ASHAElementary Education Undergraduate |
ASHAElementary Education Undergraduate |
As my time abroad in Germany came to a close, I found myself filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude, excitement, and a touch of nostalgia.
One of the highlights of my trip was observing the effectiveness of translanguaging in the schools that I visited. Translanguaging is the process of seamlessly switching between languages to facilitate communication and learning. I was fascinated by how effortlessly the teachers and students switched between German and Spanish, often crossing translating and helping each other understand the lesson. In this immersive environment, students demonstrated their ability to utilize both languages effectively. It was evident that this practice not only fostered linguistic skills but also nurtured a sense of inclusivity and support among the students. The fluidity of their communication showed the power of embracing linguistic diversity and creating a culturally rich and nurturing classroom environment. Before departing for Germany, I had hoped to learn more about teaching practices and how schools incorporate different languages into their curriculum. My goal was to gather data through classroom observations. I envisioned creating a comprehensive research project that explored the benefits of translanguaging in education. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of embracing linguistic diversity and utilizing it as a powerful tool for effective teaching and learning. This extraordinary journey has provided me with a wealth of knowledge, invaluable experiences, and a newfound appreciation for cultural exchange. I plan to integrate these insights into my future career as an early childhood educator by implementing inclusive and dynamic teaching practices that celebrate students' linguistic backgrounds. I will carry the spirit of adventure, open-mindedness, and adaptability that I gained abroad into my daily life, by seeking opportunities for growth and embracing diverse perspectives. This journey has instilled in me a passion for global education and a commitment to fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments for all students. As for Europe, I carry with me cherished memories of trying new foods, new experiences, and celebrating my 23rd birthday in a new country. This journey has shaped me in ways I never imagined, and I am excited to embrace the future with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for education and cultural exchange. Thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure!
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Over two weeks, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the dynamic learning environment of Raitelsbergschule. As a visitor I was warmly welcomed by the students and staff alike. My time at the school provided a unique and eye-opening experience, as I observed classes ranging from 1st grade to 4th grade. During my stay, I had the privilege of observing various classes, ranging from 1st to 4th grade. It was an eye-opening experience to witness the different teaching styles and classroom dynamics.
From the moment I stepped into their classrooms, I was greeted with smiles and kindness. The students went out of their way to make me feel welcomed, offering me new shows to watch, snacks, and even introducing me to local foods. This genuine hospitality set the tone for the days to come, making my time at the school even more memorable. I was hooked right away by the engaging language activities used in the 4th-grade English class to encourage good communication in English. Students confidently participated in interactive games such as charades and question-and-answer. The teacher adeptly used both German and English, allowing students to understand instructions better and encouraging them to respond comfortably in their preferred language. Both students and teachers at Raitelsbergschule benefited greatly from their use of translanguaging. By encouraging students to draw from their multilingual backgrounds, the school celebrated diversity and created a sense of cultural inclusivity. Students were able to switch between languages with ease, breaking down linguistic barriers and creating a friendly and interesting learning atmosphere. The use of a Student Council was one element I really enjoyed. The "Class Counsel" allowed students to voice their wishes, ideas, thoughts and concerns anonymously or with their names. During class discussions, it became clear that the Student Council had a crucial part to play in empowering the students and encouraging a sense of ownership in their education. This is something I will definitely integrate into my future classroom as it promotes student voice and enhances the sense of community. This unusual activity for a brain break, Partner Massages, was another highlight that I truly loved. At some point during the day, the teacher would ask students to pair up and give each other relaxing massages. The soothing music playing in the background added to the relaxing ambience. It was touching to observe how this little gesture of care and kindness helped the kids' relationships grow while also giving them a much-needed rest. I've been greatly impacted as a teacher by my stay at Raitelsbergschule. Witnessing the impact of translanguaging in language learning has inspired me to take a more flexible approach to language instruction in my future classroom. Throughout my time at Raitelsbergschule, I have developed both personally and professionally. My interactions with the students, the creative teaching strategies, and the focus on student empowerment have given me priceless insights that I will carry with me throughout my teaching career. I appreciate this wonderful opportunity and can't wait to put everything I've learned to use in creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for my future students. |
AuthorHallo! My name is Asha, an early childhood education major with a passion for learning, adventure and fun. I am thrilled to be embarking on my first trip to Germany with IPDS, where I will immerse myself in new cultures and gain a fresh perspective on education. I believe that there is no better way to grow as an individual than to challenge yourself in unfamiliar surroundings, and that is exactly what I plan to do! Follow along as I share my experiences and insights on this exciting journey. Archives
August 2023
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