This morning, we decided that if the bus never stops where the bus stop is that we would wait where the bus stopped the last two days.  Of course this time the bus stopped exactly where we were.

To start the day we went to two English classes.  Both classes were of students the same age and were doing similar things in each class, however, the one difference between the two classes were that one was an IB class and the other was a regular English class.  Both classes had oral presentations, the IB class was presenting their oral exam practice for when they actually take their oral exam to send in to the IB officials.  The regular English class did an oral presentation on their school, life/vacations and hobbies.  It was interesting to see the how the classes were essentially teaching the same thing but the lessons were catered to two different demographics with two different end goals.

After watching the IB class, I think that it is a great idea to have an international standard of teaching and learning.  I have heard many stories about people who get their PHD in Medicine in places like China or India and their degree doesn’t mean anything without them taking another exam in Canada and the US.  I think that if there is an international standard, then there should be no problem transferring degrees across the world.

Another thing that we saw in the classrooms today was an interesting set up that could be extremely beneficial for student learning.

As shown in the picture above, there are 4 colours of chairs that have their own individual tables and have the ability to roll around.  This is great for group work in the class, the teacher can create groups randomly by asking all people on same colour chairs to get together, or one of each colour to be in a group.  Another thing that we heard is that the tables can connect to make one big table once in a group too.  This will also help all the students that are hyperactive and have a need to constantly moving, this allows for movement within the class while staying seated and taking notes at the same time.  This is definitely something that I think Canadian schools should adopt.