Training workshop on integrating local biodiversity knowledge into natural science teaching

From October 1 to October 4, 2024, GreenViet Center in collaboration with the University of Education – Da Nang University and the Department of Education and Training of Da Nang organized a training workshop with the theme “Improving the capacity to integrate local biodiversity knowledge into natural science teaching for secondary school teachers in Da Nang city”. This workshop was designed for 100 teachers from 72 secondary schools in Da Nang city.

The training program was conducted by lecturers, experts in Education and Ecology from the Faculty of Biology and Environment (University of Education, Da Nang University), staff of the Department of Education and Training and staff of GreenViet. The program aims to enhance the capacity of grade 6 and grade 8 teachers in integrating knowledge of Da Nang’s biodiversity into Natural Science (Living Organisms), local education content and career-oriented experience activities. The goal is to equip students with knowledge and values, and raise awareness of Da Nang’s nature and biodiversity, foster responsibility, love for nature and active participation in biodiversity conservation.

The workshop was conducted in two phases (each phase of four days), with 50 teachers in each phase. The workshop focused on four main areas: Providing knowledge about Da Nang’s biodiversity; Guiding teachers on using resources from the Da Nang Nature Information website (https://thiennhiendanang.vn/); Training teachers to integrate local nature knowledge into Natural Science (Living Organisms) for grades 6 and 8 and prepare them to manage large classes effectively, integrating nature topics into local education, experiential learning and career guidance activities as part of the 2018 education program; Developing skills to organize nature-based experiential learning activities in Son Tra Peninsula.

During this event, GreenViet and the Center for Learning Resources and Information Technology (University of Education, University of Da Nang) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to upgrade the Da Nang Nature information page (https://thiennhiendanang.vn/), expanding the platform to include a variety of resources about Da Nang’s environment. This initiative aims to build a sustainable database to support education and integrate local nature knowledge into teaching at many levels, from preschool to university.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Minh Ly, Head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation (University of Education, University of Da Nang), noted: “The University of Education plans to integrate the Da Nang Nature information page into teaching, allowing students to apply and incorporate this knowledge into their future careers. The school also encourages lecturers and students to contribute to the website, with the goal of building the website into an online library of natural sciences, accessible to teachers and students at all levels.”

As part of the program, all teachers visited the Center for Nature Education and Experience (under GreenViet) to learn about biodiversity in Son Tra Peninsula. In addition, during the field trip to Son Tra, teachers had the opportunity to observe red-shanked douc langurs and examine local plants under magnifying glasses.

This practical experience inspired many teachers to incorporate practical knowledge of biodiversity into their teaching activities. The success of the workshop was evident in its ability to inspire a love of nature in teachers, who will in turn pass this inspiration on to future generations.