Willimantic, Conn. – This past May, six Eastern education students traveled to London, England, on a 10-day “global field course” to learn about the British education system. During their stay, students visited six primary, secondary and special needs schools in the diverse, inner-city areas of East London.
“This trip provided our education students with an additional internship opportunity preparatory to completing their certification programs,” said faculty advisor and Education Professor Catherine Tannahill. “These East London schools are very successful in educating diverse populations ranging from second language learners to new immigrants and special needs students.”
During their experience, Eastern students observed and interacted with British students; attended presentations and interviews with school administrators from the British education system; worked with high poverty, second language learners; and met with British teachers and student-teachers, discussing teaching strategies and challenges.
“This trip was an invaluable learning experience for me. It was interesting to see how England, a country that on the surface seems so similar to our own, handles education,” said Molly Gosselin ’14, an English major from East Hartford. “I’m grateful I was able to share my own experiences with British educators and, in turn, take new knowledge and experiences back with me.”
Among the schools visited were Bygrove Primary School and Sandringham Primary School, the Phoenix Primary and Secondary School, St Helens Catholic Primary School and Gallions Primary. Some students also visited St. Paul’s Secondary School and Morpeth Secondary School.