Teaching In America – Course Reflection!

When I submitted an application in April 2010 for a scholarship from the UK-US Fulbright Commission, I discussed many reasons on why I wished to study at Eastern Washington University and how I thought I could develop through the programme.

I wanted to gain an understanding of the American culture and education system in order to share this knowledge and appreciation through my future role as an educator. After studying a module at my University in the UK on ‘Comparative Education Systems’, I began to investigate and appreciate the cultural differences between nations and the effect these differences have on the education of their citizens. During Teaching in America, I have relished the opportunity to develop and expand on my existing awareness of the American education system and have been particularly interested in the discussions surrounding the affect of the absence of a unified national curriculum in relation to learner engagement, and the challenges and opportunities presented of such a culturally diverse and fascinating country.

In addition, I feel that the knowledge and experience shared by the other European students in this class in regards to the format, challenges and opportunities experienced in the education systems of their home countries has been invaluable. Through critical discussion, we have been able to identify positive changes within the systems and discussed innovative ways of combating challenges in schools through a collaborative working environment. The knowledge and skills I have developed through this course will leave a lasting footprint on how I create positive learning environments through my role as an educator.

I believe that studying this course has allowed me to develop on both an academic and personal dimension through the support of the professor and my student colleagues.