03 July 2013
02 July 2013
First Day of School
Tuesday I ventured into the world of secondary school in Kolkata. I am teaching at the Loreto Day School, which is an all girl's school in the old British section of Kolkata. I don't think I really have much to complain about in terms of class size or resources back home. There are sometimes 40-50 students in a class that contains the basics of chalkboard, desks for about 30 (students pair up) and basic science equipment and samples. As for pacing guides, they have a very strict curriculum (guide) to follow in the upper grade levels. I observed several classes yesterday and presented one or two quick topics in a few. I am working with 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 grade students in various subjects like Environmental Science, Life Science (biology), and assisting on the national science project endeavor.
In the lower levels up until about 8, the learning is very much centered around inquiry and exploring science through hands-on activities and experiments with explanations and instruction following the activities. Once students reach the upper grades, it becomes very book centered to prepare students to sit for examinations at the end of the 10th and 12th levels. If students do not pass the exams at those levels, they do not move on to the higher levels. I hope that I am able to work with the students in some different ways that will make the book learning more engaging and the students will be able to apply what they are learning from the books. I am also excited about learning from them and the teachers at the school.
It was an interesting first day and I felt like the first day of student teaching or my first classroom. I was introduced in front of the entire student body and gave a quick 1 minute introduction of myself. The students are very curious and I am curious about them as well so we are even. The staff is very welcoming at the school and shared their lunches with me and experiences. Teachers are teachers everywhere, and we have the same issues with education boards, classes, students, and thirst for knowledge. I am looking forward to an intriguing, engaging, and fantastic time here.
In the lower levels up until about 8, the learning is very much centered around inquiry and exploring science through hands-on activities and experiments with explanations and instruction following the activities. Once students reach the upper grades, it becomes very book centered to prepare students to sit for examinations at the end of the 10th and 12th levels. If students do not pass the exams at those levels, they do not move on to the higher levels. I hope that I am able to work with the students in some different ways that will make the book learning more engaging and the students will be able to apply what they are learning from the books. I am also excited about learning from them and the teachers at the school.
It was an interesting first day and I felt like the first day of student teaching or my first classroom. I was introduced in front of the entire student body and gave a quick 1 minute introduction of myself. The students are very curious and I am curious about them as well so we are even. The staff is very welcoming at the school and shared their lunches with me and experiences. Teachers are teachers everywhere, and we have the same issues with education boards, classes, students, and thirst for knowledge. I am looking forward to an intriguing, engaging, and fantastic time here.
01 July 2013
A few pictures of the day...
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| Local vendors set up early each day along the streets creating mini sidewalk markets |
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| Many, many seeking assistance in a city of millions |
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| A curious blend of ancient and modern exists |
Meeting my Mentor Teacher
This afternoon over dinner, I was able to meet my host teacher, Debatri. It was very nice to meet her in person and talk about students in general and what would be going on in class. She is also a fairly new teacher and recently finished her masters in education examination. We have some things in common and I am really looking forward to working with her and sharing ideas about education.
It looks like I am starting out teaching 7th grade on the Organ Systems of Toads (Digestive, Excretory, etc.). I am excited about starting our partnership, but a bit nervous about 7th grade. Although, students are students, so we shall see. I'm sure I will have much more to report tomorrow night.
As for my schedule, I start school at 7:45 each morning and work until around 14:00/15:00 depending on what needs to be done for the students at the end of the day. Also, even more exciting I am going on a field trip with the students outside of Kolkata on Saturday by bus. The students take some time every few weeks to go out to local villages and teach younger students various topics in math, science, and English. Should be a great trip and definitely a way to get to know not only the students, but the surrounding area.
It looks like I am starting out teaching 7th grade on the Organ Systems of Toads (Digestive, Excretory, etc.). I am excited about starting our partnership, but a bit nervous about 7th grade. Although, students are students, so we shall see. I'm sure I will have much more to report tomorrow night.
As for my schedule, I start school at 7:45 each morning and work until around 14:00/15:00 depending on what needs to be done for the students at the end of the day. Also, even more exciting I am going on a field trip with the students outside of Kolkata on Saturday by bus. The students take some time every few weeks to go out to local villages and teach younger students various topics in math, science, and English. Should be a great trip and definitely a way to get to know not only the students, but the surrounding area.
Ordering a Phone
Well, unlike in the States, obtaining a SIM card and a cell phone is no easy task in India since 9/11. The nice part is that the salesman came to the hotel this morning and took the orders from us for the phones. It involved an application, a passport photo (yes, a picture that is kept), a copy of my passport, and a copy of my visa. The only problem happened to be is that the entry stamp on my visa is in blue ink.....well, you can imagine how well that copied on a black and white copier. So, eventually, we got a colour copy and all is well now. I should have a phone tomorrow afternoon around 4:30 or so with a local number to stay in touch with people in Kolkata.
To get the passport photo, we ventured around the corner into New Market and found a passport photo shop on top of the Nikon camera shop (where I happened to pick up an UV filter for my short lens). Pretty interesting operation built into the foyer and stairs of an old colonial era building. If I remember, I will try to grab a pic of the place tomorrow. Just image a storefront directly in the entry of the foyer and then a loft like structure built over most of the stairs with a narrow stairway left for access to the upper level. Interestingly enough, the walls were built down to the tops of the banisters (concrete) and the original jade green tile work was still visible in the walls from the tops of the banisters and railing.
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