Before joining The Dewey Schools Hải Phòng, Phạm Ngọc Minh (former student of Class 11 Monaco) was once a “rough gem” who had not yet found the right environment to shine. Her previous academic experience, centered largely on textbooks with limited opportunities for real-world engagement, made it difficult for her to fully explore her passions and capabilities. The turning point came when Minh chose to enroll at Dewey after carefully learning about the school’s experiential learning philosophy.
In the early days, the new academic model—with its emphasis on critical thinking, fully English-taught subjects, and interdisciplinary projects—was undeniably challenging. Yet those very challenges became a launchpad beyond her expectations. “After just one semester, I realized I was capable of breaking my own limits. I was encouraged to expand myself, conduct independent research, propose my own solutions, and engage in meaningful two-way interactions with teachers,” Minh shared.
In the right “sky,” Ngọc Minh spread her wings with confidence. She co-founded the Dreamory Sound Charity Club, established the D-Holic Dance Club, actively participated in major school events, and maintained consistent academic performance. Through these roles, she developed essential competencies in leadership, teamwork, time management, and accountability—skills that cannot be cultivated through textbooks alone.
Reflecting on Minh’s role in the “Power of Dreams” project, organized at Hai Phong Television and attended by an audience of 1,000 participants, Mr. Hoàng Văn Bình – Event Executive at Dewey Hải Phòng – remarked: “As the person in charge of artistic direction, Minh demonstrated strong organizational thinking and leadership capacity. What stands out is not only the outcome, but her initiative and determination to see her goals through to completion.”
Currently pursuing a major in Mathematical Modelling & Food Science at Deakin University (Australia), Ngọc Minh continues to apply the competencies nurtured through Dewey’s experiential learning environment—most notably, her capacity for self-directed learning. When facing demanding Mathematics courses, she proactively connects with peers, seeks supplementary resources, and restructures knowledge in ways that align with her learning style. “Before each exam, I systematize my knowledge using mind maps—a method I practiced extensively at Dewey. Structuring content independently helps me develop deeper understanding and manage my time effectively, especially during high-pressure periods,” Minh explained.
Every student is a unique “gem,” carrying distinct potential. When placed in the right environment, students not only acquire knowledge but are empowered to learn how to learn, make conscious choices, and take ownership of their journeys. Ngọc Minh’s story is a testament to how Dewey nurtures self-directed learning as a foundational competency—ensuring that regardless of the field they pursue or the path they choose, students are equipped with the resilience, adaptability, and confidence to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
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The “EXPERIENTIAL CYCLE” campaign by The Dewey Schools affirms an educational approach where experience is not simply a method, but the very core of learning. Each student is placed at the center of their developmental journey, guided to build self-learning capacity, independent thinking, and the confidence to shape their own future.
Explore the dynamic world of experiential education at Dewey here: https://tuyensinh.thedeweyschools.edu.vn/vong-tron-trai…
