Through the application of the 5S model in four high schools in the province, Gia Lai is gradually building a tidy, clean, and modern learning environment. The model not only improves physical conditions but also contributes to the formation of discipline, self-awareness, and a positive school culture among students.

5S is a prominent management tool for improving productivity and organizational culture, consisting of five steps: Sorting – Setting in order – Cleaning – Standardizing – Sustaining. 5S is not simply about cleaning; it’s a method for fostering discipline, responsibility, and self-management at each workplace. When applied to school environments, especially public high schools, 5S creates a tidy, safe, and positive learning environment, contributing to improved awareness of maintaining shared spaces among students and effectively supporting internal management. This also provides a favorable foundation for schools to gradually adopt modern educational quality management systems in the future.

Aiming to build a civilized and effective educational environment and promote discipline from the smallest actions in schools, the Department of Science and Technology of Gia Lai province has implemented a provincial-level science and technology project: “Building model projects to improve productivity and quality based on the application of productivity improvement systems, standards, tools and scientific, technological and innovative solutions for businesses in Gia Lai province,” led by STI Vietnam Co., Ltd.

As part of this initiative, the 5S best practice model was piloted at four high schools: Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Cao Van, Luong The Vinh, and Nguyen Chi Thanh. The model aims to create a clean, organized, and efficient school environment, improve school management and operations, and help students develop habits of maintaining their learning spaces, thereby enhancing their sense of discipline and community responsibility.

At Ly Thuong Kiet High School (Ayun Pa town), despite limited facilities, the school has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the learning environment through the implementation of the 5S model. Project experts surveyed various areas such as classrooms, laboratories, restrooms, corridors, and the schoolyard. Based on this, a detailed 5S implementation plan was designed with the following steps: Sorting, Setting in order, Cleaning, Standardizing, and Sustaining. The school administration mobilized the active participation of all teachers and students, and initially established an internal communication system, commitment to maintenance, and a cleaning assignment diagram based on functional areas.

At Tran Cao Van High School (Chu Se district), the 5S model has been implemented systematically with close guidance from the school’s management board. The relatively uniform facilities make sorting, labeling, cleaning, and maintenance convenient. Offices such as the Student Union room, administrative area, and classrooms have been reorganized according to the criteria of “neatness – scientific approach – convenience.” Each area has specific responsibilities and undergoes regular inspections. From a simple management activity, the 5S model has gradually spread into a school culture, helping students develop a sense of order and tidiness in their studies and daily lives.

At Luong The Vinh High School (Kbang district), the 5S model is implemented simultaneously with programs to build a cultured school lifestyle. Under the guidance of experts from STI Vietnam, the school has established teams responsible for specific areas, organizing reviews and assessments of each space: classrooms, subject rooms, traditional rooms, libraries, sports fields, etc. Based on this, a detailed improvement plan is developed, along with specific assignments for synchronized implementation. 5S activities here are integrated into class meetings and extracurricular activities, contributing to a noticeable change in the learning environment.

For Nguyen Chi Thanh High School (Pleiku City), with its large student body and diverse learning spaces, implementing the 5S methodology has provided the school with an opportunity to review its entire internal hygiene and order management system. Based on an initial survey, the school administration collaborated to develop a detailed action plan: assigning tasks to each class, using vivid visual aids like charts and diagrams, and organizing regular weekly and monthly 5S experiential activities. Although still in its initial stages, the model has contributed to increased proactiveness in management and students’ awareness of their personal responsibility in maintaining the shared environment.

With support from the expert team of STI Vietnam Co., Ltd., schools have not only improved their learning spaces but have also gradually built a foundation for adopting modern quality management methods. The 5S model has initially proven highly effective and feasible when applied flexibly, adapting to the actual conditions and specific characteristics of general education. In the future, the Gia Lai Provincial Department of Science and Technology will continue to expand this model to other educational institutions in the province, contributing to building a generation of disciplined, proactive students who appreciate their learning environment.