tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37402328527029359982024-03-13T07:53:26.898-07:00Beyond Borders BlackboardExploring global education in the US and around the world.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-56057444913400236902014-04-11T10:57:00.001-07:002014-04-14T06:16:40.926-07:00Final Day in Russia-Answering the Question<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyVgW5cA6LY/U0gs5X1FORI/AAAAAAAAHRg/Pm2bRDFiZ6w/s640/blogger-image--389342851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyVgW5cA6LY/U0gs5X1FORI/AAAAAAAAHRg/Pm2bRDFiZ6w/s640/blogger-image--389342851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E2LiPEMmB24/U0gs_3uL0uI/AAAAAAAAHSI/qSoKJ2jR6Fs/s640/blogger-image-661683623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E2LiPEMmB24/U0gs_3uL0uI/AAAAAAAAHSI/qSoKJ2jR6Fs/s640/blogger-image-661683623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's been two weeks since I first arrived in Moscow and I now prepare to leave. As I sit in the airport, waiting to board a plane for the vacation part of my journey, I feel gratitude for my time here in Russia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I saw the country in a way that few can through the prism of my work as an educator. This was a once in a lifetime experience. I know this. Still, I am so happy to be born American. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ngvJpRHBI0U/U0oynQsCDyI/AAAAAAAAHTY/dD5gRnIvxAo/s640/blogger-image--10579818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ngvJpRHBI0U/U0oynQsCDyI/AAAAAAAAHTY/dD5gRnIvxAo/s640/blogger-image--10579818.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If my great grandparents had made a different choice, I would have been a Soviet citizen. I would have grown up in the Soviet Era. Would I have been reluctant and careful to speak of my experiences? Probably. Would I have been as generous and hospitable in a hosting situation with Americans? I hope so. Would I have been as clear about my high regard for my leaders and my country? This is hard to imagine because so much of what makes us distinctly American is free speech and a sense that we are entitled to and have an obligation criticize our leaders. Things are very different here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r1spgVq3ONw/U0oyYD5IZGI/AAAAAAAAHTI/4M5O3hIwoFY/s640/blogger-image-330552204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r1spgVq3ONw/U0oyYD5IZGI/AAAAAAAAHTI/4M5O3hIwoFY/s640/blogger-image-330552204.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I am never more grateful to be American as when I travel through other countries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are a blessed nation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday, we met at the American Center which is a sort of library and safe haven for visiting Americans. Twelve teachers from twelve different parts of the USA were able to de-brief about our experiences in five different regions of Russia. Most of us were in Siberia. Most were placed in schools that perform. Our experiences were varied and most said that our time here was challenging and stimulating. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The essential question that I used to guide my travels through Russian education was simple: what are the factors that determine the education of the Russian student?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JcfmwFL0twE/U0mickkphlI/AAAAAAAAHSs/pAv5Vn3ejkg/s640/blogger-image-1543913890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JcfmwFL0twE/U0mickkphlI/AAAAAAAAHSs/pAv5Vn3ejkg/s640/blogger-image-1543913890.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I traveled through schools, I examined my assumptions and asked questions:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How much of the education is dictated by the state?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How much freedom do teachers have to determine their own instruction?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What is the relationship of teachers and students?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What is the relationship of teachers and administration? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is there a Board of Education and do they set policy or is the policy set at the school?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What is teacher training like?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How are families supportive of their students' education?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I brought many of my own experiences to the questions that I asked. I was so grateful that BHUSD allowed me to participate in this program (I worried about this from my acceptance) and I wanted my travel to be useful to the District as a whole. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's what my group noticed in Russia:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Education has intrinsic value. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Student engagement is at a high level in all observed classes and students actively participate in class. Children raised hands in primary forms. Upper grade teachers called on students.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Students feel high pressure to answer questions correctly and we observed fear on the students' part as they worried about answering correctly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teachers didn't want to speak English in front of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Students dressed professionally and took great care of appearance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Students showed great respect for teachers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As in American schools, halls and passing periods were chaotic. Students liberally use personal phones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Homework seems prepared.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Education is highly competitive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Russian schools clearly define gender roles. Girls Technical Arts means sewing, ironing, and cooking. Boys took classes like wood shop.</div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyVgW5cA6LY/U0gs5X1FORI/AAAAAAAAHRg/Pm2bRDFiZ6w/s640/blogger-image--389342851.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clear differences between the American and Russian system include:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Russian system is nationalized and as such features curriculum, textbooks, high stakes tests and teacher education set by the government.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teachers here are underpaid and overworked (even more so than in the US). Many must have second jobs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Most teachers women. I would say that men are nearly absent from the educational process in this country. Those to whom we spoke said that men do not teach because they cannot support a family on a teacher's salary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teachers report that students are overworked and overtired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In order to fit all students into schools, institutions have at least two shifts of classes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Administrators all teach (my favorite takeaway!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The school week is six rather than five days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As in the US schools facilities are are tired and often in disrepair. Lights are often off in classrooms and in the halls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Technology at the schools at which I visited appeared old.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Critical thinking is not often taught. Facts are preferred to synthesis and analysis. Russians emphasize theoretical over critical thinking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Students and families transport children to school.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We observed pay for play in better schools. Better schools require money and palm greasing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Parents are more concerned about grades than actual learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Russians take pride in and emphasize early education and pre school.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fresh food is cooked in cafeteria and provides food for all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teachers see students for many years and build long term personal relationships with them. This is further impacted by the fact that all grades are housed in the same building.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wQPsnhzXmTI/U0gs6m2zjhI/AAAAAAAAHRo/1QWQI7m41t8/s640/blogger-image--972942174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wQPsnhzXmTI/U0gs6m2zjhI/AAAAAAAAHRo/1QWQI7m41t8/s640/blogger-image--972942174.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Russian student concerns included many of the same as those of my students. They worry endlessly about admission into university and exams (at the state and and university level). Russian students had very different concerns as well. They loathe their uniforms and feel that they have too much homework. They view learning English as an opportunity and school as a way to evade compulsory military service. Students give teachers credit for jobs well done and show respect through everything from standing when an instructor enters a room to verbally praising their teachers. I felt that Russian students demonstrated pride at every turn: pride in their schools; pride in their history; pride in their Olympic teams at Sochi. Russian students clearly wanted us to know the contribution of their artists and to value these artists as they did. The Russian youth is physically fit and I rarely saw any overweight children. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_PQUUE42-XI/U0lxmqqndxI/AAAAAAAAHSc/dJr7zTxgr8M/s640/blogger-image--1160615383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_PQUUE42-XI/U0lxmqqndxI/AAAAAAAAHSc/dJr7zTxgr8M/s640/blogger-image--1160615383.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And what do I think now? We have a lot to learn from the Russian education system but they can learn from us as well. Isn't this what we do when we globalize education? Aren't we sharing best practices across cultures and preparing our children for the future rather than the past?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_NC_-tuvADc/U0oyZqVbUXI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/zMX_ShOOvKo/s640/blogger-image-165263720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_NC_-tuvADc/U0oyZqVbUXI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/zMX_ShOOvKo/s640/blogger-image-165263720.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I remain committed to the following tenants of globalizing education:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">learning about global issues for and with my students and infusing my lesson plans with a world view;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">creating cross cultural empathy and experiences for my students; c<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ommunicating across cultures and often using technology to do this; </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">creating global plans with many of my lessons.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I want to add one more of my own: I remain committed to growing culturally and globally as a teacher. Travel is more than a vacation for me. I view it as a way to continue my own education. I plan to do much more journeying through the prism of education in coming years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RrhRFQAU83c/U0gs-lUyKAI/AAAAAAAAHSA/jQj4kuc-j9c/s640/blogger-image-835566728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RrhRFQAU83c/U0gs-lUyKAI/AAAAAAAAHSA/jQj4kuc-j9c/s640/blogger-image-835566728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We tackled the subway on our own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E2LiPEMmB24/U0gs_3uL0uI/AAAAAAAAHSI/qSoKJ2jR6Fs/s640/blogger-image-661683623.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With my fabulous co-teacher and Siberian travel partner. Tracey Anderson is an inspiring colleague and travel partner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rc_VD9XlboA/U0gs8qgMZCI/AAAAAAAAHR4/UjjqwZiwm2Y/s640/blogger-image-1265777023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rc_VD9XlboA/U0gs8qgMZCI/AAAAAAAAHR4/UjjqwZiwm2Y/s640/blogger-image-1265777023.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-39417859024017861302014-04-10T00:31:00.001-07:002014-04-10T06:44:58.660-07:00Russian Airport Style.<div>What I notice:</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Russians</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> do not send their luggage through with a mere tag and a lock. Rather, they</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> appear to Saran wrap their bags. </span></div><div>I worried that I was doing something wrong and that I'd find a charger or camera missing from my bag after arriving from Moscow to Barnaul.</div><div>I was fine. Shrink wrapping suitcases is more custom than necessity. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AlZ93Fb6v7M/U0ZIsvphjDI/AAAAAAAAHRI/YPFmFnDarqM/s640/blogger-image--2060757452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AlZ93Fb6v7M/U0ZIsvphjDI/AAAAAAAAHRI/YPFmFnDarqM/s640/blogger-image--2060757452.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Russians love their furs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There appears to be no PETA here. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fpti9hE17c0/U0ZImHDXn7I/AAAAAAAAHQw/SAaehJ7oSpg/s640/blogger-image--822610840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fpti9hE17c0/U0ZImHDXn7I/AAAAAAAAHQw/SAaehJ7oSpg/s640/blogger-image--822610840.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Traveling Russian kids fly with <i>Harry Potter</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-si4ocL5cMOk/U0ZIorMYZ4I/AAAAAAAAHQ4/0gRCEMj0EHg/s640/blogger-image--567985774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-si4ocL5cMOk/U0ZIorMYZ4I/AAAAAAAAHQ4/0gRCEMj0EHg/s640/blogger-image--567985774.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Returning flights to Moscow from Siberia on Aeroflot are markedly more sane than the outbound flights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-atX4GKKSpvA/U0ZIpSUmIjI/AAAAAAAAHRA/KE7IR-b9EAo/s640/blogger-image--87690626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-atX4GKKSpvA/U0ZIpSUmIjI/AAAAAAAAHRA/KE7IR-b9EAo/s640/blogger-image--87690626.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the best things about travel is how much more you love home when you return.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-83216291562044689932014-04-09T03:48:00.001-07:002014-04-10T11:09:39.895-07:00On Similarities and Differences and Kazakhstan Days in Barnaul<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ATracey and I have been worried about this day since we first arrived in Barnaul. Tatyana and the Baker Street Director, Marina, told us that on our final day we would be speaking to dozens of eductors from the Altai region about American schools. This prospect was daunting in Russia whrere we might face both language and cultural barriers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, I am aware, at least conceptually, of the tension between our two countries. The longer that I am here, the more I am asked about the "current situation". More on this later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I fortified myself with caffeine from the smokey coffee shop downstairs. Plumes of smoke fill the air when we enter. I've never seen anything like these fume filled coffee houses: certainly not in Los Angeles. Still, they offer a decent Americano. The hotel and most institiutions that we've visited serve a poor relation of Sanka. I hold my breath and enter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">T<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">here's the girl who's served me every day that I've been in Barnaul. These Russians really know how to twist. The plaits are intricate and change with the day. Girls of all ages from three to 30 indulge in in the fine art of braidery. I asked Natalya if I could take a picture.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M3Qo9Wb2GgU/U0Um_W4sExI/AAAAAAAAHP8/6q1739vXPgs/s640/blogger-image--978944359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M3Qo9Wb2GgU/U0Um_W4sExI/AAAAAAAAHP8/6q1739vXPgs/s640/blogger-image--978944359.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thus fortified with the Americano--I must pay an extra 20 rubles for milk--we journey to the packed room. Legions of teachers from all over the Altai region burned to ask us questions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After 12 days here, I feel that I am just beginning to understand and articulate the differences between our systems. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Russian teaching style is more authorative. There is more emphasis on real facts and less on process. Knowledge is king. Students have few after extracurricular activities but may go to language institutes after the close of the school day for enrichment. School b</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">uildings house kindergarten through secondary or what we would call high school. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DpINjMPD43M/U0VxPM140vI/AAAAAAAAHQc/3lE8Tfqk-4M/s640/blogger-image-905550841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DpINjMPD43M/U0VxPM140vI/AAAAAAAAHQc/3lE8Tfqk-4M/s640/blogger-image-905550841.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Elena asked about discipline. Svetlana asked if teaching was a respected institution. Nina asked if we had problems with mobile phones. Yulia asked about project based learning. Many asked if we struggle with class size. Multiple teachers asked about exams for the state and exams for university.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The implication of these questions, as any teacher knows, is that Russian educators struggle with many of the same problems that we face in the United States. Tracey keeps saying that we are more alike than different. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the issue of style, there are clear divisions.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Luhm1zjpVU/U0UlXU0rEAI/AAAAAAAAHPw/MPK476e58zg/s640/blogger-image-1663850523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Luhm1zjpVU/U0UlXU0rEAI/AAAAAAAAHPw/MPK476e58zg/s640/blogger-image-1663850523.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Russian teachers assign more individual, less group work. Teachers are the ultimate authority here and cut students little to no slack. As I've said over and over again, there is real as opposed to stated committment to small class size. While a class may have as many as 25 students, those students will be broken into groups so that kids can have meaningful, interactive attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sOFL3thv0ck/U0UlVH2cZtI/AAAAAAAAHPg/vGbKOI51C3A/s640/blogger-image-30411374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sOFL3thv0ck/U0UlVH2cZtI/AAAAAAAAHPg/vGbKOI51C3A/s640/blogger-image-30411374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To me, the primary difference is the centralized educational system of Russia. It is certainly less confusing for students if they move from school to school or city to city. But centralized education strips away autonomy from a teacher (and a region). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Critical Thinking:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Focus on c<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ritical thinking skills have opportunities for growth. Teachers with whom I spoke see a growing awareness of this need; if educators are given more autonomy and can focus less on tests, they will have time to develop these critical thinking, problem solving skills in kids. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On Testing:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> There are right answers and wrong answers. In Russia, the state and national testing is perilously demoralizing to students; in the US testing, at least to me, seems more demoralizing to teachers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On teaching language: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Russian language classes are superb. It's working here. It can work in the US. We need to start earlier and treat languages (both foreign and English) with more respect. Teachers here know that a child who begins foreign language in the 9th grade cannot possibly become fluent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On counseling:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Counselors don't exist here but there may be a form teacher (I think that's what it's called). This teacher takes an intervention role and interacts with parents or helps students when they struggle. Teachers will follow these students all the way through their schooling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On administrators as educators:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I do feel like I'm burying my lead here. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was my favorite take away idea: administrators are teachers first. All administrators from directors to principals <b>must</b> teach classes. Because they teach French, or Physics, or Russian, administrators keep their hands and heads in the classroom game. Other classroom teachers have respect for this and value the input of the administrator. After all, administrators are currently teachers too. Schools are creating a true team effort on all levels. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This part of the Russian system works. It works now in the US for private schools. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of college pedagogy professors with whom we met comes back to School 69 once a week in order to stay engaged in the art. She's not even an administrator. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NpYi3kqxPls/U0ZIvA2hvII/AAAAAAAAHRQ/ZUPE6yXFceI/s640/blogger-image-876519313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NpYi3kqxPls/U0ZIvA2hvII/AAAAAAAAHRQ/ZUPE6yXFceI/s640/blogger-image-876519313.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I realize that my thoughts will solidify much more over the next couple of months. There's a lot to think about, but I am looking forward to returning to BHHS and exploring some of these ideas with my colleagues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See below. This is the last swag bag from BHHS Rotery. Another happy Russian customer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4yKRs2T24cU/U0UlUEWhEAI/AAAAAAAAHPY/0nGUuNsuj7U/s640/blogger-image-1993964130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4yKRs2T24cU/U0UlUEWhEAI/AAAAAAAAHPY/0nGUuNsuj7U/s640/blogger-image-1993964130.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On another note, today Khazakhstanis journeyed to Barnaul for their annual festival. A good time was had by all. They plied their wares including craft items and honeys. Table after table was heavily laden with honeys for every palate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xZAllZYZKDQ/U0UlWUC7hyI/AAAAAAAAHPo/5Om6chFR46E/s640/blogger-image--649213112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xZAllZYZKDQ/U0UlWUC7hyI/AAAAAAAAHPo/5Om6chFR46E/s640/blogger-image--649213112.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Supposedly, this is the best honey in the world. I found it very strong, but maybe I'm just used to lame pasteurized resin that I can buy at my Sunday Farmer's Market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LH-UAQfk44k/U0UlSdnYVOI/AAAAAAAAHPI/SmtjwTIthok/s640/blogger-image--834194520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LH-UAQfk44k/U0UlSdnYVOI/AAAAAAAAHPI/SmtjwTIthok/s640/blogger-image--834194520.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I mean look at this stuff. Have you ever seen honey like this? It's as thick as frosting. If the containers weren't so flimsy, I'd bring some home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nULW2XT-kG0/U0UkfDzeEOI/AAAAAAAAHO4/-ZrFJNzzG44/s640/blogger-image-560693747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nULW2XT-kG0/U0UkfDzeEOI/AAAAAAAAHO4/-ZrFJNzzG44/s640/blogger-image-560693747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These beautifully clothed girls in traditional Khazakstani dress entertained crowds with dances.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q-h69KQi53I/U0UlTEp3vcI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/GSYy-W3CUvc/s640/blogger-image-237009746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q-h69KQi53I/U0UlTEp3vcI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/GSYy-W3CUvc/s640/blogger-image-237009746.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The textiles were beautful. The Kazakh man pictured below seemed to have no clue as to why I wanted his picture. It's just another day for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everywhere I go, I am THAT American.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y790yEqqe98/U0UlQ4tJhuI/AAAAAAAAHPA/nj09q8YgRO0/s640/blogger-image--1128679652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y790yEqqe98/U0UlQ4tJhuI/AAAAAAAAHPA/nj09q8YgRO0/s640/blogger-image--1128679652.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I just want to take a bit of it home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxrOIS5p-Jk/U0VxOEpNZ5I/AAAAAAAAHQU/VSxu6iavvKw/s640/blogger-image-1502350743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxrOIS5p-Jk/U0VxOEpNZ5I/AAAAAAAAHQU/VSxu6iavvKw/s640/blogger-image-1502350743.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>We leave Barnaul tomorrow and forge ahead to Moscow for debriefing. I don't feel done with this though. I will be proccessing this trip for a long time to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-9894117395212173892014-04-08T09:47:00.001-07:002014-04-08T20:29:01.030-07:00School 69<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nhMEu_Jsi0M/U0QnEDR39uI/AAAAAAAAHMc/B60-EHM_x_Y/s640/blogger-image-1315442040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nhMEu_Jsi0M/U0QnEDR39uI/AAAAAAAAHMc/B60-EHM_x_Y/s640/blogger-image-1315442040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">School 69 is a typical city school in Siberia. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There are two shifts: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If School 69 does not break up their day like this, there is no way to accomodate the swarms of students in one block. I have heard that in other locations that there can be as many as three shifts!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Morning shift begins at 8 AM and runs until 1. Afternoon shift beings at 1:30 and runs until 6:30. Teachers might teach both shifts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As far as I can tell, there is no union representation for teachers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I saw evidence of great pride in schools and respect for teachers. Again, students rise when we enter the room. They plied us with gifts as we made our way through the school to visit classrooms and to answer questions about America. I am now quite happily familiar with Russian chocolate!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gLz9u4CvmeE/U0S6qjq5nOI/AAAAAAAAHOU/h7qPVJ1_W0U/s640/blogger-image--1730265814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gLz9u4CvmeE/U0S6qjq5nOI/AAAAAAAAHOU/h7qPVJ1_W0U/s640/blogger-image--1730265814.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">They all wanted to know if students wear uniforms in the US. This is clearly a detested policy for students. Like our dress code, teachers find it difficult to enforce.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ueueBlTTcuM/U0S6orEh9OI/AAAAAAAAHOM/pu766FoppRw/s640/blogger-image-1302820403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ueueBlTTcuM/U0S6orEh9OI/AAAAAAAAHOM/pu766FoppRw/s640/blogger-image-1302820403.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everywhere we go, we see vestiges of Sochi and epic Olympic pride. School 69 in Barnaul was no exception and we admired the decorating on the walls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nhMEu_Jsi0M/U0QnEDR39uI/AAAAAAAAHMc/B60-EHM_x_Y/s640/blogger-image-1315442040.jpg"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love the below idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">School 69 houses<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> a museum on campus. We've seen this in many of the schools that we've visited but this one was particularly well done. The school archivist (a history teacher) has unearthed all kinds of artifacts including the canteen and helmut from World War I.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lt_OVF-zW1U/U0QoB2rQYpI/AAAAAAAAHN8/8P2O0mNwFak/s640/blogger-image-426810969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lt_OVF-zW1U/U0QoB2rQYpI/AAAAAAAAHN8/8P2O0mNwFak/s640/blogger-image-426810969.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">World War II or what the Russians call The Great Patriotic War is similarly represented in the museum. I thought it might be meaningful to recreate something like this for BHHS--especially while we're still lucky enough to have greatest generation grandparents who served. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What if one of our students took this on as a Service Learning Project? I hate to say this, but what an impressive, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">initiative</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> demonstrating project for college applications. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Do I have any takers?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ye_eiO66dZ8/U0QnPB-WrAI/AAAAAAAAHNs/f3IUj2SDN_E/s640/blogger-image-1470470463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ye_eiO66dZ8/U0QnPB-WrAI/AAAAAAAAHNs/f3IUj2SDN_E/s640/blogger-image-1470470463.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The below picture depicts the first lunch shift of the day at 9:40. A bit early, no? While we observed students at lunch--like students anywhere--a little girl ran up and hugged our student guide. This was was our guide's sister and it was clear how much they adore each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hraZePNFkhM/U0QnNzl3b1I/AAAAAAAAHNk/vSK90Q_QH_s/s640/blogger-image--988676403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hraZePNFkhM/U0QnNzl3b1I/AAAAAAAAHNk/vSK90Q_QH_s/s640/blogger-image--988676403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We saw many classes that were similar to what we'd seen at other schools: language classes for older kids, primary classes for the "youngers".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I want to emphasize how small language classes are here. I have not seen any classes with more than 15 students. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--ggqcyFHsJ0/U0S6rbjYN-I/AAAAAAAAHOc/dXzUBHT5lWo/s640/blogger-image--1951465006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--ggqcyFHsJ0/U0S6rbjYN-I/AAAAAAAAHOc/dXzUBHT5lWo/s640/blogger-image--1951465006.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The photo below depicts Girls Technical Arts. Notice the sewing machine in the foreground. We saw ovens, ironing boards and stovetops. Dresses that girls had made in past years lined the classroom closets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The teacher assured me that boys could take the class if they wanted to do so. Girls could also take the Boys Technical Arts if they wanted (this includes topics such as woodshop). But she shrugged as if to say, "Why would they want to do this?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zajyh19DJXQ/U0QnIhoMurI/AAAAAAAAHM8/ZcluGxQ4jQU/s640/blogger-image-1912741491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zajyh19DJXQ/U0QnIhoMurI/AAAAAAAAHM8/ZcluGxQ4jQU/s640/blogger-image-1912741491.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The teacher proudly held up a dress that students had sewn. Initially it appeared to be covered with large gold beads. On closer inspection, we saw that it was really constructed from gold painted pasta.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ej77V_6xQNk/U0QoAvh06lI/AAAAAAAAHN0/-3YIlIra9uY/s640/blogger-image--31925741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ej77V_6xQNk/U0QoAvh06lI/AAAAAAAAHN0/-3YIlIra9uY/s640/blogger-image--31925741.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Time and time again, students popped up at attention and wanted to ask us questions about our preceptions of Russia. We asked the same about America. We have said over and over again that there was no question they could ask that would shock or offend us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the very first time a student asked us what our perceptions were of Crimea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a nuanced and careful discussion. Opinions here in Russia have not deviated once. They view an historical wrong being corrected by government actions. Everyone tells us a story about someone that they know in the Ukraine. There is no ambivalence that I can see about the government actions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I look forward to discussing this with you when return. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I said, over and over again students wanted to know about school unforms: do we have them? What are they? These kids hate wearing uniforms and some reject them with no repercussion. We know at BHHS that dress code is hard to police. Students want to be individuals and clothing is one of the ways in which they express this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b-iKsLYwZ90/U0QnHhueqGI/AAAAAAAAHM0/LJWtGLvyjX0/s640/blogger-image--1770990165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b-iKsLYwZ90/U0QnHhueqGI/AAAAAAAAHM0/LJWtGLvyjX0/s640/blogger-image--1770990165.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first three girls in the photo below are wearing variations of the school uniform.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lgw-elBME7E/U0QnMzoFAMI/AAAAAAAAHNc/szPEkC74Ba8/s640/blogger-image-1946134481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lgw-elBME7E/U0QnMzoFAMI/AAAAAAAAHNc/szPEkC74Ba8/s640/blogger-image-1946134481.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Girl number four was a conscientious objector. She said that wearing a uniform doesn't allow her to express her originality. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She sounded like one of our kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5RiKYa_J0c/U0QnGctNlsI/AAAAAAAAHMs/5PK3FvoiefU/s640/blogger-image-2006517180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5RiKYa_J0c/U0QnGctNlsI/AAAAAAAAHMs/5PK3FvoiefU/s640/blogger-image-2006517180.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We met with English teachers over tea and biscuits and discussed what makes our systems different. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(I am loving tea time here).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Time and time again, foreign language and literature came up as subjects that the Russians are doing really well. American schools offer more extracurricular and sports (as far as I can tell, there is none of this in most Russian schools). We provide many more student services such as counseling and ROP.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Discipline seems not to be an issue here. One teacher said she can raise an eyebrow and silence the class. We know teachers like this but in general, American atomosphere is more playful and relaxed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teachers here express shock that we kneel or crouch to help students with work. Teachers here do not <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">physically </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">lower themselves in front of students.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teachers distinguish between real knowledge and applied khowledge. My sense is that training and application in the US emphasizes process much more than knowledge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Teachers asked about parent involvement. There appears to be less parent involvement here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We wanted to know if their students ever try to argue about grades. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Apparently, arguing about grades is part of the international language.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">State examinations are stressful both in the US and in Russia. As far as I can see, teachers here are also tempted to teach to the test.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fD6VFHVIPkY/U0S-eivxZpI/AAAAAAAAHOo/2JrPEfltYqo/s640/blogger-image-35409155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fD6VFHVIPkY/U0S-eivxZpI/AAAAAAAAHOo/2JrPEfltYqo/s640/blogger-image-35409155.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">L<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ater in the day,</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> s</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">tudents wanted to see pictures of how our students live and what they do on the weekend. They cannot believe that kids get to drive at 16. People cannot drive here until they are 18.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later, we went back to the Baker Street School and met with Tatyana's English students. These kids are smart and saavy: just like my kids. Alina, the girl below, showed me her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Sound familiar? I'm pretty sure that she was carrying an Ipad and that she had wireless access.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eHSNkpKzBT4/U0QnKg93L_I/AAAAAAAAHNM/SNTNROLnMDk/s640/blogger-image-1527127290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eHSNkpKzBT4/U0QnKg93L_I/AAAAAAAAHNM/SNTNROLnMDk/s640/blogger-image-1527127290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And how they loved the BHHS Basketball Jerseys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OU-hw8KLw5k/U0QnLvVKVRI/AAAAAAAAHNU/7zYBPe0rmsw/s640/blogger-image--92011722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OU-hw8KLw5k/U0QnLvVKVRI/AAAAAAAAHNU/7zYBPe0rmsw/s640/blogger-image--92011722.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These girls are getting their orange on and loving BHEF's generosity!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UePctYc2EgM/U0QnFdW7ycI/AAAAAAAAHMk/KjAtw9VMzBA/s640/blogger-image--132625060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UePctYc2EgM/U0QnFdW7ycI/AAAAAAAAHMk/KjAtw9VMzBA/s640/blogger-image--132625060.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could see the attraction of teachingin another country for awhile. There's a whole other level of education that happens for both student and teacher when we are allowed to explore culture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ort0SnBxirA/U0QnJ0p15_I/AAAAAAAAHNE/aMVeMXVlMg8/s640/blogger-image-2107363959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ort0SnBxirA/U0QnJ0p15_I/AAAAAAAAHNE/aMVeMXVlMg8/s640/blogger-image-2107363959.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow is a three hour session with teachers from all over the Altai territory who have come to hear us speak about US schools. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I haven't been bored yet.</div><br></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-59088431231543707042014-04-07T17:25:00.001-07:002014-04-07T18:26:28.663-07:00Training future English teachers in Siberia.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>We arrived at the Barnaul Linguistic institute and had a few moments to review the textbook for future English teachers. <div>Check out the second sentence. </div><div>True. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ev_3CGJpsvk/U0NB7T-G3VI/AAAAAAAAHLo/jTiXR3vBWRE/s640/blogger-image-1809493835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ev_3CGJpsvk/U0NB7T-G3VI/AAAAAAAAHLo/jTiXR3vBWRE/s640/blogger-image-1809493835.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the personal view expressed below about healthcare: p<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">erhaps this book is a bit out of date? ;-)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BJAgDOe5BVM/U0NB_gyCIfI/AAAAAAAAHMI/nmjbWPHJUGc/s640/blogger-image-746667685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BJAgDOe5BVM/U0NB_gyCIfI/AAAAAAAAHMI/nmjbWPHJUGc/s640/blogger-image-746667685.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We viewed a class of third years as they debated the merits of having single and multiple children in a family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VDKymlcTkso/U0NB-nwv90I/AAAAAAAAHMA/5zZ57FKVJ0c/s640/blogger-image-1810604828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VDKymlcTkso/U0NB-nwv90I/AAAAAAAAHMA/5zZ57FKVJ0c/s640/blogger-image-1810604828.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The teacher gave her class over to one student to lead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NRyAl5JhgUo/U0NB8p7YDoI/AAAAAAAAHLw/O628gX8qZ2g/s640/blogger-image-401116553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NRyAl5JhgUo/U0NB8p7YDoI/AAAAAAAAHLw/O628gX8qZ2g/s640/blogger-image-401116553.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nearly all students thought it was better to have a sibling than to be an "only". Again, I am struck by how fluent all are in ither languages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Out of 12 students, six were only children (they called themselves "onlies"). Nadia explained that all were born in the 90s after the collapse of the USSR. The economy was in shambles and prospective parents didn't feel safe having more than one child.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dO5ZMIrIgi0/U0NB5RH9CRI/AAAAAAAAHLY/pGrRCTRar7o/s640/blogger-image--923016635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dO5ZMIrIgi0/U0NB5RH9CRI/AAAAAAAAHLY/pGrRCTRar7o/s640/blogger-image--923016635.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The professor is much more playful than any other teacher that I've seen. The atmosphere in this class reminds me of my classes. There is joking and teasing. Students are uninhibited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The teacher, Nadia, pictured below, was particularly candid with us about how it made her feel to have only one child. Under different circumstances, she would have had many more kids. Now she gives her overflow of love to her students.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2LkL5a757A/U0NB29LkrcI/AAAAAAAAHLI/CHLdL9VUk-U/s640/blogger-image-472821878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2LkL5a757A/U0NB29LkrcI/AAAAAAAAHLI/CHLdL9VUk-U/s640/blogger-image-472821878.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before we taught our class of teachers-to- be, we were treated to a delicious Russian tea. See those cookies in the front? We waxed so poetic about these that the professors surprised us with take home packages. I would love to make them last for our trip as I'd like for you all to try them. These were yummy little pockets of caramel goodness. I think they may have a market in LA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--Tp-yW8iwi8/U0K5DSbFoqI/AAAAAAAAHKo/v-eyWljHukE/s640/blogger-image-373501405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--Tp-yW8iwi8/U0K5DSbFoqI/AAAAAAAAHKo/v-eyWljHukE/s640/blogger-image-373501405.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The delightful tea was followed by an intense class with new teachers to be. They wanted to know <b>everything</b> from how we organized our days to what our exams were like. <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mShHk4apMU4/U0K5Cd2sIMI/AAAAAAAAHKg/WCHFWlNmw9M/s640/blogger-image-573436521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mShHk4apMU4/U0K5Cd2sIMI/AAAAAAAAHKg/WCHFWlNmw9M/s640/blogger-image-573436521.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> They found it fascinating that teachers kneel next to their students when kids need help: clearly this is not done here. Teachers should not sit lower than their students. Again, Tracey and I talked about the regional differences between our school systems. Both of us teach highly competitive kids in highly competitive districts. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OWU_39N7PPw/U0K5ENNiRrI/AAAAAAAAHKw/RFRtg4K6jCs/s640/blogger-image-1631204515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OWU_39N7PPw/U0K5ENNiRrI/AAAAAAAAHKw/RFRtg4K6jCs/s640/blogger-image-1631204515.jpg"></a></div>They wanted to know what books we taught and seemed entranced by the fact that we have no national concensus on a standard. Here their schools are highly centralized by the government. Students are in school by age three.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later we particpating in observing a wild poetry slam and musical competition. Students theatricized poems and songs by groups. There was a prize (cupcakes!) which is just as exciting for kids here as in the US.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fYT0HSnxwJI/U0K5BA6XAVI/AAAAAAAAHKY/_KWi1wfg7_A/s640/blogger-image-625809203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fYT0HSnxwJI/U0K5BA6XAVI/AAAAAAAAHKY/_KWi1wfg7_A/s640/blogger-image-625809203.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>The DJ was a hoot. He is a recent graduate of the Pedogological Institute. You can't teach personality like his.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f8wpfB2Ldgc/U0NB4SZ_eZI/AAAAAAAAHLQ/JXwVe71gc50/s640/blogger-image-879092166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f8wpfB2Ldgc/U0NB4SZ_eZI/AAAAAAAAHLQ/JXwVe71gc50/s640/blogger-image-879092166.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For our second tea of the day we heard a little about how the US sanctions are impacting the Russians though we didn't know if it was <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">rumor or fact. We heard that Russians are heading up to Moscow for Visas (I think you have to apply in Moscow and only in person) to be rejected because of the tension between our two countries. Again, I was unclear as to whether this is true or rumor.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Commercial break for these shoes: high heeled booties are just as hot in Russia as in the US. The walking conditions are significantly worse though. These women take their lives into their own hands on the slippery, weathered streets of Barnaul.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still: they're cute. Right Newman?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JTtud5Q8YWI/U0NB9ldjXdI/AAAAAAAAHL4/e4LNsz-fyQ0/s640/blogger-image-493632437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JTtud5Q8YWI/U0NB9ldjXdI/AAAAAAAAHL4/e4LNsz-fyQ0/s640/blogger-image-493632437.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From the Institute, we returned to Baker Street School where Tracey and I were rapidly fading. We started our final class at 5:30 and would have finished close to 7 PM if we hadn't asked for a shorter session.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As happens in our own classroom, all of my technology dreams were quashed: there would be no Prezi or video. What's a teacher to do? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Turn the tables of course. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I asked the kids to explain Siberia to me. According to their teacher, she just wanted them to practice their English--it didn't matter about what we spoke. And practice is what I gave. I used my sad little iphone map to give our discussion about Siberia some illustration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hUx5RFzCXs/U0K5Ft7szEI/AAAAAAAAHK4/MDWe8xns8IE/s640/blogger-image--2001216757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hUx5RFzCXs/U0K5Ft7szEI/AAAAAAAAHK4/MDWe8xns8IE/s640/blogger-image--2001216757.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>To the point of why these kids are here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">young children go to school in one of two shifts: from 8-1 and 1:15 to 6:15. There's no other way to fit all the bodies in the school. Parents who really want their children to get ahead in the world, send them to these private school institutes to become more proficient in languages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> These kids were extremely reluctant. I tried to get them to ask me questions about Beverly Hills, Los Angeles or even California to very little avail. But they were interested in answering questions about their dachas and about Siberia at large. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They loved their T-shirts from BHHS sports teams and the BHEF. Thank you to all of my donors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lexh_tatPec/U0NB6WtwPlI/AAAAAAAAHLg/6BYf3xoha2g/s640/blogger-image-107863686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lexh_tatPec/U0NB6WtwPlI/AAAAAAAAHLg/6BYf3xoha2g/s640/blogger-image-107863686.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The back to back sessions are challenging for us. We want to see as much as we can, but we also want to be rested for our teaching/student contact sections. This is always the challenge in a trip like this. So much to learn, so little time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to the Siberian public schools tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-84528593308994598712014-04-06T18:04:00.001-07:002014-04-08T00:07:54.636-07:00More project Based Learning and Russian Hospitality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My best days start with a yoga practice. Why would this be any different in Siberia?</div>
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We began our day at the Apothecary Museum where we experienced how the locals used to make medicines and mixed herbs. There is something here that feels like my travels in India: herbs and teas for every ailment line the store walls. Here was where it all began. </div>
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Meet my new friend: the 19th century pharmacist. </div>
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Only men were permitted to practice pharmacy. </div>
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Later we learned to make soap from this retro nurse who helped us through the process. </div>
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She taught us how to use this ancient Siberian contraption to melt the glycerine.</div>
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I thought this could make a great science project based learning idea. </div>
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It was surprisingly fun and easy to make soap and we were able to scent ours in any number of fragrances. I chose chocolate. </div>
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E, J, N, R, G and S: I see this in your Sunday afternoon futures. </div>
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Later we travelled in Nina's car to Nastia's home. Both are teachers at the Baker Street School that is hosting us for the week. </div>
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In addition to an enjoying an outstanding Russian home cooked meal in a real live Russian home, we were treated to a <i>banya</i> visit. </div>
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The <i>banya</i> below is a steam house and many dachas and country homes have private versions of these.</div>
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We braved extraordinary heat levels and emerged renewed. </div>
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The home is at least 80 years old and still houses a working coal stove. </div>
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Coal is pumped in the bottom door. </div>
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The flue releases the smoke. </div>
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We visited the root cellar that is used to store veggies for the winter. Nastia has an enormous home garden. She had jars of compote, pickles, fruit jams and vegetables tucked away for use. Her family eats from this supply <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">all winter long. </span></div>
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Jared moved the kitchen furniture and pulled up the trap door. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The cherry compote below, a kind of a homemade /homegrown cherry punch, silenced the table. It was delicious. </span></div>
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I had to see the garden which was dormant at this time of year. </div>
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Nastia wrapped the below apple tree with nylons to keep away hungry Siberian mice. Many other fruit trees were similarly wrapped. </div>
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Our hostess clearly has no issue with the Siberian cold. She wore thin cotton. </div>
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I'm bundled as if in the dead of winter. </div>
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After our visit to the blistering banya (I didn't know that I would be able to handle the heat) , we were treated to a very special Russian meal complete with salads, borscht (actually a generic name for soup) and fish. </div>
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I must mention the Altai cheese here. It is in many of our salads and is the best that I've ever had--fresh and mild. It's much more subtle than feta but definitely in the same family. I wish that I could bring some home. </div>
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We all had multiple glasses of the cherry compote. </div>
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Nastia prepared homemade pancakes. These were what we'd call crepes. There were a variety of fillings including caviar, cheese and homemade wild strawberry jam. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We watched her little boy hang from a drying rack in the kitchen. </span></div>
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Her daughter loved Richard Kraft's stickers. I gave her a bunch. Richard, you're right: kid stickers break the language barrier. </div>
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We sat around the kitchen table and spoke openly about Russia and America and our politics. More will follow after my US return. These kitchen table talks are the best. There is no better way to learn the true spirit of a Russian. </div>
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I learned the meaning of Peace in <i>War and Peace. </i>Who knew that there had been a mistranslation of the title?<i> </i>Or was there a different understanding because our hostesses had grown up during the Soviet Era? I look forward to discussing with our own foreign language teachers. </div>
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Tracey and I discussed Tolstoy with readers of the original Russian; these two lit teachers couldn't be happier. </div>
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Later we gathered in the cozy living room and were treated to Russian folk songs. </div>
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I even remembered a few chords. </div>
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We played card games including this one called "durak". The object is to get rid of all of ones's cards. The person left with cards at the end is the durak (fool). </div>
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We needed a Sunday of rest; tomorrow is a full day teaching students and instructors. We hear that we have over 60 teachers from all over the Altai region coming to hear us conduct a three hour power session about the American school system.<br>
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I will make sure to also learn plenty about this region's schools. </div>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-83760969601310382512014-04-05T08:07:00.001-07:002014-04-05T08:47:17.416-07:00Project Based Learning Day in Siberia<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YrOmM8J5aYY/U0AbyIhb7ZI/AAAAAAAAHFU/4XEP2dUKmU8/s640/blogger-image--951501178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YrOmM8J5aYY/U0AbyIhb7ZI/AAAAAAAAHFU/4XEP2dUKmU8/s640/blogger-image--951501178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UXO1Xee9sRo/U0AbxHKiGII/AAAAAAAAHFM/N29MD-BfGws/s640/blogger-image-2020116426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UXO1Xee9sRo/U0AbxHKiGII/AAAAAAAAHFM/N29MD-BfGws/s640/blogger-image-2020116426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If I ever had any doubts about the merits of project-based learning, they were put to rest today at the Ethnographic museum in Vlasikha village which is about a 40 minute drive outside of Barnaul. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marina, the director of the English school at which we are teaching, drove us past the birch tree filled forest. Her adorable daughter, Masha, joined us. Masha sat in the front seat. At eight years old, she's already reading picture books in English: we could be teaching children foreign languages this early. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hSl2prgapUo/U0AiRqrKjUI/AAAAAAAAHG8/Fcol92j1nME/s640/blogger-image-56211399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hSl2prgapUo/U0AiRqrKjUI/AAAAAAAAHG8/Fcol92j1nME/s640/blogger-image-56211399.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the museum, we not only learned about Siberian crafts, but also participated in the making of them. The babushka below taught is how to weave bracelets and belts with our fingers using our pinkies as hooks. I wasn't sure that I would be able to figure out the finger work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And she seemed a little scary at first. </div></div></div></div></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TRXvqz1_Yo/U0AcATF5pVI/AAAAAAAAHFc/9GIeCY37xsg/s640/blogger-image--1835791899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TRXvqz1_Yo/U0AcATF5pVI/AAAAAAAAHFc/9GIeCY37xsg/s640/blogger-image--1835791899.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>But she worked with me and was patient.<div> <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vfwSQQxlPKA/U0AcCYeOOAI/AAAAAAAAHFs/hZ0pGD84rzA/s640/blogger-image--578417077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vfwSQQxlPKA/U0AcCYeOOAI/AAAAAAAAHFs/hZ0pGD84rzA/s640/blogger-image--578417077.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I managed to figure it out after some practice and remembered how much I used to like latch hook, knitting and other crafts as a kid. I thought of my nieces and students who use rainbow looms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Soon I had the hang if it and found it relaxing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pE_36g7VN78/U0AiQnbLWvI/AAAAAAAAHG0/arCeHmY6-ko/s640/blogger-image--89256429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pE_36g7VN78/U0AiQnbLWvI/AAAAAAAAHG0/arCeHmY6-ko/s640/blogger-image--89256429.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finger looming is good travel therapy and I liked it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R28DICGlJV4/U0AcBUWpD-I/AAAAAAAAHFk/fNv5gqm2CLg/s640/blogger-image-37428701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R28DICGlJV4/U0AcBUWpD-I/AAAAAAAAHFk/fNv5gqm2CLg/s640/blogger-image-37428701.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next we moved on to pottery. Tracey fearlessly stepped up the the wheel and remembered all that she had learned from an early ceramics class. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NVJLmT9YGwA/U0AcIOP_bYI/AAAAAAAAHGc/Sk47CoxwRc0/s640/blogger-image-1127708538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NVJLmT9YGwA/U0AcIOP_bYI/AAAAAAAAHGc/Sk47CoxwRc0/s640/blogger-image-1127708538.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Masha clearly loved it. E, J, N, R, G and eventually S: this is a perfect aunt activity. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nthex9fOn4/U0AcHK1uOMI/AAAAAAAAHGU/JQJF2nPZetg/s640/blogger-image-1729561535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nthex9fOn4/U0AcHK1uOMI/AAAAAAAAHGU/JQJF2nPZetg/s640/blogger-image-1729561535.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next we moved on to the craft of making little dolls. These are constructed from scraps of fabric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UXO1Xee9sRo/U0AbxHKiGII/AAAAAAAAHFM/N29MD-BfGws/s640/blogger-image-2020116426.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The dolls were used to ward off the evil eye, to help babies sleep or even to promote milk in nursing mothers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I do not think that I have a future in this type of work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vSG5DB9oOSU/U0AcEOq3UKI/AAAAAAAAHF8/fB4aTGjOkJk/s640/blogger-image-270946986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vSG5DB9oOSU/U0AcEOq3UKI/AAAAAAAAHF8/fB4aTGjOkJk/s640/blogger-image-270946986.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next, we moved on to making a spring cookie in the shape of a bird. If I understood correctly, there is no butter or egg in this. They use pickle juice in the recipe (does the fermented juice provide the "lift"?) The cookies tasted like hard challah bread and we ate them with homemade jam and Altai honey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCRmwRd5KcM/U0AcGVMt-fI/AAAAAAAAHGM/nHoS-33V2fQ/s640/blogger-image-1868378050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCRmwRd5KcM/U0AcGVMt-fI/AAAAAAAAHGM/nHoS-33V2fQ/s640/blogger-image-1868378050.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Masha was proud of her work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s32Retqqehk/U0AcDYDCqFI/AAAAAAAAHF0/hpAYXA7Qh84/s640/blogger-image--1175251620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s32Retqqehk/U0AcDYDCqFI/AAAAAAAAHF0/hpAYXA7Qh84/s640/blogger-image--1175251620.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We watched a performance by the village children. If you'd like to see footage of this, please see my Facebook page. Students, please see yours. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Parents send their children to the village school to learn the traditional songs. Some children were tiny and adorable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uwSNsb7UmeM/U0AcFKYWdOI/AAAAAAAAHGE/YxpiBUWv5QU/s640/blogger-image-177247458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uwSNsb7UmeM/U0AcFKYWdOI/AAAAAAAAHGE/YxpiBUWv5QU/s640/blogger-image-177247458.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Others (equally charming) appeared closer to my students' age. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nearly all seemed quite happy with their fancy footwork and singing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3JuK7-gYyjk/U0AbuKm5WOI/AAAAAAAAHE0/4mERA0OC0-Y/s640/blogger-image--771701212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3JuK7-gYyjk/U0AbuKm5WOI/AAAAAAAAHE0/4mERA0OC0-Y/s640/blogger-image--771701212.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The museum treated us to a traditional post (lent) lunch complete with pickled tomatoes, foraged mushrooms and cabbage salad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I tried everything. Meat and dairy is not permitted during Eastern Orthodox lent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lPOmU8cqfYw/U0Abu_UeeNI/AAAAAAAAHE8/I2_o9-OBIa0/s640/blogger-image--1431464864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lPOmU8cqfYw/U0Abu_UeeNI/AAAAAAAAHE8/I2_o9-OBIa0/s640/blogger-image--1431464864.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My family, students and friends know that was worried about eating only potatoes and scallions for two weeks but this was the first time these appeared on the menu. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w6uOBIWcFQI/U0AcI-hu_OI/AAAAAAAAHGk/fQr-GZ4Br24/s640/blogger-image--98415760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w6uOBIWcFQI/U0AcI-hu_OI/AAAAAAAAHGk/fQr-GZ4Br24/s640/blogger-image--98415760.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tatyana (our host teacher) has worked tirelessly to provide us with a once in a lifetime experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the real Russia and I never would have seen it if I ventured only to St. Petersburg or Moscow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TFCHJECJK4/U0AbtE1mTnI/AAAAAAAAHEs/aK6Q-dJeu80/s640/blogger-image-316273898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TFCHJECJK4/U0AbtE1mTnI/AAAAAAAAHEs/aK6Q-dJeu80/s640/blogger-image-316273898.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I certainly never could have met Masha who is hiding here in the model house in the warm sleeping nook above the oven. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Students: what adventure travel awaits you?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MiQ0IJUt7zU/U0Abv3Z7u5I/AAAAAAAAHFE/asGrzuVcPjI/s640/blogger-image-592021755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MiQ0IJUt7zU/U0Abv3Z7u5I/AAAAAAAAHFE/asGrzuVcPjI/s640/blogger-image-592021755.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-4269921023739544242014-04-04T07:39:00.001-07:002014-04-04T19:59:27.546-07:00Siberian teachers, students and hotels.So much to learn here in Siberia. <div><br></div><div>For adults, Facebook is not used as much as in the US. Here they use the equivalent of classmates.com. Our generous and super organized host teacher, Tatyana, let me take this picture of her page:</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ANw7HyqL4Eo/Uz7D9hwpDKI/AAAAAAAAHDo/D-zBaxVV7j4/s640/blogger-image--1680679032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ANw7HyqL4Eo/Uz7D9hwpDKI/AAAAAAAAHDo/D-zBaxVV7j4/s640/blogger-image--1680679032.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I was particularly impressed with this photo of the fruits and vegetables produced on her family dacha. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5ujrn2mqjXc/Uz7EDF-5vII/AAAAAAAAHEI/EZ_RCxtAN7k/s640/blogger-image-693869904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5ujrn2mqjXc/Uz7EDF-5vII/AAAAAAAAHEI/EZ_RCxtAN7k/s640/blogger-image-693869904.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Many families have dachas or country/village escapes where they go to escape the city and to grow food for their families. We will visit a similar home tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The picture below is of one of the students in my English foreign language class who spoke passionately of her adoration of <i>Harry Potter.</i> The video footage of this is on my Facebook page for my friends and students.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pQMYo7u2_5U/Uz9xdSZE_pI/AAAAAAAAHEY/lIlZyqp_8uM/s640/blogger-image-1231104229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pQMYo7u2_5U/Uz9xdSZE_pI/AAAAAAAAHEY/lIlZyqp_8uM/s640/blogger-image-1231104229.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I found the students shy at first and then really interested and curious about the United States. Not one of them had heard of Los Angeles or Beverly Hills. They also hadn't heard of California. But they knew Hollywood so that's the city with which I went. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later, Tracey and I met with teachers from the language institute. We used methods that we would use in our own classes to explain the school system. We had them do a What do You Know/ What do You Want to Know activity at the beginning. We had them pair share and then share out their favorite questions with the group. In order to answer their questions Tracey showed footage from her school district and I used the Prezi that my Sophomore Honors students produced. Students: our Prezi was a huge success. I loved being able to tell them that <b>you</b> created it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The teachers had never heard of Prezi and were excited to give it a try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wCALzTF8ZR0/Uz7EB1Wq3rI/AAAAAAAAHEA/JHZgOSKTkdc/s640/blogger-image--311626672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wCALzTF8ZR0/Uz7EB1Wq3rI/AAAAAAAAHEA/JHZgOSKTkdc/s640/blogger-image--311626672.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Tracey and I come from very different school districts. She is from Atlanta and I am from Beverly Hills. We have different opportunities and challenges. It's good to learn from another teacher of this caliber. This is just another reason why the TCG program is so strong. Everything about it is a best practice in action.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PSH2UyfvNE4/Uz69wGOVK0I/AAAAAAAAHDI/ft1BVCulO_Y/s640/blogger-image--434897540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PSH2UyfvNE4/Uz69wGOVK0I/AAAAAAAAHDI/ft1BVCulO_Y/s640/blogger-image--434897540.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>These are some of the teachers to whom we spoke. Notice Alexander on the right. Americans might wrap their arms around each other: not so here. Alexander seems to stand apart from the group. He is a lovely Spanish teacher and I enjoyed practicing my Spanish with him. </div><div><br><div>By the way, the Spanish teachers here speak the language as if from Spain: not South or Central America. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mgAFlLx6WNI/Uz7D_AWen8I/AAAAAAAAHDw/KI2yZrVyBPM/s640/blogger-image-1990653977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mgAFlLx6WNI/Uz7D_AWen8I/AAAAAAAAHDw/KI2yZrVyBPM/s640/blogger-image-1990653977.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Tatyana arranged for us to the Siberian Chamber Orchestra last night. The Orcastra is quite famous and travels the world. I will add some pictures of this later. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't want to keep you in suspense any longer about my Siberian abode. Please see pictures of my room at the Tsentralnaya Hotel. Notice that the sink and the shower use the same outlet.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eVK1OeWV-_U/Uz7D8QhG3gI/AAAAAAAAHDg/sn-ZJiqrLXc/s640/blogger-image-2001650053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eVK1OeWV-_U/Uz7D8QhG3gI/AAAAAAAAHDg/sn-ZJiqrLXc/s640/blogger-image-2001650053.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>I'm getting the full Siberian experience in this regional hotel.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4QLSrDIipzI/Uz7D7Z8dwBI/AAAAAAAAHDY/bzlHAVuH4U8/s640/blogger-image--1592548257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4QLSrDIipzI/Uz7D7Z8dwBI/AAAAAAAAHDY/bzlHAVuH4U8/s640/blogger-image--1592548257.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-51742344840244036672014-04-03T07:57:00.001-07:002014-04-03T18:17:45.257-07:00Barnaul, Siberia. Our home for the next week.We left Moscow to go to the airport five hours before our flight. This is because the traffic is horrible in Moscow. Apparently Muscovites cannot guarantee whether it will take one or three hours to arrive to a destination. <div> <div>Security was a breeze by comparison to the states: I don't think this is necessarily a good thing. </div><div><br></div><div>Once we arrived in the waiting area I started looking for potential photos. </div><div><br></div><div>Like this one below: can you tell what this girl is reading? I'm sure my students can.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sn1iNcz4o34/Uz124ZA5oeI/AAAAAAAAHCg/pUQ4nb3VGNI/s640/blogger-image-800950805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sn1iNcz4o34/Uz124ZA5oeI/AAAAAAAAHCg/pUQ4nb3VGNI/s640/blogger-image-800950805.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't even know what to make of this doll.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O0sToaV2y0M/Uz363k1wT2I/AAAAAAAAHCw/AHhvDqGDOrM/s640/blogger-image-353756948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O0sToaV2y0M/Uz363k1wT2I/AAAAAAAAHCw/AHhvDqGDOrM/s640/blogger-image-353756948.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally we boarded. Aeroflot is a whole new experience: think Southwest in Russia with even more chaos.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kKsL0Bwi_9A/Uz1tS3kJ_HI/AAAAAAAAHBM/SscWxYesvi4/s640/blogger-image-991701764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kKsL0Bwi_9A/Uz1tS3kJ_HI/AAAAAAAAHBM/SscWxYesvi4/s640/blogger-image-991701764.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>We were picked up by some of our host teachers whom you will see in later blog posts and toured the city. </div><div><br></div><div>I love this monument of a mother saying goodbye to her son before he goes off to war.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KtZVe0VJWoY/Uz12A86PpNI/AAAAAAAAHBk/dFQT-9rCAbU/s640/blogger-image-47010946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KtZVe0VJWoY/Uz12A86PpNI/AAAAAAAAHBk/dFQT-9rCAbU/s640/blogger-image-47010946.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But what I enjoy most is seeing how people live. We asked to go to a grocery store and stumbled upon Barnaul's answer to Whole Foods.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Homemade juices:</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V_XqrKYbWOQ/Uz12mt4imyI/AAAAAAAAHB4/1-M_e__tKnw/s640/blogger-image-498252051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V_XqrKYbWOQ/Uz12mt4imyI/AAAAAAAAHB4/1-M_e__tKnw/s640/blogger-image-498252051.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And who doesn't love a good salad?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I felt very at home here.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I4cWFGu2aC0/Uz12pkF038I/AAAAAAAAHCQ/2NRiaYqWRPk/s640/blogger-image-51399601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I4cWFGu2aC0/Uz12pkF038I/AAAAAAAAHCQ/2NRiaYqWRPk/s640/blogger-image-51399601.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Gardening is huge in this area. Nearly everyone gardens. Seed packets can be found outside stores. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E5Y-SvvCZok/Uz12nTWMbYI/AAAAAAAAHCA/U_sR7gEMv4k/s640/blogger-image--472583127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E5Y-SvvCZok/Uz12nTWMbYI/AAAAAAAAHCA/U_sR7gEMv4k/s640/blogger-image--472583127.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>There were aisles and aisles of seeds dedicated to Siberian varieties. Tomatoes don't go out until late in the season. I think I understood that they don't expect to harvest until August or September. Gardening is not just a fun activity. In this area people really need to garden in order to feed their families.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KU5K_i_jLfY/Uz12ocMhpRI/AAAAAAAAHCI/jdeW-oA5ZPU/s640/blogger-image--1090218546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KU5K_i_jLfY/Uz12ocMhpRI/AAAAAAAAHCI/jdeW-oA5ZPU/s640/blogger-image--1090218546.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>The local museum housed artifacts from the Soviet era.</div><div><br></div><div>Pioneer uniforms:</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ztLlR1T_h2o/Uz11fjqkisI/AAAAAAAAHBc/OcTmx6Ql_HE/s640/blogger-image--710885282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ztLlR1T_h2o/Uz11fjqkisI/AAAAAAAAHBc/OcTmx6Ql_HE/s640/blogger-image--710885282.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Factory worker suits:</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L_e_vnW7xpY/Uz12llKEdkI/AAAAAAAAHBw/VXykXHjPIGU/s640/blogger-image-2053488184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L_e_vnW7xpY/Uz12llKEdkI/AAAAAAAAHBw/VXykXHjPIGU/s640/blogger-image-2053488184.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally we took a quick visit to the lake where the ice is melting. According to our hosts one can walk across the entire lake during the depths of winter. People ice fish and skate.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dMkfeo45E8U/Uz12qla_PaI/AAAAAAAAHCY/L-Ka6_mKEKs/s640/blogger-image--1165888404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dMkfeo45E8U/Uz12qla_PaI/AAAAAAAAHCY/L-Ka6_mKEKs/s640/blogger-image--1165888404.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We begin teaching tomorrow.</div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-41430400031867207842014-04-02T22:36:00.000-07:002014-04-02T22:36:51.708-07:00Technology School 1637: Reading, Writing and Robotics.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
IREX and the State Department are doing their best to expose us to a variety of types of schools. Yesterday we visited Technology School 1637. These students are getting an impressive education and we can learn a lot from them.<br />
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Some things are very different like the snow on the playground,</div>
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and the man with the orange jacket shoveling snow on <b>the roof </b>of a building. Who knew?</div>
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Once we entered the room we noticed the requisite <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">whole rooms for coats. This precious real estate is in every establishment in Russia. This includes schools. Notice the snowboots on the floor; teachers and students wear boots to school and change once they arrive.</span></div>
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This school followed the Russian tradition of offering us bread with salt when we entered the building. </div>
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The Russians seem to adore their president. Mr. Putin has an over 80% approval rating in this country. The picture below hung proudly over the principal's desk.</div>
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We visited many English classes where we saw different methods of teaching at work. In the class depicted below, we saw kids, the same age as my sophomores, engaged in a debate about extreme sports. The students debated the merits of extreme sports and we visitors were able to assist them in their debate. </div>
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The teacher below ask them to choose names for their teams. One side of the room shows the Luxury Girls. The other side shows the Sochi Olympic Winners. </div>
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I must emphasize how much Russians are proud of their showing at Sochi.</div>
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Students here are extremely courteous and seem to adore their teachers.</div>
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Below you will see an example of the practice for state testing. The way that the teachers instruct prepares the students for the test. Testing is accomplished on computers.</div>
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In nearly every class that I've visited, teachers are nervously preparing students for state testing. Sound familiar?<br />
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For my English teacher comrades, there is no process writing at all. Students write essays, hand them in, and get a grade. Boom. </div>
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Done. </div>
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I am told that Russian teachers and students are shocked by the idea that we give students several attempts to develop their papers.</div>
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Students here would love their teachers to adopt the same practice of allowing for revision. </div>
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Robotics is a crown jewel of <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Technology School 1637 </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and I loved what we saw. I wish my robotics students could have been with me for the demonstration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If you'd like to see videos of what these contraptions do please see my Facebook page (or for my students, see your group page). </span></div>
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On another note, wood shop is alive and well in Moscow! Notice the home made matryoshka dolll on the shelf. </div>
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Seeing the class made me think of the outstanding work that our technical arts teachers are doing. I especially thought of Melony Bronder's architecture and ceramics classes. <br />
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In this school there are several institutions housed together. This practice of grouping schools saves districts money. I think we've been talking about this in my district since the 90s. Students start from kindergarten and go all the way through the 11th grade, the end of their secondary education, to the same complex of schools.</div>
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Here are some dancers from the middle school:<br />
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The smaller children are particularly adorable. While there is no uniform, the parents for each grade level determines the color of the clothing that their kids will wear to school. Notice the neck dressings and bows for the girls. Whilw they are dressed similarly, it's clear that the parents take pride in dressing up their little girls.</div>
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These kids are crazy adorable. Many treated us like celebrities and wanted our pictures. They love smiling and practicing their English. "Hello. How are you? Where are you from?" they chirp in beautifully accented English. </div>
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By the way, students study English and other foreign languages by the first grade. The teachers and students with whom I spoke think that it's really strange that we start so late. One student asked, "how can you learn a foreign language if you don't start early?" She's already fluent in five languages.</div>
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Imagine:this little girl below will speak at least four languages by the time she is 18. We could do this for our students too.</div>
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We were treated to a full school performance at the end of the day complete with ballet, Russian dance, Russian folk and other patriotic songs.<br />
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Check out the Russian flag antennae:</div>
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Much of the emphasis of these performances stressed how much Russia wants to be our (America's) friend. </div>
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These extremely talented dancers rushed us after the show and begged to take a picture with us.</div>
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It was a full and meaningful day but I'm ready to journey to Siberia. I want to see how the regions differ from the big city. </div>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-49361150634285580502014-04-01T11:36:00.000-07:002014-04-01T11:55:07.802-07:00Our First Russian School-- SAASSo much learned today in only a 12 hour period! <div><br><div>We met with Victor Kruglayakov today while at the Slavic Anglo American School (SAAS). He'serves on the Moscow Duma (city council) and is Chair of the Commission on Education and Youth Policy. I'm sure you can tell who he is in the picture.</div><div><br></div><div> Some fun Russian facts about education include the reality that the city of Moscow spends 14% of its <b>entire</b> budget on education. They get no federal funds at all. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Moscow spends more money on education then any other city in the country. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There are 4500 schools in Moscow with kids from first through eleventh grades. 280,000 teachers work in education. I can't even imagine this number. Parents can send their children to nursery schools for free as early as two months old. These preschools are almost all free. Most Moscow children attend preschool for full days and get up to 3 to 4 meals a day. </span></div><div><div><br></div><div>BHHS PTA mom friends: here in Moscow you'd make many of the important decisions along with the teachers. You would able to accept or reject administrative candidates sent by the Department of Education. Ultimately you and teachers would make those decisions. </div><div><br></div><div>There was no mention of a Board of Education.</div><div><br></div><div>There are different criteria for teacher pay. It used to be pay for years of service but now Moscow schools pay as a result of student performance.</div><div><br></div><div>During the communist era, Special Needs children had no place to go. They were kept at home. There were no ramps or elevators. A few years ago these children were labeled "invalids". They are now called children "with limited opportunities". I guess it's an improvement. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-raOsy4bOu44/Uzr7dOLGK8I/AAAAAAAAG8k/RYNf2zxFdz4/s640/blogger-image--1720562960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-raOsy4bOu44/Uzr7dOLGK8I/AAAAAAAAG8k/RYNf2zxFdz4/s640/blogger-image--1720562960.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>In the picture below you will see smiling sophomores standing at attention when we adults entered the room. We marveled each time we walked into a room and the students immediately rose to their feet.</div><div>This school has no more than 25 kids in a class but we saw very few classes with more than 12. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aRzvKEUOAsQ/Uzr7mkOdgxI/AAAAAAAAG80/1Yr7jva409Q/s640/blogger-image-142833283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aRzvKEUOAsQ/Uzr7mkOdgxI/AAAAAAAAG80/1Yr7jva409Q/s640/blogger-image-142833283.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Teacher friends, does the photo below look familiar? I wanted to know if the instructor knew. . . </div><div>By the way, Russian kids love their iphones every bit as much as our students. The teachers spoke about Iphone use being a challenge.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I0I42BVGzsU/Uzr7bPhKDwI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/i1ktn-ynbvU/s640/blogger-image--55078479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I0I42BVGzsU/Uzr7bPhKDwI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/i1ktn-ynbvU/s640/blogger-image--55078479.jpg"></a></div>Prom is celebrated in this city. Notice the proud prom king. From what we saw prom takes place during the day.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nluEWD4Ym3o/Uzr7lkAQgyI/AAAAAAAAG8s/35fCkCZh2U0/s640/blogger-image-1506486799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nluEWD4Ym3o/Uzr7lkAQgyI/AAAAAAAAG8s/35fCkCZh2U0/s640/blogger-image-1506486799.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These kids appear to take this event very seriously :-) Just like our own Normans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4rLt6vG_zOc/UzsCEm_nEPI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/uHMdXEYrolQ/s640/blogger-image-539297598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4rLt6vG_zOc/UzsCEm_nEPI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/uHMdXEYrolQ/s640/blogger-image-539297598.jpg"></a></div>I loved the ritual of the below dance.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nyg_QzRa6rI/Uzr7b3_9WxI/AAAAAAAAG8c/JmMZ0elqqG0/s640/blogger-image-805606053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nyg_QzRa6rI/Uzr7b3_9WxI/AAAAAAAAG8c/JmMZ0elqqG0/s640/blogger-image-805606053.jpg"></a></div>The library was compact and orderly: the most well lit room in the school.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dxnkhg9cfeU/UzsCGN3O1DI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/as4zMsavpbM/s640/blogger-image--1357322096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dxnkhg9cfeU/UzsCGN3O1DI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/as4zMsavpbM/s640/blogger-image--1357322096.jpg"></a></div>Of course<i> Charlotte's Web</i> is beloved around the world: I was struck by the photocopy of the book. I don't think that would fly at BHHS.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uczIwvdrPlU/Uzr7nf7CAsI/AAAAAAAAG88/UKo0QM1yI08/s640/blogger-image-722533759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uczIwvdrPlU/Uzr7nf7CAsI/AAAAAAAAG88/UKo0QM1yI08/s640/blogger-image-722533759.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And while we're talking about books. . . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By 2015 <b>every</b> Russian textbook publishing house <b>must</b> have an online version of their books. We saw an extraordinary demonstration of one of these interactive textbooks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I want online textbooks for our kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My favorite fact of the day was that 95% of all administrators teach classes. The principal who proudly toured us through her school today teaches physics and still loves it. Russians <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">strongly </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">believe that when principlals teach, they have a better connection to their students. Let me throw my two cents in: I believe that administrators would also have a much stronger connection to their teachers if they taught. Everyone would win in this scenario.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The fierce physics teaching principal at SAAS :</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2rp-w7LbhHw/UzsK5Y6w1NI/AAAAAAAAG-E/T2-Rs1E-ZoY/s640/blogger-image--1011313787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2rp-w7LbhHw/UzsK5Y6w1NI/AAAAAAAAG-E/T2-Rs1E-ZoY/s640/blogger-image--1011313787.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Another full day of touring schools tomorrow and then a night flight to Barnaul, Siberia. We split up with our cohort from the states at this point and journey to six different locations around the country. We will not see our friends for a week when we return to Moscow to debrief. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">'Twas a day well spent.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-35760147728833834132014-03-31T11:04:00.001-07:002014-03-31T11:17:52.347-07:00Moscow Mania<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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To my students: I want to preface this blog with saying how horrifying it is for me to write to you from an Ipad in a hotel room somewhere in Moscow; I know my words will be imperfect.</div>
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I have taught you to workshop, to revise, and to interrogate your writing. In this type of quick blogging, there simply isn't the time. I want to let you know that I wish that I had the kind of time to polish my writing in the way that your research papers demanded of you.</div>
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OK. Enough disclosure.</div>
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Today was our first full day in Moscow and we blew into the American Embassy where we sat for mini lectures in economics, education, intellectual, cultural and social values. <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RhXDnzSSd1s/UzmxTpB9B0I/AAAAAAAAG8I/pURbtZGnBtE/s640/blogger-image--4834064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RhXDnzSSd1s/UzmxTpB9B0I/AAAAAAAAG8I/pURbtZGnBtE/s640/blogger-image--4834064.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We were able to ask all kinds of questions about the recent changes in the political landscape in how has that resulted in regional tensions. </span></div>
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Of course we had many questions about Mr. Putin and were not surprised that he has 80 percent approval rating here in Russia. There was much upon reflection about which we should not blog from this country. </div>
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Do look for Russia followups when I'm comfy cozy in Los Angeles and need not fear insulting my generous hosts.</div>
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Two important periods about which the embassy officers spoke having influenced modern Russia more than anything else were WWII and the 1990s. We all know about the incredible loss of life for Russians during the war but when you hear people here talk about this chasm of death, it's a different story. Everyone lost a husband, a son, a brother or a father. All families were touched. </div>
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The other impactful time was the 1990's when Russia swam in chaos, crime and corruption. It was as if Russia had been cut out of history for 60 years and didn't know what to do with all her pent up ambition. All of the beautiful, historic seeming buildings have been more recently built. The cinderblock apartment buildings of my imagination are somewhere in this city, but I haven't seen even one. </div>
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To my students: when I travel like this, I'm reminded of how much I wish that I had done more right out of college. I can't tell you what being in a country that is so different from the US does to your senses. It's a good kind of assault. See the video of the crazy subway crush of rush hour on your FB group page. Practice yoga in India. Wear warm boots Russia. Polish your Spanish in Peru.</div>
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The Kremlin tour was boring beyond belief. I mention this to my teacher friends because it reminds me of what we need to do in our teaching. Our state guide went over nearly every object in the armory with facts and figures but no heft. (Common Core? Less width, more depth?) She was completely unaware that she had lost her audience. She delivered straight lecture--no discussion. Shoot me if I ever do this to my students. This experience reminded me to try to read the crowd of my classroom. If it's not working, it's up to me as a teacher to change and to be flexible. The guide had a lesson plan and she was going to stick to it no matter what. This doesn't work for me as a student and it shouldn't work for us as teachers.</div>
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Travel suggestion in Moscow? Find the Turkish restaurant.<br>
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Outstanding Turkish meal. </div>
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Old Arbat Street in Moscow or as I like to think of it just another modern Callebotte. </div>
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<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-76187732540478890212014-03-30T10:09:00.001-07:002014-03-30T10:40:22.366-07:00Good Morning Moscow<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HsnQU7MTuzI/UzhVTF71sSI/AAAAAAAAG7M/wjo21fV1vNg/s640/blogger-image-1809577614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HsnQU7MTuzI/UzhVTF71sSI/AAAAAAAAG7M/wjo21fV1vNg/s640/blogger-image-1809577614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fr8fDpsySWc/UzhVRR38ykI/AAAAAAAAG68/tDYfSX7qE5w/s640/blogger-image-1264699744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fr8fDpsySWc/UzhVRR38ykI/AAAAAAAAG68/tDYfSX7qE5w/s640/blogger-image-1264699744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HsnQU7MTuzI/UzhVTF71sSI/AAAAAAAAG7M/wjo21fV1vNg/s640/blogger-image-1809577614.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Things that I notice about Moscow on a day when I'm almost too flight weary to notice things about Moscow:<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iFxUpryOwHg/UzhVUHs2OcI/AAAAAAAAG7U/kyJPnENt3RY/s640/blogger-image--88224434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iFxUpryOwHg/UzhVUHs2OcI/AAAAAAAAG7U/kyJPnENt3RY/s640/blogger-image--88224434.jpg"></a><div>The city is surprisingly beautiful-- at least it is near Red Square where I am staying. I had expected Soviet Era cinderblock buildings. Parts of Moscow look positively Parisian: especially GUM Department Store.</div><div>On that note, the Russians like everything French including pastries, perfumeries and boulangeries. I remember Anna Karenina slicing though her French novel and speaking in front of the servants in French. It all makes sense now. <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BflgvvyToLg/UzhVSfNKDGI/AAAAAAAAG7E/6uaFmVw3N_o/s640/blogger-image--2044521240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BflgvvyToLg/UzhVSfNKDGI/AAAAAAAAG7E/6uaFmVw3N_o/s640/blogger-image--2044521240.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fr8fDpsySWc/UzhVRR38ykI/AAAAAAAAG68/tDYfSX7qE5w/s640/blogger-image-1264699744.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div>Milk in coffee costs extra. I know because after arriving at 10 AM this morning with no sleep for 24 hours, I bought my first cup of java in years. </div><div><br></div><div>ATMs dispense dollars and rubles. In my post travel haze, I made a mistake and took out dollars. Note to self: look for the correct button in Cyrillic next time.</div><div><br></div><div>To that end: Cyrillic just doesn't look like English letters. There's almost no way to figure out what something says just because it looks vaguely familiar.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Walking man on pedestrian lights flash both green and red. Street crossers get count downs either for waiting or walking. I like it.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-1442663986939279752014-03-27T20:26:00.001-07:002014-03-27T21:46:14.146-07:00Suitcases for Siberia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've always struggled with packing before a big trip. For me, the experience is a little like writing a paper for a history class in college. I'd stare at the screen on my 40 pound Mac computer (remember these?) as the cursor mocked me and blinked: a pulse light in a loud disco.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
This trip has me completely stymied. I am preparing for nearly three weeks in Eastern Europe. This is the longest that I've been away from home since Junior year abroad. Italy was easy by comparison. I could wear sandals for most of my time and bought cute leather or silk fill ins as I needed. I mean, it was Italy, right? </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Most of this trip I will be in Southern Central Siberia near the Altai mountain range. I am expecting wicked cold and am preparing as best an Angeleno can with scavenged wools and borrowed thermals. Truth be told, I'm relying more on perception more than reality. Barnaul, Siberia's forecast indicates between 30 and the 50 degrees--practically balmy in comparison to my mythic anxiety.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
Additionally, I am traveling with at least 20 pounds of Beverly Hills High School SWAG including t-shirts, hats, lanyards and pins. Delta cruelly limits me to 50 pounds and between the SWAG and the rubber boots that I am convinced that I'll need for the muddy Siberian village part of my trip, I don't know how to pull this together. And so I stare at the blinking cursor of my suitcase and procrastinate by reading about Putin, scouring Facebook and writing this blog. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LS1ypFFbUME/UzT-k4RfX1I/AAAAAAAAG5M/kLS-WRFDWGs/s640/blogger-image--1444758652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LS1ypFFbUME/UzT-k4RfX1I/AAAAAAAAG5M/kLS-WRFDWGs/s640/blogger-image--1444758652.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-61718265800161958602014-03-25T10:36:00.000-07:002014-03-25T10:36:04.723-07:00The Essential Question or another kind of cupcake.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the ways that my program, Teachers for Global Classrooms, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US State Department, attempts to guide our Russian experience is to require that we draft an "essential question". I like to think of it as a "goal" for travel. I've done this before but my goals have always been dictated by food.<br />
I am not proud of this.<br />
For example: I traveled to New York many years ago and was guided by cupcakes. This was in the thick of the cupcake craze and my travel partner and I journeyed all over Manhattan in pursuit of the best little iced tower of perfection. In case you're wondering, nothing compared with Sprinkles in Beverly Hills. Last summer, in New Orleans the girls from Duke and I were guided by our treasure hunt for the quintessential beignet or donut. The winner was, hands down, a run down looking hole in the wall called the Buttermilk Bakery. The Buttermilk Drop Donut was so freakishly good that even a year later I can still recall the sense memory of the perfect scoop of fried dough. <br />
Alas, Teachers for Global Classrooms will not have our stomachs lead us on this trip. They expect us to be a bit more thoughtful about our travel than I have been in the past. After a workshop at the Washington Symposium on drafting the Essential Question, I came up with the following: <b>What are the factors that determine the education of the Russian student? </b>As I travel through schools, I will examine my assumptions and ask the following questions including:<br />
How are families supportive of the students' education?<br />
How much of the education is dictated by the state?<br />
How much freedom do teachers have to determine their own instruction?<br />
What is the relationship of teachers and students?<br />
What is the relationship of teachers and administration? <br />
Is there a Board of Education and do they set policy or is the policy set locally, at the school?<br />
What is teacher training like?<br />
My tool for research will not be Google searches or data bases. Rather, they will come from observation: conversations with host teachers; home visits (I hope to have some of these); faculty meetings; conversations with students and participation in school activities.<br />
I hope to be able to at least partially answer my essential question by the end of my stay in Russia.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything more delicious than a Sprinkles cupcake?</td></tr>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-15119547937586060412014-03-23T19:36:00.003-07:002014-03-23T19:36:57.615-07:00Siberia. Gulp.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have to admit when I first read that I was going to Siberia I felt dismay. I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me that I'd be anywhere in Russia other than Moscow or St. Petersburg. I felt like the missionary from <i>Book of Mormon </i>who upon finding out that he was being sent to Uganda, can barely contain his fear and discontent. "Uganda? Cool" he croaks.<div>
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This was how I felt six weeks ago when I first found out that I'd be traveling to Bernaul, Sibera. I pictured the Gulags and the Endless Steppes about which I'd read as a teenager. I held back my tears. I hearkened back to my freshman year at Duke in North Carolina when he weather turned frigid, I didn't know what to do with myself. I am a California girl to the tips of my sandaled toes and don't know what to make of a destination so cold, so faraway and so frankly unknown. I wallowed in pity for a few days and then something clicked.</div>
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This is an adventure. I don't know of one other person who I know who has ventured to Siberia. I will be it. True, I was the girl who went to India by myself because I couldn't imagine waiting just one more year for the stars to align. But everyone in Los Angeles eventually makes it to India. No one makes it to Sibera. How cool is this? How exciting? What adventures awaits 14 time zones away?</div>
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As the Ukrainian conflict has heated up, I've become positively protective of my Siberia, or at least the concept of it. I desperately want to be there in discovery. When we first started hearing of American travel warnings, I prayed that my trip would not be jeopardized. Gentle reader: it appears a go. My Russian domestic flight itinerary arrived on Friday. Next week I will be in Moscow. The following in Barnaul, Siberia. And I can't wait to see it all. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street corner somewhere in Barnaul, Siberia.</td></tr>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740232852702935998.post-57219589269971197662014-03-03T20:04:00.001-08:002014-03-03T20:08:41.378-08:00Pre Siberia thoughts or why Globalize?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I leave for Siberia in less than a month. <br />
It's hard to believe. <br />
Over a year ago, I began my application for the Teachers for Global Classrooms, a program for teachers as part of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State. I almost didn't get through the application; it seemed like a hundred essays and I struggled to find time between teaching, running book groups and tending to my vegetable garden just to complete the application. <br />
I did get into the program and then the hard work really began. The rigorous online course reminded me of what it was to be a student again. I muddled my through a rigorous eight week online course which introduced theory and rationale around globalizing learning and provided specific, skill based professional development in the areas of lesson planning, international project collaboration and community engagement.<br />
And I raved to anyone whom would listen about what I was learning.<br />
I've been interested in expanding the world of my students since I first began teaching in early 1990s at Stuyvesant High School in New York City; I wanted my students to engage with the world and I tried my best to model this behavior by taking them to the theater, museums and poetry slams. I felt and feel that a cultured student becomes a curious adult and that this curiosity makes life worth living.<br />
I brought in speakers for my students--from Holocaust survivors to former Japanese World War II internees to aging 1960's Civil Rights activists--and believed that because my students were hearing from history that they were engaged the the world at large. But they were engaged in history; not in the present. <br />
Here's what I now now for sure: globalization has changed education for good. We must make global perspectives and competencies a requirement. As teachers, we must prepare our students for a global future. We must not look at the task of broadening content by embracing global competencies as secondary; these competencies need to be married to our subject matter. I believe in expanding my students' world view, literacies and identity beyond the the border of our city, our state and our country. I want them to understand how all of us are connected so that we can achieve in a globalized world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On another adventure at another time: India 2012. I can certainly handle Siberia, right?</td></tr>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10452696502754088981noreply@blogger.com1