It is also open
:-) I finally managed to visit the high schools of Sotungin lukio in Vantaa. Even before I had a very nice conversation via e-mail with the deputy head teacher and we agreed on 20 April 2009 for a 1-day visit to this school. I spent a whole day of school from 9-15 Clock at the school and this was a very fantastic experience for me!
the early arrivals I was very impressed with the school grounds! It was a very large area, spacious and offered a lot of room for different sports grounds and sporting activities of all kinds! Later I learned that the school is including a focus on sports and many students already at the No. 1 in football, hockey, etc. are. But one by one. In the school itself, I was very warm and friendly welcome from the deputy head - after some initial difficulties because I was sitting in the wrong office, namely that of the middle school and the grammar of the Colleges! The deputy head had been looking for me! That was very unpleasant for me, but we did not directly laugh together! She then introduced me to some colleagues and the openness that has been shown me of them - amazing! That was something I had hardly been used! The teachers were very interested in me (where I come from, what I'm doing right now, what I think of the Finnish schools and how the school situation is like in Germany) and they said almost all spontaneously German! Even if they taught no German! Just great! I felt very comfortable right away!
then led me to the deputy head of the school and showed me both the premises, which are used jointly by the middle school and secondary school, as well as the corridors, the older of the students be used. I felt an open, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the school! This is encouraged in my opinion one hand by the white walls with student work (paintings, sculptures, exhibitions) are designed, and by the many large windows that the light in the school building. On 1st Floor is a large cafeteria, which this week focused on the theme "Chinese food" (like the whole school's motto, "China" was.) (General, the international Another focus of the school. She is involved in two Comenius projects that before the summer recess in late May in a celebration at the school open.) Furthermore, there is a large library for the students is always accessible, and a stage for parent meetings, performances, etc. In the hallway of the 2nd Floor are red sofas and armchairs that invite you to linger. In the same area is also a large room with many PC computers (as well as additional computers in the hall), which can be used by all students at any time (up to 21 clock) without the supervision of teachers. The Internet is also freely available to them. I think the great idea that the young people so much is trust and they learn responsibility in this way. It should be noted however, that in this Region a camera. It seems the young people but not in their movement and restrict their actions.
from 9.15 - 14.55 clock I've watched a total of five different classes, teachers and subjects (2x English, German, history and math). All teachers were now open and ready to let me sit in, even if it was not always discussed in advance! I was very surprised and happy! The deputy head repeatedly stressed that the school visit was used: in the German speaking countries (especially Germany ;-)), of (German) interns, but also by other teachers from the immediate vicinity and Finland. Thus, the colleagues of the school internships usual and the doors are always open for guests!
The Finnish students responded - it was not expected otherwise - very reserved and had, after I introduced myself briefly, no questions at me. The German teacher used the opportunity to find a native speaker to have in class, and let me tell you more about the German school system compared to the Finnish. Then a student dared to ask me where I am from Germany :-) Overall, I have regard to the teaching again noticed the high level and pace, some of large classes in almost any classroom disruptions (Big event), the many teachers lectures as a teaching method, and working with the book. In this regard came from the teachers again and again, the high pressure through the curriculum for language. Finally, the students stood before the Finland-wide central high school.
Another feature of the school next to a focus on sport and the international "virtual learning" was. want to both adults and adolescents of this school to deepen their knowledge or repeat the material - the school offers online courses in the form of specific subjects on the one Fronter' platform. This fact indicates already on something else out: the technical equipment of the school in general and of each classroom in particular. Every classroom that I have seen, includes: laptop, internet access, LCD projector, large projection screens, document camera and CD / DVD player with speaker system. Most classrooms also had no chalk boards anymore, but white boards with special whiteboard markers. (The principle of using similar course, the traditional blackboard, however, was faster and was cleaner! According to the deputy head to have the highest number of teachers opted for the renovation of the school 10 years ago for whiteboards.) Some classrooms were also by a whole class set of wireless headphones feature, which is especially an advantage for foreign language teaching.
My absolute highlight, however, was the SMART Board in action! Although I have heard a lot of it, but it never seen in the teaching practice! I was really excited total! What an experience! A math teacher invited me spontaneously in their teaching (thanks a lot!) And the main medium was just the SMART Board. She said she did not want to miss it more and it had become a major component of their teaching. Still, during a working phase of the pupils, she encouraged me to try the interactive whiteboard even once! Of course, it tempted me into this Moment for all sorts of gimmicks, but I must say, it really drew me in its spell! The SMART Board has an incredible number of applications and uses that can be used in the classroom and in the classroom! In addition, there are some programs for all subjects with images, templates, worksheets, games, etc. Nothing that is being developed, is lost because the interactive whiteboard is connected to the PC and all the "panels" can be saved. The math teacher made great use of it and put all the hours on the Internet on the results, Fronter' platform, which in turn is accessible to the math course. Thus, a repetition and dealing of the substance at any time possible. For me this was a fascinating experience!
However, the fear of contact with the medium, according to testimony of the teacher at her school also very high and only used by her chemistry teacher, the SMART Board. They even encouraged colleagues again to heranzutrauen to the touch-sensitive whiteboard, because the operation is to learn quickly, mostly because it resembles that of normal PC programs.
Generally the teachers of this school, however, very open to new technologies, especially when it comes to new applications on the Internet or offline programs. The deputy head said that the oldest colleague was at the school the fittest! It many courses and training for teachers offered, in which she introduced to the use of new media and trained. These courses are readily accepted by teachers and attended numerous.
Overall I have felt very well at this school! It was a friendly at all times taking care of me, even if it was only a 1-day visit! A visit to this school is highly recommended!
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