Mrs. Elliot

After finishing my classes at New Tech around 11:30 today, I left to visit Durham School of Arts, the U.S. magnet school of excellence for 2006-07. This visit provided me with further insights into the American school system. I truly appreciate—and frankly, envy—the infrastructure and facilities available in American schools. The technology and resources, such as stationery, at the disposal of American teachers significantly enhance the educational experience, making it very different from schools in India. During my visit, I had the opportunity to observe three classes, each unique in its approach. The Integrated Algebra and Geometry classes were more formal, while the Geometry class was oriented toward technology. The Physics class, on the other hand, focused on student-centered learning. All three classes managed to engage students effectively and met their objectives in different ways. I particularly like the Smartboards used in American classrooms. They give the impression that the entire world of knowledge is at your fingertips. These boards are not just display screens; they are touch-sensitive and allow for writing. They serve multiple purposes, including displaying countdown timers to help students manage their time during assignments. However, with these advanced technological tools, it is crucial to plan each minute of your lesson meticulously and execute that plan effectively during class. I observed this approach being executed nearly flawlessly in Mrs. Elliot's Geometry class. The seamless switching between the overhead projector and the Smartboard, along with her question-and-answer strategy, managed to capture the focus of her middle school students remarkably well. Having observed five different schools, I genuinely respect how American schools cater to students with various learning abilities. They acknowledge and support visual and kinesthetic learners, while in India, we tend to tolerate such students less and often label them as slow learners or unfit for studies. (Am I boring you with my admiration for America? Hang tight; I’ll discuss the shortcomings in another post.) While it's up for debate whether the American school system is truly superior and successful, there are valuable lessons we can learn and incorporate into our own teaching practices. This visit to Durham School of Arts has changed my perspective on the American education system, making me more decisive in forming my generalizations.

(I invite my colleagues and fellow fulbrighters to respond, share their ideas and experiences which can enhance my/our understanding. That can really serve the purpose of the visit)