I have many things to tell you all, but won't try to do it in this forum. I'll save my journal writing and my notes to make sure I don't miss any details.
I had an incredible day visiting Mr Ajay's school where I was the guest of honor and was treated like royalty. I met some great teachers, the award-winning principal (nothing like what we do in the US, though), and a lot of amazing students. I got to teach a class and talk to another one, met with students who are writing articles for the International Insider, and teach Mr. Ajay how to use Geometer's Sketchpad. I spoke at the all school assembly (see picture at right) and talked with the math department about our different methodologies (though there were many similarities as well). It was a wonderful experience to see what a school here is like ... for example, my colleague and I walked into a room where a physics lesson was taking place; when we entered the teacher stopped what she was doing and left while the students got their math notebooks out and started taking notes. An interesting and quick transition.
I have so many things I've been thinking about ... philosophical things the value of which I don't want to diminish by rushing to write about. Today we had the amazing experience of being a panel of 16 American teachers to a room of 99 (no, I didn't count them all) Indian teachers convened from all over the country. They hit us with a lot of questions, some of which were tough to answer without starting a political debate. We got a lot of applause, though, especially when I mentioned that we all think Hindi should be taught in more schools in the US (Mrs. H, what do you think?). The event has got my mind spinning about what the real differences are between our two systems ... is it culture? philosophy? strategy? methodology? beliefs? I don't know yet, but I'll keep working on it.
Tomorrow we are off to a new city and a new phase of the adventure. Stay tuned!
The Taj Mahal
This "wonder of the modern world" is truly magnificent. One can't help but feel very small and at the same time part of something big when standing in front of it.
Traffic Hazards
The camels were just one of the many obstacles to safe and easy driving in India. Overall, they were some of the most patient and easy to deal with!
Helpful, Friendly, etc.
This young man gave me a personal tour of the Mosque outside of Agra. His enthusiasm and friendliness was refreshing compared to some of the beggars and vendors who wouldn't leave us alone.
Strength and Beauty
The women I met in India were strong and beautiful, regardless of how they were treated by the men around them.
Gateway to India
One of the famous sites of Mumbai, this tourist spot attracts people from all over India and all over the world.
Dangerous Art
This young man whipped a fire stick around himself to end the demonstration of his art form. It was amazing to see, and everyone was left in one piece (for the most part).
Familiar Symbols
In the area called "Jew Street," we saw the beautiful signs of the Jewish people that are still living here, though there are not many left at this point.
Chinese Fishing Nets
In Kochi there are a series of these nets which use a counter-weight system to pull in nets filled with fish. Today I got to help work one of them with this man who is showing off his catch from earlier.
School Pride
This sign hangs in a Government school for disadvantaged students, and makes me think about the level of pride students all over the world DO, or SHOULD take in their schools. I like CSI and ISA for their levels of student ownership.
Storytelling
This wall is one of the artistic remains of the ancient civilization. It has hundreds of small figures and tells a story of the power of water and animals.
Henna on my Hand
The other day I had a lovely local woman put this design on my hand. It is part of the costuming for weddings and other celebrations here.
A Special School
Today we visited the first (and one of few) schools especially for students with special needs. We saw some amazing teachers and their incredible students who welcomed us with open arms. It was a heart-warming and heart-wrenching experience.
No Food Allowed
The monkeys outside this historic cave/temple site are famous for ensuring no visitors bring food into the temples. They'll search your belongings personally!
Orissi Dancing
Some local students performed a short recital for us ... with beautifully adorned costumes and intricate performances. It was a warm welcome indeed.
A School for the Community
Today (14 July) we visited a school that is totally free for the children of a village that didn't have any education system until three years ago. The students welcomed us with warm smiles and an eagerness for the camera!
The Victorian Memorial
This amazing memorial to a dead queen (done with many similarities to the Taj) is the most visible, but not the only, reminder that Kolkata was founded by the British. The change in the spelling of the city's name depicts the shift in mentailty away from British domination.
The Holy River
Bathing in the Ganges is an experience of cleansing the mind and spirit for the Hindi people. I was careful not to touch the water which has been infected with many things, but the beauty was there for all of us.
Visit to Mr. Ajay's School
I was the guest of honor for the day, and was asked to give a message of hope and a bright future at the daily assembly. It was an impressive thing to see. No, it is not an all girls school, but the boys were standing in back.
Papers to Grade
The teachers at this private school have a huge staff room, including storage space for exams like these that are given every week (one in each subject). They are all written by hand, and the penmanship is incredible!
Two Teachers Working Together
Just at the beginning of our work together, we hope to learn from each other and help our students do the same!
No Evil
Recognize this one? This is a popular image in the streets, perhaps serving as a constant reminder to stay out of trouble, though I don't know exactly what the script reads.
Girls in the Community Kitchen at the Sikh Temple
These young ladies took a break from helping to make food for everyone in their religous community to have their picture taken. It is possible that they had only seen one other picture of themsleves in their lives.
Graffiti in New Delhi
Though not as prominent, it does exist here
1 comment:
Did I hear writing articles for the Insider. Cooooooool! Hey, Zinn, I miss ya! Been chillin' in Brooklyn working on the exchange trip. Sent a bunch of emails to schools in Holland and Mr. G says he may have a school for us in Venice. Mr. G, his wife, me and hopefully some CSI kids will be loading the container for Africa next Saturday. We'll be at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn.
Peace!
Nancy
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