In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, vigorous initiatives are underway to elevate the standard of education. At the forefront of this movement is the Sangsin Junior Middle School located in the Sosong District of Pyongyang, the capital city. Here, a concerted effort is being made to enhance the expertise of educators and integrate innovative teaching methodologies into the curriculum.
Principal An Song Ae articulates the school’s approach, stating, “We are proactively fostering a culture of developmental learning, driven by inquiry and discourse. Rather than relying solely on traditional teaching aids, such as models or demonstrations, we encourage students to engage in hands-on experimentation, enabling them to grasp fundamental principles through direct experience. This pedagogical approach has proven remarkably effective.”
The school’s dedication to academic excellence yielded tangible results, with its students achieving notable success in national academic competitions last year. Building upon this achievement, the institution has established elevated teaching standards and urges educators to continuously refine their skills.
Every faculty member is committed to achieving mastery not only in their core subject areas but also in complementary disciplines like mathematics and foreign languages. They actively facilitate extracurricular activities and provide guidance to students in their academic pursuits.
Recognizing the importance of collaborative learning, the school emphasizes joint lesson reviews as a pivotal component in enhancing teacher proficiency. Educators collectively identify strategies to enhance students’ practical skills, rigorously assessing their effectiveness before implementation in the classroom. Class observations are conducted with thorough deliberation, ensuring that constructive feedback contributes meaningfully to teacher development. As a testament to their dedication, more than ten teachers have recently been recognized as exemplary educators.
These educators exemplify unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, preparing them to excel in shaping the future. Their tireless efforts are poised to yield promising outcomes, laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.
