Strategies to Foster a Universal Perspective for Enduring Prosperity
The International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is at the forefront of educating students, preparing them to innovate and communicate on international platforms. Grade 6 students are equipped with MacBook Airs, and guided on responsible technology use, a crucial skill in today's digital age.
At ISHCMC, the focus is not just on academic excellence, but also on developing a global mindset. This mindset is the ability to view the world through a wide lens, recognising diverse perspectives, adapting to different cultural contexts, and making informed decisions on global issues. The development of this mindset is embedded across all programs, from Primary to Diploma.
One of the key strategies used by ISHCMC is multilingual learning environments. Classrooms are designed to accommodate multiple languages, helping students develop linguistic skills and cultural sensitivity, which are foundations for global citizenship. Students have the opportunity to choose from Vietnamese, Chinese, or Spanish for their second language program, with consistent weekly instruction.
Cultural curiosity is another essential aspect of ISHCMC's approach. Teachers encourage students to explore and compare cultural celebrations and traditions, fostering analytical thinking and perspective-taking about different norms and values. This helps students develop empathy and intercultural understanding.
Real-world projects and interdisciplinary learning are integral to ISHCMC's curriculum. Global issues and cross-cultural challenges are embedded into project-based learning, often involving collaboration with international partners. These projects prepare students for global careers by integrating intercultural communication and multiple managerial or disciplinary perspectives.
ISHCMC's diverse student body, which includes students, teachers, and families from over 60 countries, provides natural opportunities for students to experience and appreciate different cultural backgrounds firsthand. This diversity fosters empathy and intercultural understanding.
Leadership opportunities are also a significant part of ISHCMC's educational experience. Activities and roles that enable students to lead in multicultural settings, such as Model United Nations (MUN), service projects, or student councils, equip learners with skills important for global leadership, such as communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
Digital fluency is another key component of ISHCMC's approach. Students learn to build digital literacy through tasks like multimedia storytelling, virtual exchanges, data-driven research, and collaborative platforms that simulate real-world scenarios. This digital fluency supports critical thinking, adaptability, and global communication, skills essential for future careers in any industry.
ISHCMC's education prioritises problem-solving, enabling students to lead innovation, whether in science, business, or the arts. Inquiry-based learning sharpens these abilities.
In conclusion, ISHCMC's approach to education is not just about broadening students’ knowledge about the world, but also about cultivating the habits of mind and interpersonal skills crucial for global competence and leadership from early childhood through graduation. By intentionally building cultural diversity into the classroom, ISHCMC helps students grow beyond national narratives, preparing them to thrive in the globalised world.
[1] https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2019/10/30/how-to-teach-global-competence-in-schools/ [2] https://www.ascd.org/el/resources/practical-knowledge-banks/global-competence/five-dimensions-of-global-competence [3] https://www.brookings.edu/research/preparing-students-for-the-future-of-work/
- At ISHCMC, the focus is on global citizenship as well as academic excellence, with a focus on developing a global mindset in students from Grade 6 onwards.
- ISHCMC uses multilingual learning environments and encourages students to understand diverse perspectives, preparing them for international platforms.
- Teachers at ISHCMC encourage students to explore cultural practices, fostering empathy, intercultural understanding, and analytical thinking.
- Real-world projects and interdisciplinary learning help students develop the skills they need for global careers, such as collaboration, conflict resolution, and communication.
- With a diverse student body representing over 60 countries, ISHCMC provides students with experiences that foster appreciation for various cultural backgrounds.
- Leadership opportunities at ISHCMC, such as Model United Nations, service projects, and student councils, equip learners with the skills necessary for global leadership.
- Digital fluency is a key component of ISHCMC's approach, with students learning to build digital literacy through various tasks and platforms.
- ISHCMC's education prioritizes problem-solving, enabling students to lead innovation in various industries, such as science, business, and the arts.
