Teaching in America - course reflection

Course reflections

The course "Teaching in America" was so different from what I had expected beforehand but I have learned so much in these two weeks by reflecting on education in the light of differences, similarities, problems but also strentghes of different schooling systems in comparision to the USA.
I really liked the format of the course since it was mostly based on discussions and our experiences with issues related to education. Of course we expanded our knowledge about teaching by looking at different aspects of the US educational system. We talked about "No child left behind" and "Race to the Top" and the impact it had on the educational system in the USA. I think this was one of the most valuable parts for me because I learned a lot about this. Furthermore, I enjoyed the exchange with the other international students since I we compared issues and discussed different topics.
I think that this course had contributed to a better understanding of teaching-related matters and I could reflect on our system in Germany . It has definitely broaden my mind and to talk about education and to think about problems in the light of critical pedagogy. We talked about idiology, hegemony and the hidden curriculum and it made me aware of the fact in what broad context teaching and learning is embedded. Education is tightly intertwined with history, politics and it has a lot to do with power realations. Thus, you can never look at it from one perspective.
I am glad i had the chance to participate in this course since I have gained a renewed understanding of important education-related matters.