Having the opportunity to see the cloud forest school today was amazing. The types of learning that is encouraged there is the ideal for hands on learning. Beyond just learning in both Spanish and English that school seems to be unique because of the way that independent though was encouraged in students. The students there were excited to learn and wanted to be there. For the most part they seemed to like what they were doing and seemed excited about their futures.
While there, I observed what seemed to be a physics project studying gravity. The students were using PVC pipe and ball in order to try to reach the end point. They had to work with the angles and to control them in order to not drop the ball on the ground. I do not know if the students were aware that they were learning when they were doing these activities, however they were most defiantly learning. Having the chance to observe this is the most rewarding thing that has happened during this trip. When I saw these students it made me smile the same way that the other people with me have been smiling this entire time. I want to be able to incorporate lessons like this in my class.
In addition, today I was able to interview my Spanish teacher about my action research project. He provided further insight onto the topic and allowed me to understand further how people of Costa Rica think about la ambiente. A quote from him is that the environment and nature are “parte de vida” or part of life. This supports the idea that the people of Costa Rica do care about the environment a lot. If you want to see the transcript of this interview, click on the link below.
This week Spanish class seems to be getting better. I think that it is because this teacher focuses largely on discussion and making the grammar relevant once again. Learning grammar in this class is not like learning grammar in the last class. We do not read off of the smart board, we talk about what we learn and we use in in discussion. This is not only less boring; it also demonstrates a higher level of learning. I will keep this in mind when I have a class. I will always work to teach in context and relate as much of the material to the students lives as possible.
When I got home I was greeted by my hermano tico. He is absolutely adorable and always says hola to me. Today I was able to play with him and with the baby in my family a little bit. We played with some toys and on my computer. Being able to interact with him despite the language difference is awesome. He speaks slowly and clearly for me so I am able to understand and I try to speak Spanish back. I have become fairly good at replying to him and he always helps to correct me when I am incorrect. In addition, I talked with my Mamá Tica. It is fun to try to talk to them because they are patient and help to guide me in the correct direction. The type of environment that I have experience in mi casa es el type of environment that I want to foster in my class. Overall, I have learned a lot here and will be sad to return to the US. I know that I will always remember my time here and it will forever affect the way I live my life.
While there, I observed what seemed to be a physics project studying gravity. The students were using PVC pipe and ball in order to try to reach the end point. They had to work with the angles and to control them in order to not drop the ball on the ground. I do not know if the students were aware that they were learning when they were doing these activities, however they were most defiantly learning. Having the chance to observe this is the most rewarding thing that has happened during this trip. When I saw these students it made me smile the same way that the other people with me have been smiling this entire time. I want to be able to incorporate lessons like this in my class.
In addition, today I was able to interview my Spanish teacher about my action research project. He provided further insight onto the topic and allowed me to understand further how people of Costa Rica think about la ambiente. A quote from him is that the environment and nature are “parte de vida” or part of life. This supports the idea that the people of Costa Rica do care about the environment a lot. If you want to see the transcript of this interview, click on the link below.
This week Spanish class seems to be getting better. I think that it is because this teacher focuses largely on discussion and making the grammar relevant once again. Learning grammar in this class is not like learning grammar in the last class. We do not read off of the smart board, we talk about what we learn and we use in in discussion. This is not only less boring; it also demonstrates a higher level of learning. I will keep this in mind when I have a class. I will always work to teach in context and relate as much of the material to the students lives as possible.
When I got home I was greeted by my hermano tico. He is absolutely adorable and always says hola to me. Today I was able to play with him and with the baby in my family a little bit. We played with some toys and on my computer. Being able to interact with him despite the language difference is awesome. He speaks slowly and clearly for me so I am able to understand and I try to speak Spanish back. I have become fairly good at replying to him and he always helps to correct me when I am incorrect. In addition, I talked with my Mamá Tica. It is fun to try to talk to them because they are patient and help to guide me in the correct direction. The type of environment that I have experience in mi casa es el type of environment that I want to foster in my class. Overall, I have learned a lot here and will be sad to return to the US. I know that I will always remember my time here and it will forever affect the way I live my life.