The trends found internationally were that preservice and practicing educators need an all encompassing education that promotes student-centered learning, and constructivist approaches. They should also learn classroom management, and technology strategies. There are many reforms around the world that reflect what Alberta is currently moving towards such as, a re-vamped curriculum promoting engaged, ethical and entrepreneurial citizens (Government of Alberta, 2014). Research has shown that teaching abroad has many benefits for educators as they are able to become more reflective, empathetic and aware as a teacher.
Canadian students and teachers alike can benefit from global trends and perspectives. With the accessible flow of people, goods and information around the world there is an increasingly greater understanding of what is happening in education on the international level. This research poster will look at the experiences of various teachers as they travelled and taught abroad, and explore different issues such as teaching training, beliefs and practices; the use of technology in the classroom; differing countries practices and want for reform, and the effects of teaching abroad. These global perspectives can be used to better understand Alberta’s current curriculum and viewpoint on educational issues.
The methodology was constructed as an online survey using Google forms. It consisted of eleven questions discussing experiences teaching internationally, and current teaching practices such as receiving professional development courses, using technology in the classroom, and implementing constructivist and studentcentered strategies. Eight people, three females and five males, were sent the Google form, and five responded. Each respondent had various perspectives from different experiences around the world. The respondents were exposed to diverse countries ranging from China, Egypt, Venezuela, South Korea, Kenya, Japan and Australia.
The respondents all had at least three years of experience teaching overseas, and all respondents are presently still teaching. Respondents were asked to reflect on their growth from their experiences teaching overseas. The key ideas that shone through are: travelling gives teachers new ideas to talk about in the classroom their experiences created an open view of teaching and flexibility in life situations it caused them to reflect critically about their teaching practices they became more innovative with limited resources. All respondents were advocates for using technology in their classroom, and try to incorporate it daily. They also, all responded positively towards professional development where they participate willingly and with enthusiasm, saying it is beneficial and worth their time.
To what degree do you agree with student-centered learning where the focus is placed on student’s interests, abilities, and learning styles, placing the teacher as the facilitator of learning? 80% of respondents agree 20% of respondents strongly agree
To what degree do you agree with constructivist approaches where students construct their own knowledge through experiences and promotes learning by doing?
Understanding the trends in education internationally can open the eyes of educators in Alberta, because they can implement new ideas and strategies. The research has shown that Alberta is already keeping up and pushing forward with new teaching strategies such as, continuous professional development, studentcentered learning, constructivist approaches and using technology in the classroom. One of the greatest ways to see the methods of teaching in differing countries is to actually physically experience it. Teachers that have travelled overseas to teach have responded positively saying they learned life lessons and teaching strategies they otherwise would not have acquired if they did not go. They learned how to use their resources effectively; became more reflective, and have a better perspective about life situations. All in all, the trends seen around the world are mirrored in Alberta and educators that experience teaching overseas are more equipped with new and diverse strategies.
40% of respondents agree 60% of respondents strongly agree Contact: Laura Friesen - lrf@ualberta.ca
Literature Review: Experiences Teaching Internationally Similarities Differences All students are the same Culture differences ex. the level around the world ex. Students of importance placed on family respond positively to praise and Limited access to supplies in encouragement, they are reluctant many countries to try new things in front of peers, Class scheduling ex. a two to teachers and students need to three hour break between a.m. build relationships and p.m. classes Alberta has a heavy emphasis on Use of technology is limited due testing, similar to China to resources and skill The use of traditional activities versus authentic activities ex. paper and pencil tasks versus games for learning
https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/lfriesen/home/showcase /literature-review-international-teaching-experiences
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