My practicum is at
Copenhagen International School, an elementary-secondary school in Denmark with
both students and staff from all over the world. Being in an international
school creates an interesting dynamic- while aspects of the culture of Denmark
are certainly integrated into the school, it is more focused on providing students with a global
education. So far I have spent three full days in a second grade classroom with
21 students from over a dozen countries.
It’s easy to see the influence that being in an international school has
on the classroom; one wall contains a huge world map with markings of where all
the students are from. Morning greetings in all of the student’s native
languages are posted on the board and each morning one greeting is chosen for a
student to share with the rest of the class. From the first day I arrived, my
CT encouraged me to ask the students about where they were from and I have
loved talking with them about all of their different experiences in various
countries around the world. A big part of CIS’s vision and mission is to teach
students to respect and embrace differences in cultures in order to equip them
for a global citizenship beyond school. It’s interesting to see this play out
in the classroom, as students are often chattering happily both to other
students and to teachers about where they are from and excited to share
experiences that they and their family have had.
I was able to see an example of CIS’s dedication to teaching their students about global unity on International Peace Day. The whole school day was dedicated to various peace related activities and entire school projects. Presentations were given about the meaning of peace and what it looks like throughout the world, emphasizing how students see peace in their families and cultures. I’m glad I was able to witness this day as it was interesting to hear about different ideas of the meaning of peace from the point of view of children from so many different cultures, and to see one of the many ways CIS encourages students to adapt a global perspective.CIS further includes the many different languages and cultures present at their school by providing after school and weekend classes for specific cultures. The students have told me all about how they learn on the weekends at Japanese school or Dutch school. My CT explained to me that CIS thinks it is important for students to continue to learn about their own language and culture in order to further their education.
I was able to see an example of CIS’s dedication to teaching their students about global unity on International Peace Day. The whole school day was dedicated to various peace related activities and entire school projects. Presentations were given about the meaning of peace and what it looks like throughout the world, emphasizing how students see peace in their families and cultures. I’m glad I was able to witness this day as it was interesting to hear about different ideas of the meaning of peace from the point of view of children from so many different cultures, and to see one of the many ways CIS encourages students to adapt a global perspective.CIS further includes the many different languages and cultures present at their school by providing after school and weekend classes for specific cultures. The students have told me all about how they learn on the weekends at Japanese school or Dutch school. My CT explained to me that CIS thinks it is important for students to continue to learn about their own language and culture in order to further their education.
While the impact
of being a global community at CIS is clear, there are also influences that
come from residing in Denmark. For example, in their 9 day class cycle students
have a Danish lesson 6 times where they learn not only the language but also
about Danish culture and holidays. Several of these holidays are celebrated at
the school in events that the whole family is welcome to join.
The teachers too
are from all over the world and discussion in the staff room as well as in
professional development reflects this. Teachers talk about how the path to
become a teacher is so different all over the world, and what experience they
have gained from the different countries they’ve been in. While the participants in discussions come from several continents, staff meetings still take place in a circle around a
candle in the Danish fashion of “hygge”- a warm atmosphere, relaxation, and calm discussion.
My classroom at CIS is certainly different than any classroom I have previously been a part of, and I am excited to see how this global inclusion changes my perspective on teaching and the vision that I have of a my future teaching style. I also hope to expand my ability to educate all students, since with students of so many languages and from various countries differentiation and the provision of various means of learning are extremely important. While some students are native English speakers, some do not speak English at all. I have very little experience in this area and hope to learn from my CT. So far I have loved my time in a Danish classroom and I am excited to see what the rest of the semester holds!
My classroom at CIS is certainly different than any classroom I have previously been a part of, and I am excited to see how this global inclusion changes my perspective on teaching and the vision that I have of a my future teaching style. I also hope to expand my ability to educate all students, since with students of so many languages and from various countries differentiation and the provision of various means of learning are extremely important. While some students are native English speakers, some do not speak English at all. I have very little experience in this area and hope to learn from my CT. So far I have loved my time in a Danish classroom and I am excited to see what the rest of the semester holds!
