How can every student, regardless of their abilities and interests, have the opportunity to reach their full potential?
At Dewey, the answer lies in differentiated instruction, an approach that is theoretical and practically applied in every lesson.
Let’s take a closer look at a Lifestyle class at Dewey Cau Giay, where students explore global issues and recognize their roles in the larger picture of humanity. For the topic “Global Challenges of Pandemics,” the teacher designed the lesson by organizing students into groups based on their interests and abilities.
The first group, made up of students who enjoy research, was tasked with studying disease prevention methods using books and resources. The second group, consisting of creative-minded students, collaborated to design posters to raise awareness about personal hygiene. The third group, for students who enjoy discussions and teamwork, focused on understanding the role of international organizations in combating global pandemics. While each group had a different approach, the common thread was that every student actively participated and contributed.
Meanwhile, at Dewey Tay Ho Tay, a 4th-grade Geometry lesson began with the question: “What can quadrilaterals and polygons become in our daily lives?” Instead of diving straight into theory, the teacher introduced a choice board, allowing students to freely engage in activities based on their interests:
- Creating a tree model using quadrilaterals, utilizing colored paper and cardboard to craft vibrant 3D designs.
- Designing a favorite character, such as a robot or animal, using polygons as the foundation.
- Crafting an artwork from polygons to express their creativity and personal interpretation.
The classroom atmosphere became lively as students eagerly began their tasks. What stood out was that throughout the lesson, the children naturally discovered and retained knowledge on their own, while the teacher acted as a guide, sparking curiosity with questions like, “Which part of the tree model could a trapezoid represent?” or “Why is a triangle more stable than other shapes?”
Tran Ngoc Khanh, a student from class 4Ballarat (Dewey Tay Ho Tay), shared: “This learning method helps me develop geometric and logical thinking, as well as creativity, while retaining knowledge for a longer time. I especially enjoy creative activities related to painting and art.”
The Dewey Schools recognize that each child is a unique individual with different abilities and interests. Every lesson is designed to help students explore their potential and strengths while finding joy and meaning in learning. Through these experiences, students not only grow and improve each day but also become confident and happy global citizens.
Learn more about the “Moving Classroom” :https://bit.ly/GetStudentsMoving.