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Job shadowing in Osijek (Croatia)
At the end of April 2022, Juanjo Royo (math teacher) and Marta Galve (physics and chemistry teacher) visited the Electrotechnical and Traffic School in Osijek (Croatia). In this high school there are approximately 600 students, between 15 and 19 years old. And 70 teachers, who teach advanced technological education, which allows students to have both academic and professional studies, in different fields of engineering and logistics.
During their stay, Juanjo and Marta got to know the Croatian educational system, the educational projects they have, … and they were introduced to the headmaster, the psychologist, and the person who would accompany them throughout the week, the fantastic coordinator Snjezana. They also visited the center's facilities (workshops, library, cafeteria, etc.) and were able to attend numerous math and physics classes, where they observed the methodology, the materials, and the theoretical and practical activities that were carried out.
From here, a thank you to all the teachers of the school who very kindly participated. Thanks to them, Marta and Juanjo learned how they managed attention to diversity, student evaluation, the work of tutors, and many other issues.
Special mention to the wonderful colleagues who, in addition to assisting Juanjo and Marta in their work, were available to show them their city.
An enriching and unforgettable experience!
OUR VISIT TO TALLINN
Under the programme KA1 Erasmus Plus, María García Lara and Teresa Fernández de la Vega Arcarazo, teachers at IES Clara Campoamor Rodríguez, have enjoyed the experience of Jobshadowing in the school Haabersti Vene Gümnaasium located in Tallinn, Estonia, from the 9th to the 13th May.
Firstly, we must say that during our stay we were able to observe many different lessons, and grasp the educational basis of the school and the context surrounding it, as well as ask many questions about organization and language immersion. Pupils’ behaviour, no matter the age, was simply amazing. We learnt that respect to the teachers and subjects themselves during the lessons is essential, and an asset for the success in learning, and for the excellent marks the students reach in Pisa tests.
As English language teachers, it was wonderful to see other teachers of English carrying out their lessons. We learnt a lot about the balance among Russian, Estonian and English in a small country like Estonia, and also about what is expected from students linguistically speaking at a certain age. We were able to compare their teaching methodologies with ours, and propose to the English teachers the possibility of working together in the future. We would really like it very much.
Besides, we could observe some linguistic Russian-Estonian immersion put into practice, firstly, a Literacy lesson with the importance of repeating orally, visual helpers, music and singing and patience from the teacher, the use of the textbook, paper (photocopies, notebook) to reach the learning goals. We really appreciated the Natural Science and Geography immersion lessons with Tamara and Sandra. Tamara explained geographical issues, wrote lots of words on the blackboard that the students repeated, identified and located in the map, and Sandra's use of technology in the classroom was excellent: prezi, videos, liveworsheets, and a song while the students were working, using only Estonian to communicate. Finally, English with special needs was great. Gileana is such a patient teacher! She was able to conduct the lesson and the behaviour of the students providing help to overcome their needs.
Apart from language or language immersion lessons, we could also observe other ones, such as Robotics with young learners. It was just amazing how such young children built their own devices, following complex instructions that we wouldn't probably even understand ourselves. Likewise, Nina's technology lesson with 7A was amazing. It is obvious that Haabersty Vene Gümnaasium is betting on incorporating High-tech equipment in regular lessons. Equally important, the new lab is perfect for working in groups and a clear example of up-to-date equipment.
Some more classes we attended and viewed were for example a Music lesson, in which it was a pleasure to talk to young students about one of our traditional instruments, and Art 7K, with a hands-on art practice in which we could learn about traditional designs and easy tinwork. Eventually, we participated in a very inspiring round table in the library, and we have gathered wonderful information for our teachers in charge of the library in our school, and an IT workshop in Talteh University, which was a challenge indeed, and a brilliant idea to give us some clues about why Estonia is first-rate at technological development.
Concerning museums and sightseeing, our visit to the Fortifications Museum was an exceptional way to travel to the past and learn about the history and culture of the country, and the drive around the city that some extremely kind teachers offered us was delightful both, for the sights and the company. We personally loved the Seaplane Harbour. It was just beautiful, pedagogical, and the perfect size to see everything in a day without getting frustrated for missing parts of it. Estonia is nature, and not only forests and trees, but also seas and water.
Irina, Natalja, Marina, Nastia and the rest of the team have made a great effort to provide us with an excellent insight of their teaching methods, and of the Estonian culture. Their willingness in a perfect welcoming has been just impossible to match. A million thanks!!
JOB SHADOWING: Kunskapsskolan Norrköping, Sweden
(28th March to 1st April, 2022)
When Noelia Mayoral and Belén Guillén, teachers from Clara Campoamor Rodríguez Secondary School from Zaragoza, Spain, had the possibility of carrying out a job shadowing mobility to Kunskapsskolan in the city of Norrköping in Sweden, they did not know the wonders of this new concept of learning they were about to witness.
It all happened from March 28th to April 1st 2022. The city of Norrköping, with around 100,000 inhabitants and located 160 km from the capital, is one of the strongest schools of the Kunskapsskolan community in Sweden. The building, quite old and a bit too small for the constant flow of students and teachers moving around each day, holds about 450 students from years 6 to 9 (students from 12 to 16), and 40 teachers. Our host af school, Mallin Eringstad, did an incredible job as a host at the school, and we felt at home anytime.
The most characteristic feature of this school philosophy, already spreading to other countries such as The Netherlands, Great Britain and India, among others, is the constant individual assessment programme which takes place not only weekly but also daily, thanks to the availability of different class periods with the purpose of giving advice to their students on how to establish a weekly calendar of reinforcement classes. Thanks to this, they can choose the different available open workshops they need most to fulfill their objectives in each subject. Each student is responsible for reaching their objectives at the speed and order they choose.
This system needs a special arrangement of timetables and spaces at school. The classic classrooms give way to wide common spaces where both students can work at their own pace and teachers are available to help anytime.
Families are constantly informed by their children on the progress and objectives of their work: weekly routine created after the individual assessment the tutor and student hold each week. Something we wish we could put into practice in our school, but unfortunately a very unavailable idea.
Our conclusion about this experience is very positive. Following the guidelines of our mobility, we would like to share activities with their students, although the tight schedule this school is immersed in will be a problem to do so. Some ideas we have explained to our colleagues are being considered to implement in the next course. A nice homage to our Swedish colleagues. Thanks everyone for making us feel at home, especially Mallin. Tack så mycket!
By Noelia Mayoral Gracia and Belén Guillén Peiró.
Dublin at its best.
Dublin at its best.
EFFECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHING WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY COURSE- 3-10 July 2022
From the 3rd to the 10th July 2022, I had the pleasure to enjoy Dublin at its best.
I took a course on the Use of Technology in the Classroom, specifically for language lessons.
During that week, I learnt about many apps, websites and digital resources to use in our class. We also got to know the Irish educational system a bit better, as well as other educational systems from different countries in Europe.
No doubt, Dublin offers exceptional spots to relax too. Together with my classmates, we explored iconic pubs, beautiful coastal areas, enchanting parks and astounding museums. We met Dubliners and visitors, and came back to our hometowns with a long list of new friends and emotive moments to remember.
Feicfidh mé go luath thú Dublin!
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