Person-First Language

Focusing on who students are as individuals – instead of on learning differences or other descriptors – starts with empathy As educators strive to be inclusive of all children, one way to begin is to actively use person-first language, a form of linguistic etiquette in which we describe a trait or diagnosis as something a

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Zombie Minds

Can you be a prophet in your own hometown – where is your Rick Grimes?  Many teachers would be aware of Sir Ken Robinson’s discussions about various educational paradigms. Most would be familiar with Sir Ken talking of education systems as a 19th century invention that was created out of the need to look after

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We Are Accredited

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is fully accredited by two of the most prestigious international accreditation agencies in the world: the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), effective since July 2018. In a process that has taken 18 months, this is a moment to celebrate a

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Smartphone Dilemma

Coping with and, sometimes, without our phones for a balanced life This morning the alarm clock on my phone woke me up and, as it does every day, a gentle melody tune eased me up from my pillows. I checked my messages, scrolled the news, and cleared my notifications while I had my coffee. I laughed at the messages my family

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2+2=?!?!

Math anxiety affects almost half of elementary school students. Spot the symptoms and use these strategies to counteract it  Math anxiety is much more than a dislike for the subject—it’s a real problem for students, one that blocks the brain’s working memory and starts a self-perpetuating cycle of math avoidance, low achievement, and fear. This form of anxiety manifests as early as kindergarten, and nearly

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Sharing is Caring

Young children want to share—but they don’t yet understand how much they have We’re in a laboratory with a three-year-old child. As part of the experiment, we ask the child to share her colorful stickers with a puppet— but she doesn’t do so fairly. For the researcher, this is completely expected and developmentally appropriate. But for the parent who is watching, it’s just embarrassing.

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ISHCMC Celebrates Another 45-point IB Diploma Score

International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is celebrating its 25th year in providing world-leading international education, making it the most experienced school in graduating students through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) in Ho Chi Minh City. There is also further reason celebrate, which is the achievements of the 18th graduating class in

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Big Data

Leading academic innovation through technology As someone who has been working all of my career in the area of teaching and learning innovation at universities, it has become almost instinctive in conversations with most teachers to place technology second. Particularly in the early days of emergent digital leaning technologies—say, 1995 to 2010—the levels of anxiety, or even downright suspicion held by many of my academic

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A Course for the World

Building a path to quality education for the future A globally competent student is one who can investigate the world, weigh perspectives, interact with diverse audiences, and take action. To develop these competencies, students need learning experiences that build over time, developing their academic understanding and empathy along with their confidence to take action. That means educators in diverse contexts also need to develop their skills

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Alternatives on the Horizon

Beyond the IBDP and the AP program Two of the most popular high-caliber programs around the world are the IBDP and the AP, which are regarded by many schools, colleges and universities as valid indicators of high academic quality and performance. Most international schools classify themselves as either IB World Schools or American AP School, with some intrepid ones combining both programs in their curricula.

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