11.03.2010
Embracing equality
– Going abroad makes you reflect. Your own educational system isn’t as obvious anymore and that’s a wake-up call. Why do we put so much pressure on our kids? Coming to Norway gives international students a fresh view on their own system.
The Faculty of Education at Bergen University College has welcomed five ERASMUS-students this term. Two Dutch, two Belgium and one Spanish student are exploring the Norwegian educational system.
– Norwegians have a very different mentality towards education. The children are allowed to be children, while we put pressure on them in our country. We want them to do too much, Sanne, an Arts & Crafts student from Belgium, says.
Equality and confidence
The students have become fond of the Norwegian educational core values - equality, moderation and closeness to nature. In Norway, difference is considered as strength, and everyone is allowed to continue to the upper levels in the educational system.
– In our system children are not allowed to continue to the next level without sufficient progress. This is a huge embarrassment to the ones left behind, says Maartje. She is an exchange student from the Netherlands.
In their own countries they are used to authoritative teachers, more pressure and early grading. When Michel visited a Norwegian school, he was surprised when the teacher ignored a child acting out in class.
– At first I was stressed that he didn’t tell him off. Then I realized that talking to the pupils, making them reflect on their behavior, is a better a reaction to the child, he says.
Don't worry about PISA
–Your point is up for debate. Some claim that the best students are being held back, and there are concerns about poor PISA scores. What is your response to the critics?
Sanne thinks Norwegian pupils become more confident, and have a better starting point in life.
– In Belgium there's an enormous gap between high and low score students, whereas you has a smaller gap. The population as a whole is more equal and better equipped. I think you should not worry so much about PISA, Sanne says.
Exploring new teaching methods
The students are now preparing for the Norwegian mountains, where they will explore the nature and learn about outdoor education.
– It’s hard to imagine education here without using nature, but in Belgium it’s not that obvious, Annelies says.
If the students are to point out a negative experience in Norway, it must be that it's hard to get to know the Norwegian students.
– But we are close to each other in our group, and we are fortunate to have excursions where we learn about the culture, Michel says.
– I actually think I know more about Norway now, than I do about Belgium, Sanne laughs.
Sist endret: 10.11.2010