#globaledchat Archive
A weekly chat covering topics related to teaching with a global perspective. A rotating cast of guest hosts include education experts and influencers. A must-follow for all educators who would like to open their classroom to global opportunities! Hosted by @HSingmaster and sponsored by @AsiaSocietyEDU
Thursday October 20, 2016
Welcome to ! Introduce yourself & tell us: have you ever taught in or studied the system of a country other than your own?
I’m Heather Singmaster, organizer. I have studied the systems of Australia, Switzerland, China, Singapore, Korea, Canada.
Help me welcome our guest moderators for : who has studied in China and a teacher in Singapore!
Hi! Matthew here from UW-Madison, taught in Japan, studied in China, also disciplinary/institutional cultures in US .
Hello from Singapore! I've taught in the US, Singapore, and India. So excited to be part of
Hi - I'm Cleary of . Currently researching the system of India.
HI Erin in CT. I've taught in Netherlands, India, Honduras, Tanzania
Thanks so much for being on the chat tonight and helping out!
Mark here from Austin, TX! Head of Learning and former teacher!
Seth Brady, studied Indonesian system.
checking in from on the way to
Hi ! Tara from NorCali here. I've studied in Norway; studied the ed system in Philippines; visited schools in Indonesia.
Thanks so much for helping us out tonight! I can't wait to learn more from you!
Welcome !! Excited you are leading tonight! https://t.co/Kr2At82nps
Help me welcome our guest moderators for : who has studied in China and a teacher in Singapore!
Hi Cleary! So great to have you on! India is quite a complicated system!
Thanks for inviting me to ! I'm also named Heather and teach in the US, but have studied in India, Indonesia, and NZ
I went to school in US and Canadian systems, and studied German as part of my doctoral dissertation
really excited for tonight, especially having had experience teaching in ghana & austria!
Hi Erin - those are all fantastic countries to have taught in - I can't wait to hear more!
I'm learning that! Any tips or resources to share?
Hey Mark - thanks for joining us!
Brad in Bangkok. Lifer at American/international schools in Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Qatar, China.
Hi Joe from here coming in from Austin TX
Good evening ! My name is Precious. I teach in VA and was a with the … traveled to Peru!
Also taught in Liberia on eve of Civil War in 1988
Where in India is your research happening?
Hey Seth! So glad you could join - can't wait to learn more about Indonesia. How is voting going?
Hi all. Ryan joining in a bit from . I was a Fulbright Exchange teacher to Budapest in 2012. Best year ever.
Q1: What are some cultural norms about teaching that are common in schools where you live but might be surprising to others?
Hey ... Dennis - MS Social Studies/TV teacher at a school in central Florida ... I like to connect and collaborate.
Thanks for dropping in - you are a busy man!
A1: Resisting the urge to intervene while students struggle w/ difficult concepts.
Hi Tara! So glad you can join tonight and share all of your experience!!
I am looking to connect/Skype with someone in Asia and Australia ... then my kids will have chatted with all 7 continents
Hi all, I'm a consultant who runs among other things and I'm based outside Chicago, Go Cubs!
Gotta make hay while the sun shines . tomorrow and back in Denver on Satur… https://t.co/wZFY78HSmD
Thanks for dropping in - you are a busy man!
As we begin, BIG THX to community for support of Illinois Global Scholar's $100k bid & daily VOTING @ https://t.co/r3JRcJcl0B
A1: I think the amount of prep time Asian teachers have surprises Americans - trade off is larger class sizes in Asia.
Hi all! I'm Jill, I have studied the education systems of South Korea and Mexico, current USA teacher!
Hi Heather! Love all of your great experience! You and should talk about India!
A1: I think visitors to my American classroom are always surprised by how casual the relationship between teacher/student
Hi everyone - I've studied most OECD countries while working & lived/worked in a number of East Asian countries
Talking about taking risks, but cutting out dangerous playgrounds and PE contact activities at school ... and recess
Thanks . Glad to be here.
Hi! Thanks for joining us! I'm excited to hear more about your teaching experience!
A1 That Elem Ts spend most time w/Ss w/little time for planning and collaboration.
in ghana, respect was extremely high. when i entered a room, kids stood up & welcomed me! not like the US!
class cultural exchange ... for kids age 11 - 14 ... time zone issues always been a problem
So true. Time available for collaboration and other work is significant.
A1: Cultural norms in my rural school = casual dress, Homecoming Week, countless costume days, homework not emphasized
A1 order and organization can mean very different things in different places
Yes, I agree. I think the emphasis on data is becoming dehumanizing. Singapore also moving towards data-driven ed
A1 Parents love their children but may express that love differently from your norm.
Definitely talk to ! I think I have some other resources I can point you to post-chat :)
Welcome Brad! Thanks for joining
TRUTH ... most shun personalized relationships even though we talk a good talk about their importance.
A1 don't point the bottom of your feet to anyone https://t.co/B4iYLbDJFT
Q1: What are some cultural norms about teaching that are common in schools where you live but might be surprising to others?
Niko PYP Coordinator from Bangkok Thailand
Hi Ryan, so great to have you on - can't wait to learn more
So true ! for some its more social accountability than individual accountability https://t.co/Kxwj4PyXeE
A1 order and organization can mean very different things in different places
Thanks for joining the chat again Dennis!
A1: Belief that all Ss can meet high expectations = common in higher-performing systems around the world, including in Asia!
I am pretty casual even by American standards
It has been 4ever! Btwn school, campaigning, & my 2nd job this has been a crazy few months! https://t.co/7meeLSxteV
Yay! Great to have you back - I feel like it's been awhile!
I was just going to say - relationship between teacher/student must be different across countries.
A1: Another shocker for Ts here and abroad is that we don't emphasize high stakes standardized test scores in my school at all
Go Cubs indeed! Thanks for squeezing us in tonight on !
Ken from Western Oregon Univ. Just arriving. In addition to teaching in US I taught in Suriname, South America
Didn't know you were cub fan! I agree Go Cubs!
Do you have data to support your assertions?
it certainly helps, but i found that it was harder to bridge connections & create relationships w/ students
Exams dominate in Singapore. Kids take high stakes exam at end of gr 6; it determines their futures.
A1: the personal relationships that the school community can have in the USA. Coaches, club advisors, etc working late hours
Q2: We all make assumptions. What kinds of assumptions have you made about how kids learn—how has this affected your teaching?
Hi! Thanks so much for joining! Mexico and South Korea are both countries I love!
A1: Norms go unrecognized oftentimes--love Insonesian norm of students greeting teacher by putting Ts hand to their forehead!
My colleagues spend 2 hrs a week of planning time in mtgs looking ! Kids are more than numbers.
. Yes same in Singapore. And it's causing lots of teacher burnout. Teachers exhausted as pastoral role increases.
Hi ! Sarah from Ann Arbor, MI HS T, curr coordinator & National fellow
. and expectations of what learning looks like varies greatly.
A2 that all kids are motivated by the same factors
A1 US obsession with high-stakes testing is something that I think seems odd elsewhere to many
I agree completely. Data in data out reminds me of GIGO (Garbage in ... )
A2: Moving to Singapore made me question all my assumptions.
A2, and then I'm boarding : I always assume learners prefer to collaborate than work alone. Not always… https://t.co/qXZjJI3lob
Q2: We all make assumptions. What kinds of assumptions have you made about how kids learn—how has this affected your teaching?
made the assumption you need to learn in a classroom; not true! in ghana, i taught under trees and on the beach!
Hi Niko! Thailand is one of my fav countries - I have visited many times. I was so sorry for the loss of the King.
A1: my school is public (not charter) but has personalized learning, PBL & interdisciplinary work!
So true. Much more formal in Hungary.
I should have been out watching .... :(
. It's odd because the teachers are held responsible, not the kids. In Singapore, big national exams in G6, G10, 12
A2 That Ss have different learning styles & teaching pedagogy should reflect that
Strikes a chord w/me I’m part of a Cultural Proficiency Cohort & am really being challenged to reflect on biases
A2: Behavior norms differ based on the community. In many schools, Ss demonstrating agency is perceived as bad behavior.
A2: Studying both in India and the US, I now question the huge push for college entrance at the expense of career readiness
A2 chaos to me was learning to Ss in my rural school in S India, big adjustments were made by me
But you taught in a classroom. Did it matter if it was missing walls?
I'm curious about forest/beach schools
I think data serves a purpose & can guide planning but we are still obsessed even w/NCLB being gone
A2 Definitions of respect, cultural norms are very different here in Sing from the US. .
I felt the huge push of exams when I was in India too. So hard on the kids if they don't have support.
Mike from MD, who just recently made it off of the continent.
due to lack of rooms, you had to find space & it often times worked w/ plans that made kids move and think.
Yes! When I taught in FL teachers held responsible& schools scoring less on HST received less funding.Seemed absurd
And data comes in many more forms than system values https://t.co/Bbx8B6kJ7T
I think data serves a purpose & can guide planning but we are still obsessed even w/NCLB being gone
Q3: How does the teacher/student relationship differ between cultures? How does this affect your teaching?
Oh it does serve a purpose. To the extent where we micromanage every second of every minute of every?
A2 My assumptions are based on experience
A3: In Japan all students (even high school) have close relationship with a homeroom teacher who looks out for their needs.
A2: Exams drive teaching, learning, parenting in Asia. pressure but also leads to skill mastery.
No arguments here. I might even prefer losing my building walls (I teach in an open library)
So true!! I feel we need to think broader in terms of what data we collect & how it is used. https://t.co/8NLb9nl3LK
And data comes in many more forms than system values https://t.co/Bbx8B6kJ7T
I think data serves a purpose & can guide planning but we are still obsessed even w/NCLB being gone
A2: assuming my students understood ed technology just because they use tech so much
It all depends on who I'm collaborate with and I usually prefer to learn solo. Don't like group work poor design
A3: When I taught in Spain, Ss were way more informal with their Ts (than in US) and it was considered a sign of respect.
and the more different cultures and experiences you have had?
A3 From what I've noticed outside of US teachers seem to be more respected as professionals by Ss & society in general
in austria, i went i taught classes in coffee shops and engaged in discourse and promoted relationships.
Agreed. May's piece is worth a read Reflective and insightful.
Most teachers in America too afraid to have meaningful relationship with kids ... afraid people will see it as inappropriate
A3: in my school teachers regularly make home visits to check in on students. The closeness is both good and bad
A3 Emotional climate vastly differs across countries.
Interesting - having that non-familial adult role model is something many kids in US could use.
I wonder why they don't like working in groups? Does it just never happen?
yes, I have seen that becoming a problem too.
That's why I prefer team work to group work Better design https://t.co/EK5MX47aC2
It all depends on who I'm collaborate with and I usually prefer to learn solo. Don't like group work poor design
A3: in my school teachers regularly make home visits to check in on students. The closeness is both good and bad
The best data I get as a teacher is through conversations with kids. It's human and meaningful, and I can respond.
My students overall prefer groups when the stakes are low; often prefer alone when the stakes are high.
A3: by connecting with students I can gain buy in and motivating for learning, making the personal connection is huge
I've definitely witnessed this in Asian countries! https://t.co/8ptHgGMvQy
A3 From what I've noticed outside of US teachers seem to be more respected as professionals by Ss & society in general
I would agree that is a critical variable in the higher T turnover in US
in austria, i taught classes in coffee shops & engaged in discourse. this certainly promoted relationships.
A3 Some Ss revere Ts & others don’t value Ts or ed @ all. There is so much to say about this but not sure where to start…
Yes...that's a real challenge. Or that it might turn into something beyond their capacity to handle (counseling..)
Fascinating distinction emerging here, w/familiarity being respectful in some places but the opposite in others
Tuning in late after a cross-country meet , hi everyone!!
Yep. I remind myself daily that I can't hug or comfort kids by patting back/rubbing arm. https://t.co/nuwsuT5QR3
Most teachers in America too afraid to have meaningful relationship with kids ... afraid people will see it as inappropriate
really interesting observation!
Thank you for providing data to support what I believe but we're fighting an upstream current
Great point & one teachers working with marginalized groups are wrestling with head on in many places.
In Finland it is the greatest honor to be a T too… not always the case in US.
That would work. What infrastructure do you set up?
Q4: Are there any national/regional differences in the way teachers use instructional technology? What about active learning?
A3- different cultures have different levels of formality-
A4: Japan- Tchrs engage in deliberate of tech that best supports diff teaching & learning needs.
But they are driven by GPA to get into college right? So almost the same motivation..
A3 always thought students showed more respect by saying thank you than anything else. Acknowledged respect for my efforts
A3: Everyone knows everyone in the small community where I teach, for generations even. Def impacts T-S relationships
And we wonder why many of our children turn out ....
A3: I worry about how distracted my hs students are because of their phones/socialmedia.
A4 Its been interesting to see how teachers around the world have used our lessons for ELLs
I grew up in a small town in WV… it was the same way. Not the same in the suburbs of DC.
Do you find the ability/willingness to connect varies depending on country you're in, or nat'l origin of students?
My first after being inspired at - hello from Ottawa Canada!!
A4 so hard to put cultural/regional differences in the space of a tweet!
We definitely need to show our teachers more respect in the US!
A4: You have to think access is different depending on the country. Also student privacy regulations are different too.
Yes - this is a cause of concern and I think has to be supported at home w/ parents to create a balance.
they still know I care and at the end of the day that is all that really matters.
ghanian public schools focused on rote memorization. military & 1920's like. no active learning; unlike austria
A4 Yes very hard to do this in a tweet. Such a huge subject!
In the US we have a decreased # of young adults pursuing education as a career. It is sad- we don’t value ed enough
A4 Not sure about this. My cross-cult experience with tech has been using social media to have US Ss interact w/ Ss elsewhere
We need more PD - it seems like there is never enough training for US teachers - or resources!
A4 Ive been amazed at how teachers lacking tech access cope. Ex. A Kenyan teacher inviting students to her home!
But it has to be the right tech. So often we mix advanced users in with beginners for same learning
A4 Think access to technology is still a study in equity in almost every culture I've been in. Not all students= same access
A4: You're right. Phones thankfully not allowed in local SIng and Indian schools. But are allowed in int'l schools.
A4: discovering there is a disconnect from preservice to current around instruct. tech. Need tonbridge that gap earlier!
Why would people want to go into ed? Teachers are nuts says the librarian @ 2 EL S w/ 1400 Ss
Negative stories sell, right? :(
A4: my ss do not know how to use effectively. Students need training just as much as teachers
Grt point. With some Ss bopping home for a quick snack betw school & nite-school, boundaries blur
But you're absolutely right. it is sad.
Agreed. Best when teachers have the opp to conduct inquiry around tech in their own context
But In Korea, Taiwan, Govts have gotten involved in restricting gaming/internet use among teens. Shutdown laws.
We need to redo our T ed program here in the States.
A4 it's fun to see 's partner students use tech in different ways in our courses when they connect w/ US kids
This raises impt issues about cultural/nat'l comparisons - to take into account SES when thinking about students.
Good things. No Inspiring things can happen.
A2: I have assumed how my kids want to work (together, independently, where). Students want to learn in their own safe space.
I assume that students like to have opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. However, many prefer "alone time"
Q5: How do exams affect the way you teach? How might exams be perceived differently in different parts of the world?
A4B Something I've noticed doing videoconferences w/ Ss in "marginalized" countries is Ss joy of having their "voice" heard
A4: Within-school differences in T edtech usage in my region is staggering
& in the US the fed govt is investing in research on learning games & edu-simulations!
I teach art at an elem school w/650+ Ss. I get it but unless we are willing 2 fight advocate & change…
A2: Assuming students can sit in desks for long periods of time and learn. They need to be up & constructing their knowledge
A4: Need to adopt tech with specific knowlege of how it supports learning goals...not just purchase and distribute devices
That is true - differentiated learning for all :) Are there mentor teachers in school?
A2: I have assumed what my kids will get excited about. Not all students will get encouraged by soccer or stickers
and to be able to watch a video of themselves that they recorded
A5- I don't have exams, which I think is great- but could make some testing-centric cultures anxious
I don't worry about testing, exams, GPA. I try and focus on deep discussions and (hopefully) engaging activities.
Agreed! From class to class and school to school!
A5: I do not teach a subject w standardized test attached. ability to tailor curriculum to learning not test qs is liberating
A2: I assume that students like to do group work and be seated with peers. However, some prefer "alone time"
in pa, not much weight in exams. in va, state exams determined teacher & student future!
Absolutely. I do what I can, pick my battles. etc. We must change it.
The cultural demarcation of space for Ts vs. Ss is interesting. Wonder how online ed impacts that?
Pedagogy before technology!
No, but I bet 80 - 90 % of mine would
Or maybe teachers are just too modest to tout their own stories? ? Parents LOVE good teacher stories! https://t.co/ywo2OSmUbY
Negative stories sell, right? :(
There are in many but do they have the tools/training or is it lacking?
I'm back... what did I miss? :)
Hi! Kim from NC. Sorry I'm late!!
This is why I'm pursuing a certificate in Early Childhood Tech with
I love all of these comments on about not focusing on the tests! Focusing on deeper learning instead!
A4: Interestingly, across OECD/TALIS countries most Ts claim constructivist beliefs YET use mostly passive teaching practices
The world ended just before we solved all of its problems.
A5: Exams provide rigor, skill mastery, accountability, but they are the antithesis of creativity. Singapore too exam driven.
A2: I have assumed that teachers and students would be happy about "no homework." Not always true.
Next week's chat topic is learning spaces for - come back and we can discuss further :)
& that's a luxury it sounds like teachers in places like Korea/Japan don't have. Or, can they navigate the tension?
Do we really understand constructivism? Or do we follow the mandates of those who pay us?
Yes. When my Ss Skyped w/Gaza Ss, Gazans seemed to be excited to get to talk since their narrative not heard in US
It's true - it can be tough to get the stories out of the schools in order to get them into the media.
Agree Teachers need to think of themselves as leaders, advocates. We don't give ourselves enough credit.
If we always go the extra three miles, districts will presume one can get everything done and more
It's a luxury I have as a library media specialist. I have other issues. :)
Q6: How can we regularly and honestly assess students' understanding and respond to gaps in their understanding?
This is a great use of technology to increase global citizenship and interchange. Thanks for sharing.
A4 focus on creating engaging lessons/activities more 4c projects. Continued feedback, observations & meeting S needs.
A2: I assumed that parents and students would be happy about having no homework. Not always the case.
Oh thanks for sharing! I will read this later.
A2: I have made the assumption that the curriculum knows best, but the book does not know my students like I do.
& research on implicit bias is using gaming to test reactions to diff racial grps. Maybe should do in edu-setting?
A5: Choice choice choice in the questions they can respond to - as long as learning expectations r met
Agree Teaching is ultimately a deeply human profession. We know our kids best, and we care about them.
absolutely, a little bit of choice goes a long way!
A6: Create opps for regular & practical formative assessment. One example: “Teaching between desks.” https://t.co/VHTWyfNjph
A6: Some districts are using the PISA test to assess for higher learning skills/21st century skills: https://t.co/NnYXAePd44
The curriculum always knows best. Do not doubt the curriculum or pacing guide.
A5 A few standardized exams (AP/IB) can't be avoided. Otherwise, they have minimal value to learning. https://t.co/UWzbto5BzD
A6- personalized learning strategies help ( flipped learning, standards based learning, etc) but class size can make it tricky
A6. Repetition and lots of reflective/listening activities.
A6 check ins, feedback, progress monitoring, differentiating lessons to meet S needs, spiral reviews
I'm hearing lots of buzz about the 2018 global competency PISA assessment lately too.
Sorry to miss tonight, please check out this global connection tool I am developing https://t.co/5z4SqNtbly find ways to share
Oh yes, that is a difficult time. Thanks for joining today!!
. a few well-designed exams are useful. Too much testing is counter-productive.
Indeed! We are excited and it's bringing the conversation to the spotlight in many countries.
A4: Here's how some Asian ed systems are making the shift toward more active learning a reality https://t.co/kQRLgEQcle
Student voice and choice most important! Setting goals. Ss can tell you what they need to work on!
struggling with this now with 30+ kids in a room. Love flipped/blended learning tho!
A6 I think sm class sizes allow us to have more 1:1 interaction w/Ss. I assess 600 Ss… I want to do more but am limited
is so thrilled about these conversations going mainstream, can't stop talking about it!
This is a good question to follow up the testing one. I do think there is a place for assessments that screen/provide data
A6 Frequent, formative feedback leads to learning that sticks.
A6 various the ways students represent their learning. Take knowledge and have students demonstrate in new context
A6 I also feel that we need to put Ss in the driver seat of their own learning as well. Rubrics, checklists, peer assmt
Wonder how opps for in-class formative assessment varies by country, thinking of limited Q&A in some countries.
A6 student self assessment and follow up goal setting as a support to ongoing formative assessment
Question, Negotiate, and Co-Create with the intended curriculum in order to meet learner needs (and y… https://t.co/N0wNI5HZ4O
The curriculum always knows best. Do not doubt the curriculum or pacing guide.
Can we really measure and quantify grit? Kids in Sing have lots of grit, but measured by hard work in school.
30+?!?! I had 29 &struggling w/logistics - it def ties our hands as to what we can do! (a year of trial & error)
A6 Not sure true assessment for global competency been made Seems there should be a type of authentic learning component to it
4 many years I taught 700+ It is a constant challenge. I could do so much more!!
Duckworth developed a test, but not for hi-stakes testing, tho it's being used that way. Grit shows up lots of ways
A6 AGREED it doesn't take a test to prove you're competently global https://t.co/DaNfABWv0A
A6 Not sure true assessment for global competency been made Seems there should be a type of authentic learning component to it
Love some of Dylan Williams' tips for formative assessment. I use exit passes in my classroom.
But I'm skeptical! Why do we want to quantify, measure, and test everything?
Would be interesting to see if/how personalized learning movement is taking off in countries w/entrance exams.
A6: Some practical ideas for classroom formative assessment based on best practices around the world https://t.co/4AFaTqtM4Y
Have family arriving at the house, so have to run. Thanks for a fun !!
Yes..Difficult to conduct formative assessment without opps for hearing Ss "talk....making thinking visible.
I interviewed a number of Chinese parents for my recent book -- and you're right, too much pressure for gaokao.
Be sure to follow everyone on the chat tonight and build your PLN!
Must quantify everything. How else can we prove our students are learning and our teachers are teaching?
It seemed that was calling for less testing at the . I was pleasantly surprised and GLAD.
In the mist of arguments for/against general national education evaluation no one seems to care about in Arg, sad
that panel was amazing. I was happy to hear that too!
But in Singapore, that pressure comes earlier. Kids in G6 (age 12) take a test that determines their futures. PSLE
I'm with you, but balancing need for structure w/teachers' autonomy seems to be a global issue.
Such as waking up in the morning.
Q7: What is one strategy you’ve experienced or observed from another nation/region/cultural tradition that you want to try?
Please help me thank and for all of their help with writing questions for and organizing this week!
Thanks for organizing tonight's . Lots of food for thought!
As an aside, one of the best talks I've heard about Singapore schools came from SAS superintedent at conf
