My Ideal Learning Environment
A happy education has a profound impact on the success and future of the younger generation. A happy education program focuses not only on nurturing students’ mental health but also on the integration of emotions, social interactions, and a positive view of oneself and life in general.
For Jaguars, how would you describe a happy learning environment? Dang Tran Khanh Duy (Tommy) from Year 8 shared his thoughts on his ideal learning environment.
“An ideal learning environment is one where there is mutual respect and understanding between teachers and students. That is when teachers actively listen to their students and value their opinions, while students are encouraged to express themselves and share their ideas freely. This kind of atmosphere fosters a sense of community where everyone feels comfortable and supported. Moreover, in that environment, students are motivated to study hard, feel inspired to be creative, and have the freedom to explore their interests. They can take risks in their learning without the fear of making mistakes, knowing that errors are a natural part of the learning process. This open, creative, and encouraging space not only fosters academic growth but also helps students build confidence throughout the year.”
At SISS, Project-based Learning is one of the core teaching methods that encourages students to apply their knowledge more flexibly and proactively. With this method, students will make models and carry out projects on a variety of topics. “I really enjoy making models at SISS. My group mates and I are currently working on a model of the commercial port in Hoi An. We brainstormed ideas together, assigned tasks, and meticulously carried out every detail. Although it is not yet finished, with my knowledge, experience, and skills, the final product will undoubtedly be a work of art. Model-making not only improves my critical thinking and ingenuity but also teaches me the value of teamwork. I’m hoping to get more opportunities to participate in activities like this.”
On the journey to seek knowledge, difficulties, challenges, and hardships often act as “roadblocks” for students to move forward. In those moments, the companionship of teachers and friends is like a “lifesaver”, helping them overcome all difficulties. As Tommy also shared: “When I face a challenge that I am unable to overcome on my own, I frequently seek help from both my teachers and friends. Engaging with my teachers allows me to gain insights into subjects that I struggle to understand on my own. Their expertise and dedicated guidance clarify and deepen my understanding of the concepts being taught. Additionally, I frequently seek support from my friends. They can offer various perspectives on the material and share study techniques that have worked for them. By proactively communicating with teachers and classmates when encountering challenges, we can create a supportive learning environment that improves our ability to grasp information and succeed in our academic pursuits.”
Furthermore, when encountering unpleasant situations, Tommy has many ways to relieve them so that he can regain energy, balance his emotions, and return to his daily work. “Some activities that can help me shake off negative emotions include playing football or immersing myself in high-intensity physical training sessions. Running around the field and kicking the ball around really takes my mind off whatever is bothering me. Being with my friends also lifts my spirits, and the excitement of the match pulls me away from my worries. On days when I need more time to process my emotions, I turn to intense physical training sessions. Pushing myself to my limits not only makes me feel stronger and more focused but also helps clear my mind. By the end of the session, I feel lighter and more ready to take on whatever challenges life throws my way while also working toward self-improvement. Each time I play football or train hard, I transform my tough moments into opportunities for growth and connection.”
Through Tommy’s passionate sharing, we also have a better understanding of SISS’s learning methods, as well as how the citizens of the happy forest motivate each other to grow, learn, and improve to become better versions of themselves.
