CIDRE Portfolio
Hi! My name is Jaime Renville. I am a visual arts teacher in a Wake County Public Schools. I have taught elementary art for three years. In the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to go abroad and learn a bit about German culture, this is me bringing those findings to you.
Written Reflections
Reflection on German Education System:
The German education system is very different than that of the United States. Students are offered several pathways to adulthood and employment, whereas in America in order to be deemed "successful" all roads tend to lead toward one direction, college. In Germany, at the beginning of a student's educational career every child is on the same path, however, at the end of 4th grade, decisions are made by the student's teacher and parents based on the student's academic progress that determine whether or not a student is directed towards vocational school or given the opportunity to continue on with their education towards University. I found it interesting that these life changing decisions are made at such a young age for children, especially because in 4th grade students are still developing mentally, and academically into the person they are yet to become. Beyond interesting, this could become problematic if the process is based on individuals that could carry certain biases towards certain students. Having said that, the process could be beneficial in that not everyone is "built" for college, the opposite of what we push in America, and this process makes sure there is a working class that is properly equipped to manage the vocation they have been trained in. Vocational school is a seemingly respected and viable option for students. It allows avenues of employment whether or not you have attended college. I think in America, because we tend to push college, there is a gap in classes. Students may be attending college, or what Germany refers to as University, and floundering because they really should be on a different learning track. In America, we are discovering that not everyone needs to go to college to be successful, and that is ok. The German education system is very different than that of America, and different is not bad, it is just means not the same.
Visual Thinking Analysis
Regensburg Cathedral, also known as St. Peter's Cathedral, is a church located in Regensburg Germany that is a prime example of Gothic architecture.
Gothic architecture is a European style of architecture that appreciates height and intricate details.
There are 5 key architectural elements that typically classify a building as Gothic. Large stained glass windows, pointed arches, rib vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.
The outside of Regensburg Cathedral displays one of the common features found in Gothic architecture. A close look at the building shows ornate decorative elements that include statues of saints, historical figures, colonnades and sculptural moldings.
Clio Walking Tour
https://theclio.com/entry/154413
Nymphenburg Palace is an exquisite example of European art and architecture that wows viewers inside and out. The palace and park sit on over 444,000 acres of land that was once an extremely popular summer residence amongst Bavarian rulers. Commissioned to be built by Bavarian Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife Henriette Adelaide of Savoy in 1664 after their son, and heir to the throne, Max Emanuel was born. The palace grounds are an English style landscaped park where you will find lakes, canals, and several pavilions, or "palaces en miniature." Today Nymphenburg is a open to the public as museum that gives visitors a peek into the life of royalty, however, what began with the birth of an heir to the throne in 1664, still houses Bavarian sovereignty today as it continues to be a home for the current head of the House of Wittelsbach dynasty, Franz, Duke of Bavaria.
Cultural Insights from Particular Days of Trip
Throughout the last several days we have been taking escalators up and down several times a day to catch the S-Bahn or to cross the street underground. I have noticed that German culture requires everyone to stand to the right side of these moving stairs. In the US we typically see this courtesy given on moving sidewalks (especially in airports) so that we can allow others to walk by on the left, however I have not seen this same unspoken rule extended to escalators. It was interesting to see the clearly defined line on the right as I looked up the escalator towards the top for my street.
I found a bookstore! I noticed that throughout the store there was a mixture of English and German books. Some of the books had covers in English, but had German text within. Some covers were recognizable to me with German text on front and within. Some books were straight up English through and through mixed in with German displays. I also noticed that there were several books that I don't feel like I've seen anywhere, like maybe not offered in the States at all. Lastly there was a strictly English section, albeit small, with several books that I had seen before. I love books, and you can always count on me to find a good bookstore!
I have noticed that it is a part of German culture to keep public bathrooms (the WC) clean! Whether we were in a beautiful palace, the underground subway, you can almost guarantee that the bathrooms were going to be nicely kept. I am one of those people that hates using the bathroom in public spaces because in my experience they are usually very nasty and stink (thanks LA), however, in Germany, I was able to go to the bathroom without fear!
I have noticed throughout our time here that Germany/Germans seem to be acutely aware of their impact on the environment. Now of course that is not a blanket statement for all because some deem Munich to be a "junkyard," lol, but overall I see efforts to do better. There is an extensive public transportation network that is fabulous. Train, tram, bicycle, walking. You can darn near get anywhere reducing car emissions. Recycling is definitely a priority as we all know. One thing that has caught my eye is the greenery that can be found on rooftops. I have seen this in the states, but I have noticed it quite a bit more here. It benefits the environment in several different ways, i.e. helping air quality, and increasing energy efficiency. I have even found a space in Munich that has sheep living on a rooftop! I love this idea of green spaces on roofs.
Four Projects on Designated Cultural Theme
During my time in Germany, I was able to focus on studying a theme that allowed me to fully immerse myself within the culture. As a lover of beauty in all of its forms, I decided to look into the architecture of some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Munich is a city that has an eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture that seamlessly combines old and new in a way that honors its over 800 year old history. The community of people that live and work in this city are surrounded by a vast richness of structures that tell the story of a million lifetimes.
Where I'm From
https://www.thinglink.com/video/1611921737857892355
Alte Pinakothek
Lesson Plan:
