From Math lessons in English, Ha Tinh students open the door to integration

In recent years, along with increasing English classes, some non-public schools in Ha Tinh have implemented a model of teaching Mathematics in English. This is considered a breakthrough step, helping students acquire scientific knowledge and improve their foreign language skills, creating important provisions for the international integration process.

In class 4A8, Albert Einstein Primary, Secondary and High School (Thanh Sen ward), Math lessons are conducted entirely in English. From explanations, discussions, to doing exercises and presenting opinions, students use English.

Teacher Tran Thi Hoai Thuong and students of class 4A8, Albert Einstein Primary, Secondary and High School in a Math lesson in English.

Nguyen Cong Hoang Linh (class 4A8) shared: “At first, I found it a bit difficult, but the more I studied, the more interesting I found it. My classmates were also very excited about Math lessons in English. I really enjoy communicating in English with my teacher and classmates during Math lessons. Since then, I have learned many new words, especially those related to Math. Not only do I understand Math better, but I also speak English more naturally.”

Teacher Tran Thi Hoai Thuong (Math - English teacher) said: “Teaching Math in English is not simply using normal English but must use more academic language. This causes many difficulties for students to approach at first. Therefore, teachers must be flexible in organizing teaching activities, especially visual teaching forms, interactive activities in knowledge transfer and organizing exercises... Currently, when studying up to grade 3, activities in Math class have reached 100% using English. This form helps students think bilingually, form quick reflexes, practice math skills and develop foreign languages.”

Albert Einstein Primary, Secondary and High School uses Cambridge English Math curriculum

This is the 7th school year that Albert Einstein Primary, Secondary and High School has implemented teaching Math in English. Although it has only stopped at the primary level, according to the school leaders, the introduction of English into teaching Math has contributed significantly to improving the quality of teaching and creating a foundation for the next levels. Many students of the school have won prizes and been honored in international Math competitions such as: Kangaroo International Math Competition (IKMC), Singapore and Asian Math Olympiad (SASMO), IMAS...

Ms. Nguyen Thi Toan, Vice Principal of Albert Einstein Primary, Secondary and High School, affirmed: “The school has determined that teaching Math in English is to create more environments for students to approach and practice foreign languages. Students are more confident and bold when communicating in English, which creates a solid foundation for the next levels of education. With that result, from this school year, the school has included English in teaching natural science subjects in primary school.”

"In 2018, when implementing this model, the school encountered many difficulties, especially because there was no university nationwide that trained in Mathematics Pedagogy in English, and not many schools implemented this model. To solve the problem of staff, the school implemented many solutions, especially attracting young teachers and combining internal training. Up to now, Albert Einstein Primary, Secondary and High School has a team of 6 teachers in charge of teaching Mathematics in English, ensuring the goals set by the school," Ms. Nguyen Thi Toan added.

Not only at Albert Einstein, iSchool Ha Tinh International Integration School (Thanh Sen Ward) has also applied teaching Math in English for 8 years now. This is one of the highlights of the international integration program that the school pursues.

Visual educational tools are included by teachers of iSchool Ha Tinh International Integration School in Math lessons taught in English.

Ms. Bui Thi An Hoai, Head of Foreign Language Department, iSchool Ha Tinh International Integration School, shared: “Learning language and math at the same time is not an easy challenge for students. The same goes for teachers, they have to prepare well in-depth language and ensure math knowledge.

To make the lessons not dry and not heavy with academics, teachers need to invest time in researching the lessons. In particular, the lesson design must be flexible and intuitive. Math knowledge must also be softened and made closer to English readings so that the process of receiving knowledge takes place easily and effectively.

Teaching Math in English is one of the highlights of the educational program of iSchool Ha Tinh International Integration School.

Teacher Tran Hai Ngoc, Principal of iSchool Ha Tinh International Integration School, said: “Teaching Math in English is not only a method, but also an environment for students to confidently communicate and form bilingual reflexes. The school identifies this model as not simply a combination of foreign languages and subjects, but also a new direction in educational innovation, in line with the orientation of making English the second language in schools.”

Mr. Phan Duy Nghia, Deputy Head of the General Education Department, Ha Tinh Department of Education and Training, commented: “The implementation of teaching Math in English in some non-public schools shows dynamism and creativity in educational innovation. This is a pioneering model, in line with the integration trend, creating a modern learning environment for students. The Department of Education and Training highly appreciates the efforts of the schools, and will research and summarize to have a direction for replication in the future, especially when Ha Tinh is implementing the goal of improving the quality of teaching and learning English, making foreign languages a strength of students in the integration period.”