Tag Archives: Teaching and Learning

CHESS IN THE LIBRARY

August 23, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

13 July 2015 – 9:07 am

I think that life is like a game of chess. You have to take decisions, move toward different directions, face rules and obstacles in order to succeed. But above all you have to learn how to think and think critically of the consequences of the decision made and taken, because they will affect you and other people.

After meeting teachers and students, I realised that not all of them knew about the game of chess. Some had never heard about it and a few had seen it in films. Despite the fact that I never mastered chess, I met teachers and students in the library for a session. It was amazing! Look at us!

Reflection, Rwanda, Teaching and Learning

MEETING THE STUDENTS

August 23, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

10th July 2015 – 7:46am

It was during a chemistry lesson that I was invited to speak to a group of students. I was not only surprised with this opportunity that was given to me, but I was also impressed by the students’ confidence and the type of questions that they asked. And one question in particular that struck me was: “How can you inspire us?”

Wow! I took a deep breath and I said: “Well, I have been a teacher for 20 years, but more than that I have been a student for my entire life. It means that I learn something new every day. Yes, some people have inspired me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. So like you, I still have dreams and it is impossible to predict about our tomorrow. What I know is that, you have to live your present life to the full and you need to give the best of yourself in everything you do. Be honest, try hard, be wise and critical. But above all, be yourself! Find out about your talents and explore them. Whatever you do, do it with love.”

Again I took my breath, caught a glimpse of the whole class, but they were staring at me:

“In fact, I only can be myself! I hope I can share with you who I am and my life experience. Life is wonderful and usually full of surprises. And as an example here I am, my first time in Africa, Ruhuha, at GS Rango.”

Reflection, Rwanda, Teaching and Learning

WASHING YOUR OWN CLOTHES

August 20, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

One day after school, walking on my way home with a few children and having a nice conversation, I asked them: “What do you do after school when you get home? ” They all gave me the same answer: ” I wash my uniform.”

That day when I arrived home I could see that my neighbour who had just arrived from school was also washing his uniform!

Rwanda, Teaching and Learning

READING

August 20, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

Rwanda provides a unique perspective on how to continue to move towards its development to accomplish 2020 vision. The aim is to transform the country “into middle – income nation in which Rwandans are healthier, educated and generally more prosperous.”The switch to English can be challenging, but reading regularly will bring a significant number of benefits to the young people and their education.

Regularly, I used to meet the students in the school library to explore the books available, as well as to help them to choose a suitable reader level that they could both read and understand.

Reflection, Teaching and Learning

SCHOOL GARDEN

August 19, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

The school grows a garden with different vegetables and fruits for its own sustainance. It is a type of labour that often young people can look down on as a punishment. But by teaching agriculture the younger generation will support and improve farming and living in Rwanda.

I was able to identify most of the leaves except the “dodo.” Dodo is an African indigenous vegetable that is grown and harvested in the wild. I had it everyday for my luch in the school. It was picked from the school garden, rinsed, chopped and cooked with beens, banana and meat. Delicious and healthy! I love it.

Tomato – urunyanya

Onion – igitunguru

Papaia – paw paw

Banana – igitoki ( plantation) and umuneke (ripe banana)

Orange – icunga

Dodo

Rwanda, Teaching and Learning

IGISORO

August 19, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

It was lovely when the students kindly taught me how to play Igisoro in GS Rango, Ruhuha.

Igisoro is a game played in Rwanda and in some other countries in Africa. It is a two-player game with 4x 8 holes in the ground and 64 seeds. As you can see through the pictures below we replicated it in a different way. We drew a table on the floor and used little stones instead of seeds.

Reflection, Teaching and Learning

THE VALUE OF POSTERS

August 19, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

Take a look at the posters below! They are not colourful and neither present elaborate designs, but it strikes me that they do catch my eyes and my thoughts. I am wondering if the same happens to you my reader. There is always a message to be delivered as there is an impact in the learning environment.

Rwanda

INSPIRE EDUCATE AND EMPOWER RWANDA

August 15, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

6th July 2015 – 17:30

I had an amazing opportunity to meet the most inspiring educators of IEE – Inspire Educate and Empower Rwanda (formerly International Education Exchange).

The teacher training initiative focuses on personalised professional development that takes place in the schools. It is the key factor for effective school based mentoring and capacity building. It also promotes the use of English as a medium of instruction in teaching and learning different subjects.

The pictures below show the first meeting between GLP teachers and IEE mentors at Aroma Restaurant.

Rwanda

GLOBAL LEARNING IN SCHOOLS

July 1, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

The schools in Angus, Scotland, have opened an amazing space for me to share the topic on Global Learning. I have disseminated my involvement in the GLP programme in different schools through workshops and assemblies. However, it seems that school assemblies are golden opportunities to encourage all members to reflect on global issues and promote a positive attitude and contribution to a globalised world.

Certainly it has promoted a fantastic collaboration among staff, pupils and parents towards my journey to Rwanda. From primary to secondary schools everybody is talking about Rwanda.

Rwanda

ASSEMBLIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

July 1, 2015 S. O'Donnell Leave a comment

A school assembly offers a positive opportunity to develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills . Pupils and teachers make a contribution through their active participation including quiet reflection and an open space for questioning. This was a lovely time to introduce Rwanda to 9 schools in Angus.