Vanessa Lam
22 July 2015: University of Canberra education students have had the chance to experience the Chinese education system and school culture while on a two-week trip to Shanghai, China.
The 20 students travelled to Shanghai on 23 May, as part of the International Professional Placement unit, which aims to develop students' cultural perspectives and awareness through immersion in a culturally and linguistically different environment.
Spending two weeks at Tianshan No.1 Primary School, they observed the teachers and learnt about the Chinese curriculum. The students also taught several lessons to the primary school students.
"The students were so excited to speak English with us and learn about Australia. I taught them about Aboriginal art and Australian literature," Melissa Markos, who is studying primary teaching, said.
-
University of Canberra education students with teachers and students from Tianshan No.1 Primary School. Photo supplied
Ms Markos described the trip as a great experience as they learnt new teaching strategies, especially through communication.
"It was a fun and interesting experience trying to overcome language barriers. We were constantly finding new ways to communicate, we were very reliant on our non-verbal skills and some of us even picked up some of the local language," she said.
Third-year primary education student, Danni Allport, said it was wonderful to meet the students and see their attitude towards education, with teachers highly respected in Shanghai.
"I was invited to teach a Year 5 class about Australian culture and a science lesson. I used the book Fox by Margaret Wild to inspire a lesson about foxes and how they keep cool," she said.
Ms Allport said one lesson she took away from the
experience is that
"education knows no bounds".
"There is nothing that can hold back the spread of education. Not distance, language, disability, culture or money. I learnt that as an educator I have the ability to impact more students than I ever thought possible," she said.
"I enjoyed learning more about my dream career and having the opportunity to practice my profession within another culture. It was a great opportunity for me to develop personally and professionally."
Unit convener Jackie Walkington said the trips are a great way for students to reflect upon and demonstrate their skills as globally aware professionals.
"While only relatively short, the visit was incredibly beneficial as it gives students valuable skills and experience in working in a different culture. Their capacity to accommodate school students from different cultural backgrounds in Australian schools has also been enhanced. This trip has differentiated them from other graduates."
