Our last day at school in Krasnoyarsk - Bittersweet
We began the day observing several secondary classes, including a math review for their 9th grade test, Russian literature, Social Studies, and Physical Education. I found these classes to be intriguing and all structured very well. The teachers were exceptional in delivering the information, while the students were all attentive and respectful. Students participated in groups in a few of the classes, a concept in which I have have rarely seen while in Russia. I also noticed a great use of the SmartBoard in most of the classes. Teachers prefer using the projector and SmartBoard over the old school method of chalkboard. It's a mix of old and new here, and that's why I'm so confused in how to explain it. The school, classrooms, instructors, and students all seem to be working in our world as it was 30 years ago, but there are bits of new with technology, rebellion, hidden phones and earbuds, fashion, etc. One of my biggest takeaways is that Russian administrators still teach 8 hours a week. After observing her class, I knew the students respected this administrator and valued her input.
After the lessons we attended a science fair set up in their cafeteria where students of all ages presented their award winning projects to us. We traveled from booth to booth to listen to the students. I loved how the students investigated a topic so thoroughly, but many of my questions and the information got lost in translation. It was a nice gesture.
My favorite experience came next when we participated in a teacher scavenger hunt, with silly tasks at various stations throughout the school. It was a race against the clock to complete each task and make it back to the starting point. I love how the teachers teamed up in groups and all participated in this fun event. The students where in charge of each station. This was wonderful! I hope to initiate a similar concept at my school for team building and collaboration.
Next on our agenda was to a local university known for science and technology. This university was extremely old and like nothing I have ever seen before. The science labs seemed a bit outdated in terms of equipment as science in the US is cutting-edge. I also noticed an old professor using a pen and gradebook. It's just like nothing I have witnessed in my college years (and those were 10-15 years ago). Nonetheless, the professors and staff were more than welcoming and excited to show us around.
Our last hoorah in this city was with an authentic Russian dinner hosted by the teachers of the school. Wow! It blew me away. The teachers stayed late at school to dine with us on Russian dishes, for dancing, singing, and traditional games. It was a blast and truly an honor to be a part of it.
All in all, this has been the most spectacular trip. I've made some of the best friends and come to find that people and students are the same worldwide. We are on the opposite side of the world, the farthest I can get from home, but still feel like home could be next door. Sure, this place looks a little different than home, but when inside the walls of the school, I felt like home. They feel like family. These people are extremely generous and the nicest I have ever met. They all enjoy their jobs and have spent so much of their life this past week to make it a better experience for us. I will never forget them and will truly be grateful for taking a week out of their life to make us feel welcome.
While I regret leaving, I can't wait to get back to my family and share all of my photos and stories with all. I will never forget their hospitality and all that they have done for us. I feel bad that this blog does not give my feelings justice. I can't wait to explain when I get home. :)
We began the day observing several secondary classes, including a math review for their 9th grade test, Russian literature, Social Studies, and Physical Education. I found these classes to be intriguing and all structured very well. The teachers were exceptional in delivering the information, while the students were all attentive and respectful. Students participated in groups in a few of the classes, a concept in which I have have rarely seen while in Russia. I also noticed a great use of the SmartBoard in most of the classes. Teachers prefer using the projector and SmartBoard over the old school method of chalkboard. It's a mix of old and new here, and that's why I'm so confused in how to explain it. The school, classrooms, instructors, and students all seem to be working in our world as it was 30 years ago, but there are bits of new with technology, rebellion, hidden phones and earbuds, fashion, etc. One of my biggest takeaways is that Russian administrators still teach 8 hours a week. After observing her class, I knew the students respected this administrator and valued her input.
After the lessons we attended a science fair set up in their cafeteria where students of all ages presented their award winning projects to us. We traveled from booth to booth to listen to the students. I loved how the students investigated a topic so thoroughly, but many of my questions and the information got lost in translation. It was a nice gesture.
My favorite experience came next when we participated in a teacher scavenger hunt, with silly tasks at various stations throughout the school. It was a race against the clock to complete each task and make it back to the starting point. I love how the teachers teamed up in groups and all participated in this fun event. The students where in charge of each station. This was wonderful! I hope to initiate a similar concept at my school for team building and collaboration.
Next on our agenda was to a local university known for science and technology. This university was extremely old and like nothing I have ever seen before. The science labs seemed a bit outdated in terms of equipment as science in the US is cutting-edge. I also noticed an old professor using a pen and gradebook. It's just like nothing I have witnessed in my college years (and those were 10-15 years ago). Nonetheless, the professors and staff were more than welcoming and excited to show us around.
Our last hoorah in this city was with an authentic Russian dinner hosted by the teachers of the school. Wow! It blew me away. The teachers stayed late at school to dine with us on Russian dishes, for dancing, singing, and traditional games. It was a blast and truly an honor to be a part of it.
All in all, this has been the most spectacular trip. I've made some of the best friends and come to find that people and students are the same worldwide. We are on the opposite side of the world, the farthest I can get from home, but still feel like home could be next door. Sure, this place looks a little different than home, but when inside the walls of the school, I felt like home. They feel like family. These people are extremely generous and the nicest I have ever met. They all enjoy their jobs and have spent so much of their life this past week to make it a better experience for us. I will never forget them and will truly be grateful for taking a week out of their life to make us feel welcome.
While I regret leaving, I can't wait to get back to my family and share all of my photos and stories with all. I will never forget their hospitality and all that they have done for us. I feel bad that this blog does not give my feelings justice. I can't wait to explain when I get home. :)