A Happy note from Ermitage International School Teachers visiting DAIS for the Teacher Exchange Programme 2019

Teacher exchange programs serve as a cultural learning experience for teachers and as a means for expanding and enriching an educator's pedagogical expertise.

 

 

As part of the Teacher Exchange Programme, Mr Jeff Collie and Ms Christine Collie from Ermitage International School, Paris visited DAIS for an extended period of 3 weeks to engage in learning and contributing to the teaching, planning and classroom activities in the Senior and Middle school at DAIS. Mr Jeff Collie, Foundations 1 to 4 coordinator Ermitage, worked with teachers and students of classes 5 to 7 of English, History and Geography. Ms Christine Collie, MYP coordinator at Ermitage, participated in and observed Math classes across Middle school, the IGCSE and the IBDP.

 

 

They made observations about ‘How the teacher introduces the lesson’; objectives and outcomes communicated during lessons; material prepared for the lesson; seating arrangements of the classrooms as well as different learning styles incorporated by the teachers catering to individual student needs. Collaborative work in class, emphasis on academic honesty, development of skills and attitude toward the subject, encouraging of student inquiry and critical thinking, self and peer reflection as incorporated by DAIS teachers in every lesson- All these were aspects they enjoyed immersing themselves in, making their experience truly memorable.

 

Apart from academics the visiting teachers also engaged in cultural exchange by participating in the Independence day celebrations and home visiting the local teachers, thus exploring the culture, exploring the cuisine as well as sightseeing in the city. They enjoyed the weekly planned Assembly which highlighted student creative abilities.

 

 

Ms Collie states “Generally, teachers connect well with their students despite the large numbers (relative to our class sizes at Ermitage). Students are engaged and participative. It is clear that the curriculum at this level has certain requirements and will dictate, to some extent, how the teachers will deliver the course. In addition to successfully delivering the curriculum, teachers are implementing techniques and strategies to develop skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking and self-management skills.”