“In various mathematical disciplines, statistical probability teaches us the most accurate and robust ways of thinking about data or observed phenomena in our daily lives.” Professor Vu Ha Van (Director of Science, Vingroup Big Data Institute)
Despite its importance and high practicality, this subject is consistently regarded as “challenging,” even for university-level students. However, at The Dewey Schools, teachers have designed a teaching and learning method that enables students to approach this knowledge naturally and with the utmost grasp. This is why the Math 8 project with the theme “Statistics and Life” was initiated.
After a period of dedicated study and research, during the project results presentation session, TDSers managed to make the knowledge of statistical probability more appealing by linking it to surveys on various pressing issues within the school and, more broadly, in society. These included investigations into the stimulant usage behavior among youth, understanding cancer, or even “nice” topics such as the statistics on the reasons for visits to the health clinic by fellow students.
To create heartfelt report documents, TDSers in the Math 8 project dedicated a significant amount of time to designing questionnaires and gathering information through individual interviews with the subjects under investigation, followed by data analysis and representation using charts. Beyond the scope of mathematical knowledge, the surveying and interviewing of individuals are activities that help students hone their confidence, observational thinking, and communication skills, fostering the exchange of information within the community.
Mr. Vu Viet Cuong, Head of the High School Mathematics Department, stated: “The student groups have presented a multitude of applications related to various real-life issues, ranging from those with a macro perspective. Additionally, whether presenting or listening, there were new perspectives that students hadn’t encountered before, leading to a deeper and clearer understanding. Today, the student groups performed exceptionally well, and it was truly outstanding.
Participating in the Math 8 project, Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ha, a parent of an 8Perth student, shared: “I am delighted to be a member of the judging panel in today’s presentation. As a parent and also a former student, I am impressed that students are learning subjects with high practical applicability. Unlike in the past, where math was taught in a mechanical and dry manner, now students apply it directly to their lives and studies from an early stage. This is a platform for them to showcase themselves, develop skills, and cultivate thinking in various subjects, paving the way for future careers.
The Math 8 subject is often perceived as a “challenging” subject in the middle school curriculum. However, The Dewey Schools have transformed it into more than just a subject but also a companion in life, equipping students with knowledge and practical skills for their academic and professional environments in the future. The aim is for students to no longer feel “fear” but instead, to develop love and enthusiasm for this numerical discipline whenever it is mentioned.
Congratulations to the student groups for their excellent completion of their projects!
First Prize: La phoi den (8th)
Second Prize: Delphinee -Melbourne
Third Prize: Swiftie, 8 8Canberra
Creative Prize: Determination, 8 8Sydney
High Applicability Prize: Love (8 Melbourne)
