Minggu, 05 April 2009

International Schooling

International schooling can be privately or publicly run. The staff working in international schools is usually chosen from job fairs from whom a fair deal of commitment, dedication and expertise in their subjects is demanded. They need to be specially trained for an international syllabus which is slightly different from ordinary schools. The curriculum is usually based on the country of the school's origin but keeping in mind international standards other global standards of education are followed like the International Cambridge Certification (IGCSE), the CBSE (Senior Secondary), the All India Secondary School Examinations (AISSCE) or AICE (Advanced International Certificate Of Education). The PYP (Primary Years Program) till Grade 6 and the MYP (Middle Years Program) for Grades 6 to 10 offered by the IB (International Baccalaureate) coach a balanced curriculum in the international schools based on the development of concepts, skills, knowledge, self-enquiry and initiative.

There are several international schools in India. Core subjects like English, Art, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies and Languages are taught in such kind of schools apart from Music, Computer Science, Arts and Crafts. Since there are many students who come from countries where English is not spoken, there are several language options like French, Tamil, English, etc. For students wanting to learn the English language, it is taught through ESL or English as a Second Language. This helps primarily in providing a social, cultural and academic integration of sorts. Creative, Vocational and Technical subjects are also taught apart from extra curricular activities that include physical training and games. Scientific, technological, mathematical, artistic, musical, historical, social, linguistic and cultural approaches are made use of here.

Project based education is another excellent source of international schooling. This makes the course student-based and more interactive. International exchange programs make the process of international schooling interesting and enjoying. This way, students of different nations learn about different countries and expand their knowledge. Apart from this, written tests, student conferences and demonstrations develop the taught, written and learned curriculum preparing the students to compete in the fast changing and advancing world.

The Indian method of learning is more detailed but the international form of education makes learning easy, intelligence and aptitude based and all inclusive. Just enough students are admitted to be able to give individual attention to all. The students are encouraged to learn through inquiry, research, presentation and application in their respective subjects. What stands out here in this form of international schooling is that there is an overall development of children helping them work on their talents and abilities instead of just learning theory based knowledge in academics.

International schooling has become the need of the day for innumerable students wanting to pursue higher studies in globally well acclaimed institutions abroad. As the whole world unites together on common issues and problems, maybe, what we need is a common international form of education that incorporates the good elements of good and efficient schools all over the world.

Success at Substitute Teaching

In the movie Kindergarten Cop Arnold Schwarzenegger is advise to not show any fear when he enters a classroom of kindergarten students to teach them. That is key to substitute teaching. If the students see or smell fear you are done for and it will be a long day. Here are a few helps that might make substitute teaching in an elementary school easier.

Meet the students at the door as they line up to come in. Get them quiet before they come in and explain to them as they stand there that you are Mrs. So and So and that you will be their substitute and that they will enter the classroom quietly and if they do not then they will practice. This sets the tone that you are in control and the teacher for the day. If they do not enter quietly then shoo them out and try it again and again if needed.

After the students have entered and put their books, back packs and coats away and are settled in their desk introduce yourself and your rules. Explain that you know the teacher does it one way, but this is the way it will be today. Explain that there are certain things that "bug" you and they will not be accepted in the classroom. Do not overwhelm them with a lot because most teachers have set their discipline in motion and most students will be trained well.

So my 3 rules are:
Rule 1. Don't wear hats in class (I start with this one because it is a physical thing and easy to follow).
Rule 2. No one talks when I am, but in return if you are talking I will not talk and when a fellow students is talking to the class we will all listen. This way they know when I am instructing and they start talking I stop immediately and wait until it is quiet.
Rule 3 is I do not accept any rudeness towards anyone. I expect them to use manners toward me and toward the rest of the class.

After I have told them my 3 rules then I tell them what they will get if they abide by them. If we have accomplished most everything that the teacher has asked us to do that day then we will play a game at the end of the day. I usually choose the game, but you could let them choose it if you wish. I give them ten tally marks on the board so that it is visual and if they break one of my three rules then I erase a mark. They need to have one mark at the end of the day to get the game. I have only had one class in three years that did not earn their game.

PS I am not afraid to have the principal intervene with an unruly student either so use all the resources available to you.

Caroline Mackay is a retired teacher with 37 years experience in teaching and educating students in the elementary schools. She wrote, produced, and directed plays and programs to encourage the display of patriotism, how to stay drug free, celebrate holidays and encourage physical fitness. Being artless herself she developed some Art Starts to encourage her students to express themselves through art. Making education an exciting fun experience she developed games and learning activities to keep the students engaged in the learning experience. She is the host of http://www.ezeducationplays.com where you can find plays that teach and entertain children.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Mackay

Educational Technology - What Does a Classroom Look Like Today?

There are currently 30 states that require Engineer CE courses to maintain valid licensure within those states. Only four of those states regulate and pre-approve the training institutions and programs that the engineers are required to take. The other states don't have programs to pre-approve courses for engineer continuing education, so it is up to the engineer themselves to determine which programs are acceptable for continuing education in these states. This is usually done by applying with the state board that regulates the continuing education system to ensure that a program is allowed to be used for continuing education before the course is started.

Engineer CE programs are usually allowed as long as they are a course or activity that has a clear purpose to maintain, improve, and expand the skills and knowledge of licensees. Many states will also require the course to have engineering content that relates to technical information, ethics, and managerial skills. Distance learning and online courses are approved methods of continuing education for the engineering industry, as long as the program meets the requirements of that state and the completion of the course can be verified by an independent source. The independent verification means that the engineer has to pass an exam to complete the course, which is then kept of file by the course provider or institution, and can be proven to exist beyond just the engineer's saying they took the exam.

Like any other continuing education program, it is the responsibility of the engineer to maintain their own engineer CE requirements, records, and submission of those records. Only two states require the provider to submit records to the state. Florida and North Carolina will obtain records directly from the school or course provider, while all other states require individuals to submit their records on their own accord.

There should be a certificate of completion issued for any engineer CE course that is taken, which should be kept by the provider and the individual both for a certain amount of time. Most places will maintain these records for up to seven years, which generally exceeds the requirements of each state that mandates continuing education for engineers. However, an individual should maintain all records of their continuing education throughout their career, just to have verification and proof of their license renewals and all of the areas that they are skilled and trained to work in. While there are 20 states that don't require continuing education for engineers, it is always a good idea to learn more throughout a professional career even if it is only for the benefit of the individual.


Best Nursing Schools - How to Find the Top Schools to Start Or Continue Your Nursing Education

The standard for ranking nursing schools is U.S. News and World Report, which asks deans, administrators, and faculty members to evaluate other schools based on the quality of academic programs and how well students are prepared for a career in nursing. Professionals who hire new graduates also are surveyed to help create the list of the best nursing schools.

There are two more common levels of nurses: ADN (Associate Degree Nurses 2 years of study), and BSN (Bachelor of Science Nurses 4 years of study. Accelerated programs are available for both degrees, especially if you have college credits or a degree in another field. Those with bachelor's degrees can expect to make more money the national average for a BSN is $52,000 and advance to supervisory or management positions more quickly than those with an ADN.

In its most recent rankings for the top nursing schools, U.S. News and World Report put the University of Washington in Seattle at the top of the list, followed by the University of California-San Francisco, the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Nursing.

Close behind were the Oregon Health and Science University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, the University of Maryland-Baltimore, the University of Pittsburgh, and Yale University. A total of 395 college nursing programs were examined in the ranking process.

The University of Washington School of Nursing has ranked Number 1 since 1984, when the first national survey on the best nursing schools was conducted (U.S. News and World Report began its rankings in 1993). What sets it apart from the other schools is a good guide to use when choosing what nursing school you wish to attend.

The University of Washington has partnerships with local hospitals that provide on-the-job training, which is perhaps the most important part of learning to become a nurse. Pick a school that is close to at least one good hospital and has an active training program. Other important factors to consider are research opportunities, nursing board passing rates, and class.

Adult Education - Here is What I Found About Adult Education

Education never ends. It is a continuous process. So, a man or woman is intellectually dead when he or she stops learning. Thanks to adult education programs out there, no adult can give an excuse as to not having education. Adult education, as the name implies is designed for adults who wants to learn more. Most of these adults could not finish their education in the past due to one reason or the other. But they can now earn more certificates by going for adult education programs in any to the many schools out there offering them.

There are many schools out there offering one form of adult education program or the other. Nevertheless, it is advisable for you to be very careful when applying. Make sure the school is accredited by the relevant authority. Accreditation is one of the many factors you should look for when searching for schools offering adult education. Accreditation means that the school has satisfied all requirements of the relevant authority to offer the program. If a school is not accredited, it is advisable to continue looking for another school.

It is not often easy to go back to school via adult education programs. You have to contend with your work and family. Hence, there is need to strike a balance in all your schedules so that you can be successful. It is highly advisable to get the support of your family when going through adult education. You must let them understand what you are going through. Let them help you with household chores and also allow you do your studying without disruptions.

The cost of adult education is not often high. If you cannot find a cheap program around you, it is advisable to go for online adult education programs. Thanks to the internet, every adult out there can now head back to school. All that is required is a computer with an internet access. Many schools out there offering adult education don't have stringent requirements for adults like you. Many of these schools often consider age and experience when all other requirements are not met.