Reflection from Cohab white, group 5 on our study visits 9th oct 2013

On the 9th of october we were going on study visits to see different schools and educations, we divided to group into two groups so we all get the most out of it. The Danish and the Lithuanian visit 2 different boarding schools and the Swedish and the German visit one gymnasium and 2 different vocational schools. After that we had some spare time for  shopping and culture and then we visit Gunslevholm.

At first the Swedish and German group visited the CELF Business school. There we met Peter (not P.Diddy!), a very dedicated CELF teacher who introduced us into the Danish vocational school system and the CELF organisation and philosophy. It was very interesting, so much new and we had a lot of questions, that we’d rather had have more time to talk to Peter. But some of us met other vocational teachers to interview them. Jockum, Ann-Christin an me we met Betina. She is a teacher at this Business school only for German. She did another job in former times, but she had to change her job that she was able to spend more time at home. And she had already a lot of experiences with the German language, she still has a lot of German friends. So she preferred to make the interview in German because she is not as good in English as in German. Ann-Christin and me would have loved to do that, but we liked to be polite to Jockum, so that is was also able to follow the conversation ;-) And furthermore we would have to translate more than 30 minutes for the transcription… It was a good decision. And it was a really good talk to Betina, not really an interview, but very interesting. (You may read more in our interview transcription!)

Written by: Janine

After the first CELF school we visit another CELF and had a tour around the school looking at all different educations and all their equipment. It was really a nice school and very well equipped in all different subjects. I was impressed and the climate seemed very organized. I had the opportunity to interview a bakery teacher about the school, the job, their education plan and about their students. Interesting and he was very polite and briefed. The interview was 20 minutes long and I will transcribe that and share what he told me! They had shops in the school and sold their bakery and cakes they had created. I think their education system was very good and they also had social office at the school so they could help right there and when the students needed help. Also an office for work seekers so they could get job and help with their internship. I think they had prepared well for our visits and we feel very welcome. We got some lunch and then of to a gymnasium, Trines old gymnasium! I think that looked like our gymnasium in Sweden, the same boring old traditional classroom, it felt like they were not really prepared for our visit. We looked around a little and got some coffee and cake. But not so stimulating. But I think all the visits was new experience and very good planning from the Danish team. Thanks to them!

Written by: Sara.

Also, Lithuanian and a few Danish students visited two primary schools in Nykøbing. It was nice, that we could visit different types of schools - private primary Sct. Josef school and public primary school Lindeskovskolen. Both visits were very nice and warm. However, it was easy to find differences.

First of all, in private school we saw newer building inside. As well as, all classes had smartboards, students had iPads. In public school buildings were not so new, but still cosy. Also there was lack of ICT. By the way, in Lindeskovskolen were 40 % of foreign students. But children are friendly and tolerant to each other. Director said, that some parents are unhappy for this situation and they are considering about oppurtunity to change the school.

Next point what I observed was lessons. In private schools teacher didn’t introduce or explain widely. She only said what will be the lesson and the grade. So we just stood in the class, observed working students in the groups and thats all. In public school teacher were prepared children to sing a song and they done it. Teacher included to the aong and lesson us too. We felt warmth from all and we were glad for that. We were playing with children, helped to do the tasks.

What I want to say more, that I’m happy for these visits, because now I can compare Lithuanian and Danish school systems. It was good experience not only for me, but for all students.

Written by Greta.

We were seeing a danish Boarding School or efterskole as it name in danish. The school called Gunslevholm Idrætsefterskole is a sports school for kids who have finished the primary school, and want to learn more about themselves and sports. The school have 4 different subjects the students can choose; football, handball, spring gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics. One of the things that are were important for the school is that they don’t want to make a elite school, but a school where you can learn something new about yourself. One of the things that I found really interesting was that they looked at all the things that I student can, not only the sports thing. If a student can play an instrument, he will be pick for the school and the good football player will not. Another thing that was good was the money. If you have some problems by paying the school you will get some help from the school, the school are interested in a school with student who can learn from the other students. And you can learn if you are different from each other.

It was very interesting to visit this kind of school, that we only got in Denmark, and especially a sports school, that we in Denmark often have a lot of sports in our spare time. You can find very different kind of efterskoler in Denmark, each with their own theme and subjects. It’s a good way to give the students a possibility to choose the subjects they find interesting.

Written by: Martin

At the end of this day: We can tell you, that we are really impressed by the Danish schools, the Danish way of thinking and living. And we seriously considering to work for some time as a vocational teacher in Denmark…:-)