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PTIS Students connecting
globally and locally
By Kathryn O’Connell, Grade 2
Teacher, and Karrie Dietz, Junior School Principal
Research shows and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years
Programme (IB PYP) agrees that students will understand and retain more when
learning experiences are relevant, engaging, challenging, and significant to
their lives. In the global, networked environment of the 21st century,
learning can expand beyond the classroom walls. PTIS is aiming to reach out
to the global and local communities to reduce the boundaries that divide
‘school’ from ‘the real world.’
Students
had a terrific time in a recent field trip to Baan Khwai where they
participated in rice planting.
Learning experiences that are relevant to ‘the real world’ are becoming
increasingly important. Because children are growing up in a world of almost
unlimited access to information and of enormous opportunity and difficult
choices, helping students make emotional and social connections to skill and
content is more crucial than ever. To help students make these meaningful
connections, teachers can create a 21st century context for learning by:
· making content relevant to students’ lives
· bringing the world into the classroom
· taking students into the world
· creating opportunities for students to interact with each other and with
other children and knowledgeable adults in authentic learning experiences.
Connecting Globally – Collaborative Learning
The children recently connected with a class in Switzerland
through Skype, real-time, with video and audio. The 2nd graders in
Switzerland prepared research questions for PTIS students about how the
weather affects their lives. In this instance PTIS students were empowered
to share their knowledge and experiences as ‘experts’ living in Thailand.
School partnerships, such as this experience, provide students opportunities
to connect with children in other parts of the world in order to share
knowledge and develop respect for other cultures. It contributes to
developing global citizenship.
Emmy shared “We taught them our houses are made of wood and there are two
floors because the top floor is for floods and the bottom is for shade. It
was fun talking with them because we met new people and learned about
things.”
PTIS students are connecting with their local community through learning by
doing. Grade 2 students went to Baan Kwai Thai, a neighboring village, to
learn about the historical practices of rice farming. This was a hands on
field trip, providing opportunities for active learning.
Snowy said “It was very fun. We had to get the rice to grow in the mud. I
liked it. I nearly slipped down and Emmy was holding me! I liked seeing the
old buffalo.”
As students went into the mud and planted the rice they saw and experienced
using the tools and they tried the all the steps. Then the class went to the
local rice mill to see how the rice was processed. As a result of developing
an understanding of local practices during this trip, students wanted to
convince people to buy their rice locally.
Whether it’s exploring the local community or using technologies to bring
the world to the classroom, it is evident students are motivated by these
real world experiences. Providing authentic learning experiences is valued
at PTIS and these will continue to be offered and developed.
Students
enjoyed talking via Skype with children in Switzerland giving them the
opportunity to connect and share.
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NIS students graduate
38 senior
high school and 25 kindergarten students celebrated their graduations at
Nakorn Payap International School recently, founded in 1993, NIS offers
English language classes in the U.S. system for all grades. The graduation
was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel at the end of May as school drew to a
close. NIS is holding summer school for students who wish to continue their
studies during the holidays.
Wai Kru Day around Chiang Mai
Students set
out their offerings for the teachers on Wai Kru Day at Panyaden School.
Wai Kru Day is an important day in the
school calendar around Thailand as it is the day when students pay their
respects to their teachers and offer their gratitude and thanks as well as
formalize the teacher-student relationship. The day begins with a Buddhist
ceremony followed by the students’ recitation of the Wai Kru chant which
shows their respect and gratitude and asks for the teachers blessings. Then
representatives of each class present the teachers with offerings of
flowers, candles and incense sticks. This year 26 teachers including Head of
the school Neil Amas, took part in the Wai Kru ceremony at Panayaden School.
(Photos by Ally Taylor)
Teachers at
Panyaden School receive offerings from their students on June 14, 2012.
Dara Academy
teachers take part in the Wai Kru Day ceremonies as students pay their
respects to their teachers (Photo by Fern Naksen)
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