Enhancing Local Cultural Education: Proposing a School Model Infused with Heritage for Vietnamese High School Students

Abstract

Heritage education for students is essential for developing an understanding of history, culture, and UNESCO's sustainability goals. In Vietnam, Tra Vinh city stands out for its cultural diversity, showcasing tangible and intangible cultural heritages from the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer ethnic groups, including national treasures and intangible relics. Despite this richness, there exists a research gap in enhancing cultural heritage education in Tra Vinh, limiting the educational utilization of its cultural wealth. This paper introduces a school model integrating heritage education in Tra Vinh city to enhance the local curriculum and support sustainable development. Emphasizing student-centered learning with local heritage materials and experiential learning, the model promotes practical application of heritage knowledge. Through curriculum integration, extracurricular activities, field trips, and scientific research projects incorporating local heritage, the proposed model aims to enrich students' educational experiences and deepen their appreciation for Tra Vinh's cultural heritage. By applying the experiential learning theory and integrating technology, the model seeks to create a dynamic educational environment fostering students' connection to Tra Vinh's cultural legacy and advancing local sustainability efforts.