Our first day at Birmingham City University was full of new knowledge. The professors and head teachers who spoke today were so knowledgeable and helpful. They were true experts in their studies and were happy to introduce us to the campus and to get to know more about the American systems as well. This experience was overall so exciting for me. It was great to sit down in a room talk, compare and contrast this topic that I am so very interested in. It is very fulfilling to share a passion and discuss it with others from different countries.
We had a wonderful introduction with the Dean’s Deputy of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. She was so kind in introducing us to the school and how the nursing program works. Followed by that was a quick tour of some of the simulation labs that were in the building. These were state-of-the-art with all the resources to help their students practice for their future careers. Our tour guide Gemma was incredibly personable and truly passionate about her future career. She was more than happy to answer any questions and was excited to speak with us about her studies.
We returned up to the room and were greeted by the Students Union on campus. BCUSU is run by 5 student officers. They are passionate students who are in charge of creating the many societies that are available for students to do in their free time. They have so many options for students to get involved in so they can have better social experiences while attending school. They also work as the ones who represent the students who are struggling financially. I saw many similarities to our school in Greensburg.
After the student union, we had a great presentation about the Secondary system in the United Kingdom. This presentation included an explanation of how students apply to go to university. Test scores are important for these students as they decide whether or not to get into their desired courses and programs. He also emphasized the use of research and the many different parts. It shadowed lessons from my psychology classes in the States. This is really interesting because it shows that many countries share the same methodologies. Secondary education shows that they value education and want to make a push for more to get involved with higher education after Year 12. The States and the United Kingdom work toward further students’ careers.
In addition to secondary, there was a focus on primary students and schools. As a future elementary teacher, I found their discussion the most exciting. They were so excited to share all about their careers. What I found very interesting and scary was the OFSTED. The evaluations the United Kingdom uses to review all their schools. This resembles observations done in the schools in the States but at higher stakes and more rewards. What was surprising is if the school was struggling the government gave them more money than taking it away. This differs from schools in America because lower socioeconomic are usually punished. It was great to hear that the government wants to give more support, but a great point was made that if it was a problem with the staff the teachers and head teachers still have a problem on their hands.
In order to prepare for my research paper and presentation I asked many questions that involved how ELL students were assisted in the classroom. The term used in the United States is ELL or English Language Learners and in the United Kingdom is referred to as EAL or English as an Additional Language. EAL is actually a term that many are trying to get rid of at this time. Adding English to the children’s vernacular doesn’t always have positive responses. If a student’s family home is non-English speaking, then they are not getting any new help when learning in school. Sometimes pushing a student to learn English can cause the students to learn a new language and cause them to lose a piece of their culture. Teachers want the students to translate in their heads. Understand the material in their original language then translate it to share the answer out loud. This is a method I haven’t heard much about in the States, but I am intrigued to use this method. The other question was about immigrants which was focusing on whether or not the students are in an emergency situation and if they get certain accommodations if they are seeking asylum.
Altogether today was full of new knowledge on topics I am most passionate about. I can’t wait to hear more about the systems in the United Kingdom!