framework for specialized STEM/STEAM programs for specialized schools; have a flexible enrollment mechanism, allowing specialized schools to organize their own entrance exams based on ability.

“I hope that the competent authorities will invest in building a multi-purpose gymnasium, a STEAM lab, a student research center; prioritize modern facilities, digital connections, digital libraries, and smart classrooms. Have policies to attract good teachers, experts, and international volunteers to teach at specialized schools; increase allowances and support postgraduate training for specialized school teachers.

“Establish a national scholarship fund to support disadvantaged students; add more playgrounds for learners, such as organizing academic summer camps, international exchange programs, and science and technology innovation competitions,” Mr. Nguyen Quoc Phong added.

Resolution 281/NQ-CP of the Government promulgating the Action Program to implement Resolution 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training development assigned the Ministry of Education and Training to preside over and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to amend and supplement regulations on the organization and operation of specialized schools and gifted schools to focus on nurturing national talents, expanding specialized STEM/STEAM classes; building a long-term strategic talent discovery, training, fostering and utilization program for the country...

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/yeu-cau-cap-thiet-doi-moi-mo-hinh-truong-chuyen-post748739.html