At the lower secondary level, as the volume of knowledge and academic demands increase, studying based on habits or intuition alone is no longer effective. The difference between students gradually lies in who can identify a learning method that suits them and consistently maintain it.
In the Pathway to Success series, Pham Hoang Quan (7S1) offers a clear perspective on this journey—from self-awareness to building a structured and purposeful learning approach within the personalized learning environment at Hanoi Adelaide School.
Understanding Oneself to Adjust the Way of Learning
Having been part of H.A.S since primary school, Hoang Quan built his academic foundation in an environment that emphasizes proactiveness and independent thinking. However, his real turning point came when he began to reflect on how he learns.
Quan recognized his strengths in planning and staying committed to his goals. At the same time, he was honest about his limitations in time management—especially when balancing academics with other activities.
By clearly identifying both his strengths and areas for improvement, Quan shifted his approach: no longer studying out of habit, but learning with intention—structured yet flexible in execution.
“I focus on understanding the core concepts before memorizing, and I always ask myself questions to grasp the knowledge more deeply.”
Asking questions forces him to re-explain concepts in his own way, leading to deeper understanding rather than passive memorization. At the same time, recalling knowledge without looking at materials helps him assess his true level of understanding, instead of relying on intuition.
As a result, learning is no longer about how much time is spent, but about whether the method is effective.
Adapting to Optimize Learning Efficiency
Shifting from “studying more” to “studying effectively” significantly improved Quan’s ability to absorb knowledge. Instead of increasing the workload, he focused on addressing what he did not fully understand, reducing study time while enhancing the quality of learning.
This marked an important transition—from relying solely on hard work to adopting a more strategic approach to learning.
At H.A.S, personalized learning pathways go beyond adjusting content—they are closely supported by teachers throughout the entire learning journey. For Hoang Quan, this made his learning process clearer and more structured at each stage, instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach.
“A personalized pathway helps me pursue goals that truly fit me, while clearly understanding my strengths and weaknesses to improve in the right direction.”
In addition, teachers play an essential role in observing, guiding, and helping him adjust. This support enables Quan to recognize gaps in his learning approach and make timely improvements. The combination of a clear roadmap and close mentorship has helped him shorten the trial-and-error process and sustainably build an effective learning method.
Quan’s achievements reflect the effectiveness of this approach:
- Gold Medal – HKICO National Finals
- Silver Medal – HKISO National Finals
- First Prize – Scientific Research Competition (Team) – 2026
- First Prize – STEAM Competition (Team) – 2026
- Second Prize – HAC Competition – November 2025
- Consistently recognized for outstanding academic performance and conduct across multiple months and semesters
For Quan, these accomplishments are not the destination, but the result of a well-directed and flexible learning journey.
When Learning Becomes a Purposeful Process
Looking back on his journey, Hoang Quan believes that the most important thing is not just academic results, but understanding how he learns and how to keep improving.
“With a clear pathway and close support from my teachers, I know how to set goals and recognize my own progress, which motivates me to keep striving.”
At Hanoi Adelaide School, every student has the opportunity to build their own learning path, based on their abilities and personal goals. For Hoang Quan, it has been a journey of shifting from habit-based learning to a strategic approach—laying a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Hanoi Adelaide School
Pioneering Competency-Based Education in Vietnam
