As part of the so-called job shadowing (a kind of internship), I was given the opportunity - thanks to the broad network of my mentor, Johan Kramer from TalentStad in Zwolle - to experience teaching at several types of schools in the Netherlands:
These included, in addition to our partner school, TalentStad Beroepscollege and TalentStad Praktijkonderwijs, Carolus Clusius College and Meander College. Thus, I was not only able to observe various lessons, but also gained a deep insight into the Dutch school system, among other things by participating in a meeting of the principals, teachers, parents and students of the aforementioned schools.
During the lessons in German, Dutch, and History, I not only made observations with regard to the lesson structure as well as the teacher's behavior, but was also repeatedly involved in the classroom activities. The close contact with teachers and students enhanced my competences in the field of language, reflection and European citizenship to a great extent. Between the lessons, but also often after school hours, there was always a great exchange of knowledge and experience with the teachers in charge: Thus, from "student behavior", to "planning and implementation of lessons", to "differences between the German and Dutch school systems", a number of topics were discussed with great interest.
In addition, the program of the meeting of the Dutch and German colleges was worked out during the stay, which took place on the final day of the mobility within the framework of a study day and ended with the signing of a joint "Memorandum of Understanding". In this memorandum, the common intention is formulated to continue learning with and from each other in the future and to realize further projects, such as the German-Dutch sports festival on June 28, 2018 in Epe, which is already being planned.
What is Erasmus+ (LA1)?
Under Key Action 1, the EU supports in-service training for teachers, head teachers and pedagogical staff at schools and preschool institutions in the school sector. The measures must take place in a program state and can last from two days to two months. Activities under Key Action 1 in the school sector are teaching at a partner institution, participation in European in-service training courses and conferences, or job shadowing at a partner institution or at an institution relevant for school education.
More information at: www.erasmusplus.de