Community unites to expand free open class model

With the rapid development of society and globalization, especially with the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, students will need guidance, direction, and inspiration to build self-study habits, which help them comprehensively develop knowledge and soft skills. As a result, the demand for access to “open” and free education in Vietnam is increasing. Whether in remote areas or major cities, students aspire to a high-quality learning environment without financial barriers. Free learning models, such as Open Class of Khan Academy Vietnam (KAV), are playing a more and more important role in helping students develop key competencies aligned with Vietnam’s 2018 General Education Curriculum. These include self-directed learning, communication and collaboration, problem-solving and creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy.

The Guided Self-Learning Model is Spreading in the Community

The guided self-learning model fosters students’ initiative and ability to explore knowledge independently with teacher support. In KAV’s Open Class, teachers act as facilitators, guiding students toward suitable learning methods throughout their journey. Students are encouraged to use the Khan Academy platform to explore lessons, ask questions, and join online sessions with teachers for discussion and clarification. This approach helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, students can independently review lessons, track their progress, and plan their learning based on their capabilities.

Ms. Nguyen Pham's free English Open Class has been warmly received by many Vietnamese students.

KAV Open Classes offer various courses, from Math and English to digital skills such as Internet Safety and Programming. This diversity helps students strengthen their academic foundation and nurtures interdisciplinary thinking, enabling them to master technology and develop digital competencies for global integration. Pham Gia Huy, an 8th-grade student at Phan Đinh Giot Secondary School (Hanoi), proudly shared his experience after participating in two Open Classes—“Programming 101” and “50 Hours of Coding with Azota Experts”: “Thanks to the code snippets guided by my teachers, I was able to create my own game and let my friends try it. They were all excited and said it was fun to play.” Huy became more motivated as he continued learning, transforming his interest in programming into a true passion and committing himself to serious study to pursue his dream.

More Than Just Guiding, It’s Inspiration

Currently, the KAV Open Class model has hosted over 50 classes for elementary to high school students. It has become an inspiring educational hub where anyone with enthusiasm can start an online community class—completely free of charge. These classes bring together programming experts, teachers living abroad, university students from top institutions, and young learners across Vietnam.

Take the story of Ms. Nguyen Pham, a teacher residing in California, USA. Through KAV Open Class, she has fulfilled her dream of contributing to the education of young Vietnamese students, fostering a borderless learning journey. Her classes have inspired students nationwide to develop a love for English.

Beyond individual efforts, the KAV Open Class has also become a bridge connecting young people inside and outside Vietnam with local students. Regardless of distance, which can be halfway around the Earth, many young people still attempt to support Vietnamese students. Nguyen Quy Khanh Duy, a software engineer in the U.S. and a STEM class volunteer at KAV, shared: “When I help students understand a concept and apply it to their exercises, I can see their enthusiasm grow. They become more curious and eager to explore new knowledge.” Similarly, Nguyen Vo My An, a student in Singapore, expressed: “I’m really happy to know that my work has a positive and meaningful impact on many students.”

Not only do young professionals abroad participate, but in Vietnam, many groups of teachers, university students, and high schoolers are also actively expanding the KAV Open Class model. Driven by a passion for providing access to international-standard learning resources, Phan Minh Duc - Road to Olympia 2010 champion - launched open SAT prep courses with his team at Future Me after studying in Australia. “This class is unique because it requires no long-term commitment or fees. While it's called a class, I don’t strictly dictate the curriculum. Instead, students play a role in deciding what is best for them,” Duc shared.

Mr. Phan Minh Duc and the Future Me team discuss the learning roadmap for the Open Class on the Khan Academy platform.

More than just knowledge, what Mr. Duc aspires is inspiration—helping each student recognize their potential, dare to dream, and persistently pursue their passion through education. Tran Trung Kien, second Road to Olympia 2024 runner-up, was once a student in Mr. Duc’s SAT class. That experience inspired him to continue spreading educational values by launching the “Grade 4 Math Support” class, where he directly guides younger students and nurtures their love for mathematics.

The KAV Open Class model is rapidly expanding, providing free learning opportunities for students and motivating more teachers and volunteers to join the movement for community education. Additionally, integrating educational technology, such as Khan Academy, enables students to access knowledge anytime, anywhere while supporting teachers in organizing online classes flexibly and effectively. This model can be implemented in many regions, especially in areas where educational resources are still limited.

When every student has the opportunity to learn and every teacher is ready to inspire, education becomes a journey of spreading knowledge and cultivating a generation of proactive, creative, and forward-thinking learners. As General Secretary To Lam emphasised, free class models like KAV Open Class serve as “building blocks” in realizing a long-term national vision: Lifelong learning - the key for Vietnam to step into a new era.

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