Tuyen Quang: Join efforts for disadvantaged students’s dreams in rural schools
Despite facing significant challenges, the students in the mountainous regions of Tuyen Quang, especially those from ethnic minorities, are determined to make the most of every online learning opportunity to acquire new knowledge and make remarkable academic progress through their dedication.
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During a recent visit to several schools in some districts, such as Na Hang, Yen Son, Son Duong, and Chiem Hoa of Tuyen Quang Province, we were deeply impressed by the student's enthusiasm for learning. Most of these students come from disadvantaged backgrounds or belong to ethnic minority groups. Yet, they persistently stay an extra 30 minutes after class to receive guidance from their teachers on online learning.
A passion for learning overcomes all obstacles
Driven by their desire to access engaging and dynamic lessons and to reinforce their understanding through repeated review, these students eagerly seize every moment to study. In many schools across Tuyen Quang, students are guided by their teachers to learn math for free using the Khan Academy platform. For Lenh Anh Thu, a Tu Quan Secondary School student, reviewing lessons through video tutorials and online exercises has helped her grasp the material more thoroughly. "Thanks to this learning method, I achieved a 9.8 grade point in math for the last school year," Thu shared.
Thu is one of the few students who has access to a smartphone to study at home. Most of her classmates can only access the platform during the last period on Saturdays or by staying after school on weekdays. With limited computer access in the school's computer lab, two or three students often share a device and work on their assignments together.
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| Despite equipment shortage, students remain diligent in their studies. |
The learning conditions are particularly challenging at Nhu Khe Primary School in Yen Son District. “70% of the students belong to ethnic minorities. Some students come from resettled communities, adding to the difficulties. Given that many of our student's parents work late and aren't home to supervise children’s studies, we allow students who don’t have devices to use school computers during the empty periods in the late afternoon," explained Ms. Dinh Thi Tuyet Loan, the school's principal.
To support these students, teachers at Nhu Khe Primary School frequently lend their personal computers to students or arrange for them to use the school's computer lab. Students are allotted 20 to 30 minutes daily during free periods or after school to access the Khan Academy platform. At 4 p.m., when the school drum sounds, signalling the end of the class hour, students eagerly head to the computer lab to complete assignments and collaborate on complex math problems.
Not only are they supported by their teachers, but students from more challenging backgrounds also receive help from their friends. Tran Trieu Doanh and Quan Trieu Vy, students at Nhu Khe Primary School, often invite classmates to their homes to study in groups and complete assignments on Khan Academy using their family computers.
Dreams ignited through each lesson with teachers and friends
Mr. Nguyen Van Hien, Deputy Director of the Tuyen Quang Department of Education and Training, shared that the integration of Khan Academy into teaching and learning has garnered strong support from teachers, students, and parents alike. In addition to learning math, students are also introduced to subjects taught in English and life skills, enhancing their ability to self-study. "This is a core competency that students must develop to engage in lifelong learning and achieve success in the future," Mr. Hien emphasised.
Sharing a similar viewpoint, Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, a Nhu Khe Primary School teacher, noted that online learning is becoming inevitable. Even if students only participate in online learning for 20 to 30 minutes daily, it enhances their computing skills and exposes them to new knowledge. Therefore, schools and teachers are dedicated to ensuring students have every opportunity and resource they need to study.
As a result of this access to new and exciting knowledge, many students at Dam Hong High School in Chiem Hoa District have shown great enthusiasm for learning through the Khan Academy platform. "Starting to learn online through Khan Academy, I've become more proactive in my studies," said Anh Quan, a Dam Hong High School student. "I spend 30 minutes to an hour each day reviewing lessons on Khan. I often study at Khan Academy first, so I understand much more quickly when the teacher explains knowledge in class. My biggest joy is learning a new approach to studying math and using that knowledge to help my younger brother and classmates."
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| Teachers empower students to reach for their dreams. |
Despite ongoing challenges with learning equipment as students have to share computers with their peers and teachers, each day brings new knowledge in subjects like math, English, natural sciences, and essential skills such as programming and internet safety. These opportunities provide a solid foundation for developing critical thinking and crucial skills in the digital age. As Vice Principal Luc Anh Tung of Dam Hong High School noted, "These lessons help students discover new knowledge, foster enthusiasm for learning, and progress together."
Perhaps because of the many difficulties ahead, students in rural schools are often modest when asked about their dreams. Some dream of becoming police officers, others aspire to study at military academies to alleviate the financial burden on their parents, and some wish to return to their hometown as math teachers. Each student holds their dreams and ambitions, but we believe that with their teachers' support and dedication to self-study and collaborative learning, they will achieve their dreams and become valuable members of society.
