How an international experience contributed to my professional development : [an honors thesis (HONRS 499)]

Abstract

Education for learning and knowledge is the foundation upon which society stands. Humanity meets each new day, year, and decade with a different understanding of life itself. Education throughout the world is a process through which individuals discover, contemplate, solve, create, and develop. Knowing how other people live, work, play, and learn will help mankind to meet the future with an integrated perspective and deeper understanding.The purpose of this thesis is to discuss how an international experience contributed to my professional development as an educator. During the summer months of 1995, I participated in a study, teach, and travel abroad experience in Britain and Europe. The learning opportunities and remarkable experiences of this trip were the inspiration for the writing of this thesis. The first section of the thesis will give a brief historical overview of both the educational systems in America as well as those established in Britain. In addition, the similarities and differences in the areas of curriculum, calendar length, administration structure, school choice, children with special needs, and parent involvement of these two educational systems will be discussed. The second section of the thesis will involve an illustrated journal interpretation of my studying and teaching experiences while in England, and traveling throughout Western Europe. The final section of my thesis will impart what learning experiences occurred while studying, teaching, and traveling abroad that will contribute to my professional development as an educator and complement my teaching abilities in an American classroom. An individual that grows, learns, and develops as a person, also grows, learns, and develops as a professional.