Aero: Shelby Seeley – Costa Rica 2013 – Life at School
Aero: Shelby Seeley – Costa Rica 2013 – Life at School
Aero: Shelby Seeley – Costa Rica 2013 – Life at School
As a future teacher, I was excited to see what schools were like in Costa Rica. Our class size was very small compared to a normal U.S. class. There were only eight of us in the class which made the atmosphere very comfortable. We had started class with nine students but, Lisa a woman from Germany, wanted an even smaller class. This was mind boggling to me because I can only imagine that she wanted to be taught one on one.
The techniques that our teacher used to teach us Spanish were quite similar to what is used in the U.S. Ana, our teacher would have us repeat words and phrases along with playing games. We practiced speaking with partners and acting out skits. Writing was also a large part of our classes. The combination or speaking and writing in Spanish truly helped to refresh my memory. It allowed me to start thinking more in Spanish than in English.
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Class materials can be very helpful with teaching and learning. In the U.S. many classrooms are equipped with many books, games, flashcards, and posters. Our classroom had none of these materials. Each day Ana carried in a large bag with a huge dictionary as well as activity books. There were only two small white boards on the wall for Ana to write on. It was a good thing that we all brought notebooks too without them we would have had nothing to take notes on. We never received any handouts which was rather odd. In U.S. classrooms there is normally at least one piece of paper handed out each class period.
One thing that completely shocked and saddened me is that there was absolutely no technology in the classrooms. When I say no technology I mean nothing. We were lucky to have as many fans as we did in the room. I am accustomed to having a few computers in a classroom along with a Smartboard and maybe a couple whiteboards. It was difficult to learn without technology since I am so used to having it available. I think it would be very beneficial for classrooms to have at least a laptop in each room.
There were a few similarities during class in Costa Rica that are also present in the U.S. Ana always encouraged us to ask questions if we were unsure of directions or what not. She also wanted us to just try our best even if we were wrong the first time. Ana as well as other classmates would help you out if you got stuck. I was reminded on this trip that any where is a good place to learn. Taking field trips and learning outside of the classroom was a great deal of fun just like they are in the U.S.
One feeling that I will never forget is what it is like to be in a classroom and not have a clue what is going on. Occasionally Ana would give directions for an activity and I would be completely lost. There is a sense of panic that one feels when they know they are suppose to do something yet they have no clue what that task is. This is something that I will carry with me should I ever have a student who has limited English.
I only had the experience of learning in a private school but I would have loved to gone into a public school. Observing students and teachers would have been interesting to see. In the future when I travel abroad I plan on making a stop at schools. Just getting out of the U.S. was just such a great learning experience that I cannot wait to hop on another plane!
– Shelby Seeley
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