The 'Student Agency' approach empowers students to play an active role in their learning, cultivating a positive, proactive and confident mindset. 

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) has adopted the advanced teaching and learning approaches into its curriculum. Avoiding one-way and mechanical memorization, Student Agency is one of these approaches that empowers students to succeed in academics following their own style of learning.

According to Lester Stephens, Head of School of the International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), the approach is based on the "ISSP Dimensions" pedagogy, developed specifically for ISSP students with four principles: Inquiry based (Learning by asking questions), Conceptually framed (Learning based on the big picture), Skills (Focusing on skills development), and Student agency (Empowering students).

The Student Agency approach provides students with a voice and choice in lessons, coordination with teachers, and interaction with other students and their parents.

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) has adopted the advanced teaching
and learning approaches into its curriculum. Photo by ISSP.

"Through this approach, students will be proactive in deciding what and how they learn, and what the goals of learning are. Teachers only play the role of facilitating and supporting students to thoroughly research the topic they want," Lester Stephens explained.

Additionally, students will have more motivation to learn, making their own plans and finding appropriate learning methods to promote their critical thinking. Student Agency effectively supports the development of student’s life skills, social communication, extracurricular activities, and learning experiences.

More importantly, the Student Agency approach will prompt students to find their way in any situation, even the most difficult ones. This helps students continuously adapt and develop in new learning environments throughout their lives.

The 'Student Agency' approach empowers students to play an active role in their learning.
Photo by ISSP.

Cassia Mick, Kindergarten teacher at International School Saigon Pearl, said the approach will be extremely effective when applied appropriately. At each age, there will be a different implementation for this approach, and it is necessary to "personalize" it to suit each student, aiming to leverage their strengths, to overcome weaknesses, and to support comprehensive development.

"To know if this method is really effective, it must be evaluated based on the learning process in each stage. The teacher should act as a guide, not a leader who forces students to follow a path or way of learning. Students will follow an independent learning process, build self-awareness, and learn to take responsibility for their future," said Cassia.

Students will also better understand their responsibilities toward the community, and be more creative in adding values to society.

"Teachers should give students the right to master their learning and boldly express their opinions, which builds a skill set for them to be a lifelong learner," she explained.

To help parents better understand Student Agency, International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) will hold Virtual Open Day - an online event on Friday, 4 June 2021, from 12PM to 1:30PM, with the participation of Lester Stephens - Head of School, Tiffany Proctor - Deputy Head of School, and Alpha Butil - Head of Early Years.

The keynote speakers will answer all questions related to the pedagogy as well as the teaching and learning at ISSP to develop knowledge, skills and ensure the wellbeing for young children.

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) belongs to Cognita, an international education group from the UK with more than 80 member schools worldwide. ISSP is one of a few international schools for Early Years and Elementary in Vietnam that is fully accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of School and Colleges (NEASC), two of the most prestigious international accreditation organizations.