ALEXIS
Elementary Education Undergraduate |
ALEXIS
Elementary Education Undergraduate |
If you’d told me a year ago that I would be teaching a class of 64 fourth graders in Africa I would have said you were absolutely insane. All I can say is what an experience. As a cohort, we decided to donate class packs of individual student whiteboards, dry-erase markers as well as erasers. Tuesday, we introduced ourselves officially to the class by using the whiteboards to ask simple get-to-know-you questions for the class to answer via writing on their boards, and in turn we responded on our own boards. The class responded well and had wonderful engagement during the activity. It was so eye-opening to see students so excited over a typical classroom tool we seldom take advantage of in the U.S. Too often back home, I even would catch myself, complaining about SmartBoards not working, the computer lab being unavailable, iPads being uncooperative, the list can go on and on. Here at Libala, the teacher has a chalkboard, a piece of chalk and one book for every few children to share for only a few subjects. Seeing and teaching with such limited supplies made me very grateful for what previous classrooms I have worked in have provided. I was also inspired to tone down the ‘bells and whistles’ of modern teaching after seeing entire school days taught just with chalk. Wednesday, my co-teacher and I brought a new approach to the classroom by developing to media based lessons for the day. We brought in our laptops and our students were beyond excited. We integrated a listening passage into our English lesson, also using the whiteboards as well as created a slideshow for Science using English and translating words into their local language, Cinyanga, to help them better understand. It was so much fun giving the students an opportunity to have media aid their learning. Aside from teaching, one of my all-time favorite experiences so far this trip has been playing with my students during their breaktime. They have taught us many games they play in the school yard everyday and really enjoy watching us catch on to each game and participate. Most games involve dancing, so naturally it was an easy fit for me into the fun! I will take all my experience here at Libala with me for a lifetime.
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I haven’t been able to get this smile off my face since I stepped foot in Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Zambia. What a crazy wonderful few days it has been. From arriving at Twangale Park Lodge to our first encounter with our classroom placements; it has been a whirlwind of excitement and new experiences.
I was in awe that I was in Zambia after months and months leading up to that moment. Although exhausted from over 20 hours of flying, I was taking it all in. Being in another country for the first time, I was nervous, but still very ready for whatever was to come. The next morning, we traveled to the University of Zambia (UNZA) to speak with lecturers about the education system in Zambia, as well as their specific roles at the college. Although expected, I still was shocked to hear how different policies in education are. Unlike the U.S, there is no mandatory schooling. Students should be in school at age 7, however, it is not required. As a result of this, students who want to be in school are there, making it a much different learning environment than in the states. Schooling is free at the primary level (grades 1-7), however, students must be tested to enter secondary school (grades 8-12) which has tuition. Students who do not enter the secondary school may go to vocational school. Apart from educational policies, I was very intrigued to hear that there are only 123,000 teachers in all of Zambia. This is expected here, based on the amount of schools, resources and overall educational system. I am beyond grateful for the most unique aspect of this trip, personal cultural experience with Dr. Shandomo’s family. Saturday morning, Shandomo took a group of us to her home church here in Lusaka. I was moved by how welcoming and loving every single person was. The warmth of these people makes you feel as if you are home and one of their own. We were welcomed as visitors during the service and were given two small books as well as a small yellow rose. I felt so accepted and loved and welcomed, and I then realized that this is the culture and an experience we would not have gotten if it was not for Dr. Shandomo. On Sunday, we met with tailors who measured us for our own, handmade and personally chosen garments they will make for us after we purchase fabric. I am beyond excited that this has been offered to us and cannot wait to get the pieces I picked out! Following the tailors, we were picked up by Shandomo’s nephew and wife and were driven to their house and welcomed for tea. Visiting with them is something I will never forget. We were welcomed into their home and treated as if we were family. I was moved to tears when we left their home. It is difficult to explain why, I can barley understand it. I felt more at home than I have ever felt, and I was in a strangers’ home. It is mind boggling to think that all of this and this way of living is just on the other side of the globe and we all look at the same sun and moon every day. This morning (Monday) was our first encounter/observation with our placement classroom. Mackenzie and I will be co-teaching in a 4th grade classroom. We were greeted by students everywhere upon arrival to Libala Primary School. I was deeply moved yet again by every interaction I had with the students today. We were only there for a short period of time, and upon engaging with the students through conversation and picture-taking, we were leaving with hugs, handshakes and kisses on the cheek from so many children. I am beyond excited to continue sharing this journey with you as we begin teaching in the schools this week. See you soon!!! For starters, I have never been outside the US & Canada, let alone another HEMISPHERE! What a journey to come. I have always wanted to travel and what better way to do it than through an incredible program to better myself as an educator.
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