A classroom where pupils not only listen and take notes, but also directly create and solve practical problems is the spirit of STEAM education. Not simply a teaching method, STEAM opens up an interdisciplinary approach, helping pupils practice critical thinking and teamwork, and proactively adapt to the times.

In Da Nang, schools are promoting the implementation of STEAM education with different approaches, suitable to the characteristics and conditions of each unit.

STEAM Education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding pupil inquiry. STEAM is becoming an indispensable part of modern education, especially when the 2018 General Education Programme focuses on developing learners' qualities and abilities.

Schools across Da Nang are promoting the implementation of STEAM with different approaches, suitable to the characteristics and conditions of each unit. The Nguyen Luong Bang Junior High School, for instance, has actively incorporated STEAM into its curriculum with a variety of practical activities.

The school has developed a suitable roadmap for each grade, and encouraged its pupils to apply knowledge into practice through creative projects and useful scientific playgrounds.

In particular, the school's STEAM Festival took place on March 22 with a wide range of interesting practical activities such as "Making Super Ice Cream", "Remote Control Car", "Moving Solar System Ring" and "Water Rocket Model". The event offered the good opportunity for school pupils to not only explore scientific knowledge but also practice teamwork skills.

Mr. Huynh Duy Linh, the Principal of Nguyen Luong Bang Junior High School, highlighted the significance of the implementation of STEAM education at school in not only helping pupils access scientific knowledge in an intuitive and vivid way, but also arousing their passion for creativity. “We focus on building practical activities closely related to pupils' needs and interests, thereby helping them develop comprehensively in terms of intelligence, emotions and life skills" he noted.

Along with the Nguyen Luong Bang Junior High School, the Nguyen Chon Junior High School in Thanh Khe District is actively applying the STEAM model into teaching. On March 21, the school organized the STEAM Festival featuring many exciting activities in order to help its pupils get acquainted with and explore science in a new way.

Ms. Do Thi Ngoc Nguyen, a teacher at the school, said "At first, many pupils were not familiar with this learning method, but after participating in practical activities, they became much more interested. We believe that STEAM will help pupils develop comprehensively, not only in science subjects but also in important life skills".

She also emphasised that STEAM not only arouses interest in learning but also creates a close connection between teachers and parents in supporting pupils in scientific research and creating highly applicable products.

In addition to junior high school, the STEAM education model has been applied in primary schools to help pupils approach scientific thinking early, creating a solid foundation for future learning.

On March 20, the Le Dinh Chinh Primary School based in Hai Chau District organized the STEAM Festival with many interesting practical activities, helping students absorb knowledge in a lively and effective way.

Two days later, the FPT Danang Primary and Junior High School continued to organize the STEMDAY with the participation of 10 primary schools in Ngu Hanh Son District, bringing a series of creative science activities.

Mr. Tran Nguyen Minh Thanh, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Education and Training, expressed his interest in the meaning of the festival, especially in encouraging primary school pupils to approach science and technology early.

A pupil excitingly said "At first, I was not very interested in this activity. But after learning and experiencing it, I really enjoyed the STEAM lessons because I could assemble and do experiments myself. I found that science is not as boring as I thought, but it is also very fun and useful".

Although STEAM education brings many benefits, its implementation in schools still faces many challenges. First of all, the biggest barrier is the facilities. Many schools in the city do not have enough laboratories, modern equipment or suitable learning materials to organize practical activities.

Besides, teacher capacity is also a matter of concern, because STEAM requires interdisciplinary integration, while not all teachers are properly trained to teach using this method. Moreover, pupil access is uneven, especially in disadvantaged areas where learning conditions are limited.

For STEAM education to be truly effective, there needs to be synchronous investment in infrastructure and teacher training. Also, all pupils have the opportunity to access this advanced educational model.

Despite many challenges, with a long-term vision and thorough investment, STEAM promises to become a driving force for educational innovation, helping pupils practice creative thinking and adapt flexibly to the future.

More importantly, when STEAM is applied properly and receives proper support, education not only becomes more vivid but also helps pupils turn knowledge into experience, develop problem-solving skills and actively explore the world.

Reporting by B.LAM, A.NHIEN - Translating by M.DUNG