Global studies provide insight into teaching internationally
A group of Cato College of Education students and faculty members are back with memories of and insight into international teaching after a summer program in China and India
Faculty members Chuang Wang and Florence Martin have participated in study abroad programs in the past, and they are ardent about the value of future educators sharing the experience. They believe studying abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to develop a better understanding of the world. The course, Educational Policies and Practices in China and India, helps students get the most out of their experience abroad. Future teachers explored a broad range of new cultures, place and ideas, and they were exposed to the many variations between the U.S. and Asian educational systems.
“My most memorable experience was visiting a kindergarten in China. I love this kindergarten because they build Chinese culture into the whole curriculum,” said Wang, a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership. “They teach children the virtues and health knowledge as well as literacy and mathematics. Their motto is to prepare future talents who are strong both physically and mentally. Most U.S. schools focus on safety in health and sports but neglect the physical well-being and virtue education.”
Students were able to observe classroom lessons and interact with Chinese and Indian school teachers, administrators and students. They also attended lectures given by Chinese and Indian professors to learn about current research and practices in their respective countries.
Rex Mangiaracina, a student who went on the trip, said, “One of my biggest takeaways is that we as Americans should not force our culture and beliefs onto other cultures as it pertains to education. There are strengths and weaknesses as it pertains to education the world over and awareness and analysis of these will only further educator’s abilities to better support their students.”
Members of the trip learned a lot in their classes, but they also learned by visiting an array of historical sites. The Terra Cotta of Warriors and Horses, Shaanxi History Museum, Banpo Museum, Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas and the Bell Tower of Xi’an, China, were among the sites visited in China. They also viewed the Somnathpur Keshava Temple, Mysore Palace and the Taj Mahal in India.
Wang said he really enjoys how his students learn in a class setting and can apply what they learn to make their trip more interesting.
Prior to the trip, UNC Charlotte students read the textbook, journal articles and various other book chapters, and they met as a class to prepare and develop knowledge of the other countries’ education systems. They also had daily meetings during the trip to reflect and ask questions. Students wrote journals during the trip and a research paper after the trip, they delivered oral presentations about the experience.
Martin, also a professor in educational leadership, co-led the excursion. She noted, “In this comparative education course, students returned home understanding the values of other countries and how educators strive to use innovative ways to prepare learners across the world.”