Observation Day

On Friday we went to the school and observed classes. Again - we were greeted like rock stars! The girls were so excited to see us, so much so that we had to be taken to the library to be out of sight until school started. However, all of a sudden, girls were really interested in returning library books so we got a bit of a crowd. Many came in and said "good morning ma'am" and "how are you?"...very polite and respectful young women. A variety of school uniforms were worn. Some were in the regular uniform for their grade and some were in their "gym clothes" which had different colored tops which represent the four "houses" of the school. It seems not only do the houses help with creating groups for different class-level events but they also group them with the colors for multiple grades to do different activities - like green house for classes 6-9 might get together to do different things. All the girls were very excited to learn which classes we would visit today and sad to learn if we were not. Finally they were kicked out of the library to begin their morning meeting.

Basically we sat in classes the whole day - from 5th grade to 12th in a variety of subjects. I won't bore you with the details but rather the outcome from these classes. Here is what I noticed:

1. Intense focus on the teacher while they were lecturing. Major participation as well. Students stand when they answer a question and when an adult enters the room. There is mostly lecture as the classes were so crowded (55-60) students and there simply is no room to move around too much so it's hard to incorporate in class every day.

2. No technology in class. The teacher uses a chalk board and students have workbook and notebook with pencils and supplies. The school has a computer lab but I'm not sure it actually connects to the internet?

3. Teachers seem happy to be teaching and praise students regularly and don't seem to lose patience with the students. Also the teachers seemed well versed in their content area - very knowledgeable. Humor is used to engage the students and they respect their teachers.

4. It is noisy in class so hard to hear at times. Doors are generally open due to the fact their is no AC and there needs to be circulation of air in addition to the ceiling fans. This still doesn't seem to distract the teaching or learning - again there is intense concentration by the students.

5. The students stay in their class and the teachers move around to the different classes and grades to teach. In the teacher lunch/work room, they each have their own desk to do planning and it has AC so they are able to get a little relief from the heat.

6. Teachers have a curriculum they need to follow closely.

7. Teachers are hired for as long as they want to stay at school and they do have observations but their jobs are not in jeopardy from the results of the evaluations.

8. Despite lack of technology in classes, students are involved in learning that extends out of the classroom. Some students are working on a quality water project and have taken samples of water and determined the quality and are doing various additional projects from that. Students also leave school for field trips and other opportunities for additional learning and extended learning.

All in all, a wonderful day filled with great learning and wonderful students and staff that allowed us to "invade" their school. We did a little shopping afterwards and visiting a local art gallery where our host teacher - Rita - took us because her husband had some pieces showing in the exhibit. Wonderful artist!