Week Six - 28th March 2014

This week has been a relatively quiet one following last week’s busy schedule, so unfortunately I do not have too many exciting experiences to share. 

As I mentioned in my week four blog, students from Bolivia arrived to study with us for two

Two of the Bolivian students giving a short presentation

weeks.  Having them here has given us a great insight into their country and how they live.  This week they shared some information with us about their country and even showed us a dance or two in their traditional costumes.  They were such friendly people who appreciated even the smallest of things and who insisted on a big friendly hug every time we met.  GTCNI Competences states:

            “Teacher will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the need to take account of the significant features of pupils’ cultures, languages and faiths and to address the implications for learning arising from these.” 

Traditional dance and costumes 

With them being here has also contributed to the knowledge curve of different cultures and nationalities and how wonderful it is learning about them all.  This is a skill that will be great to have when it comes to teaching in Northern Ireland due to the growing number of EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils within the primary schools.  It was recorded by the Department of Education in 2013 that one in every six primary school pupils is an EAL pupil. 

For our Global Education class we were able to attend a meeting regarding the argument between buying local produce or Fair Trade products.  At this meeting there was a representative from Fair Trade and a local Swiss meat and dairy farmer.  This is something that I would have never thought about - probably due to shopping meaning choosing the cheapest item – typical student! However, having attended that meeting I now realise that it is important not only to support your local farmer and community but also those countries that do depend on the sale of their fair trade produce.  Nevertheless, it is still a hard decision to make each and every time. 

During this meeting I began to realise how important it is that we make children aware of the problems people in these countries face and how, even in a small way, can help.  Within this class we are learning that it is important we teach our children what the future needs of these countries are and how to develop the skills and knowledge so that we may be able to help.  We are also gathering useful teaching techniques and materials to be able to deliver this knowledge effectively and in a meaningful approach.  An article that we had to read by Susan Fountain stated:

 “In 1970 non-governmental organisations began producing teaching materials which encouraged awareness among young people.” 

Philosophy with Children is another one of our courses in the PHTG.  As part of our assignment for this course we were assigned a group of six children with whom we had to carry out a philosophy lesson.  From week one our class tutor has been training us how to do this and explaining the different techniques and toolkits that we should use.  On Tuesday I completed my lesson with six twelve year old children from a local International school.  During this class I asked the children the question ‘Is it fair to say that life is fair?’.  The children provided me with great responses and together we enjoyed an in-depth conversation.  Of course the discussion arrived at the juncture of ‘how teachers blame children for something they did not do’ and how that was unfair – always relay on children to tell you how it is!

This week has certainly been the most challenging personally for me and it has really sunk in that this is definitely the longest I have been away from my family and friends.  During the course of the week I have realised how fortunate I am to have family and friends that I am able to rely on through this journey.  Their support through the difficult hours has been invaluable.  However, I am sure these homesick moments will pass soon as I know this is an experience that deep down I am thoroughly enjoying. 

Tschüss,

Stephanie