Eschbach Gymnasium and Realschule

The Eschbach Gymnasium is renowned for its use of technology in the classroom and for its teaching of STEM topics. While at this school, I was given the privilege to teach a lesson to a classroom of German students. Nervous and excited can sum up the emotions I experienced.

Luckily I was grouped with two other teachers for our lesson, Rebecca Merriman and Michelle McManus. They are two amazing teachers!! We began planning before the trip and developed a QR Code activity for the students to learn more about North Carolina.

 Once we had out plan of action ready, we received word that there was no guarantee that their would be internet access and possibly no interactive whiteboard or even a projector (we'll discuss that later), so we devised a plan B. I thought, if there is a projector, I could at least use my iPhone and let them scan, so we had a plan B. Then we thought we needed to be on the safe side and have a Plan C. We bought a book, T is for Tar Heel: A North Carolina Alphabet by Carol Crane to read aloud to the class.

On the day of our visit, we arrived as the first classes were ending.  The school was amazing.  They had a school garden and goats.  Real live goats!!!  We meet with the principal of the school and a few of the teachers then we were lead to the classes where we would present.  

The classroom that we visited was a 5th grade English language class.  The teacher was very kind and introduced us and then let us take over.  The students were typical 5th graders.  They looked very eager that strangers were in the classroom.  Mrs. Merriman, Mrs. McManus, and myself decided to go with Plan D, of course.  There was no technology in the classroom.  NONE.  Only a chalkboard.  Thank goodness for Plan D.  

Plan D = toilet paper.

Mrs. Merriman came up with a fun activity to really get the students involved.  We took a roll of toilet paper (thanks Hotel Maritim) and instructed the students to take as much as they wanted.  With the paper that they took they must then either tell something about themselves or Germany, or ask us a question.  This was so much fun.  It was interesting to see them formulate their questions or thoughts then have to translate it into English.  The teacher really liked the activity.  He said it was better than any test he could have given them.  

Our activity was a success.  We learned so much from each other.  I think the students  and the teacher were amazed at the amount and ease of access to technology that students have in North Carolina.  The students enjoyed looking at and trying out our iPads and iPhones.  Several of them said they had devices at home, but they did not have them at school.  The teacher was very taken aback that the students in his school did not have the same access to technology.  It was very interesting.  

The images below are the notes the students left on my iPad after I sent it around the room.  :)

The school visit and activity was another wonderful experience.  It really gave me some insight in to what kind of respect educators receive in Germany.  The teachers did not have a personal classroom, they traveled from classroom to classroom, but they did have a large teacher's lounge that had all of the teacher's desks in one room. I was amazed by it, just think of the collaboration that could happen in a space like that.  

The teachers also did not have to supervise the students as they moved from room to room, in the halls, common areas, or outside.  When the class was over the teacher takes their things and leaves, students dismiss themselves and are responsible for their own behavior and getting from place to place.

The visit and activity were a great opportunity.  I am sure that I will be able to create a collaborative partnership with the school and schools in my area in the near future.

The video below shows some excerpts from our activity, please enjoy.