Bryan Edwards

As part of my student teaching experience, I was afforded the opportunity to complete seven weeks abroad in Auckland, New Zealand. This experience was truly life changing and opened my eyes to what education can be!

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 During my time abroad I was placed in a college (high school) called Pakarunga College. At which, I taught four different courses. Those courses being: Year Seven science, Year Eight science, Human Evolution, and Applied Science. On the average day I saw around 75 students ranging from  year sevens (eighth graders) to year thirteens (twelfth graders). 

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While I was in New Zealand I was able to see what it was like to teach in such a diverse environment. Considering the fact that I had students from all over the globe, some spoke little to no English. This allowed me to really focus on my teaching ability and not just the content. In American schools, we tend to focus on the material that is being taught.  However when a child does not know the language it is being taught in, how can we expect them to succeed. I must admit this was a challenge, but one that would eventually help me better work with students from all walks of life (ESL, Learning Support, etc.) 

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I could talk about my New Zealand experience for hours, and sometimes do. Please feel free to ask me questions and I will do my best to answer them. I highly recommend that every teacher teach abroad for part of their student teaching. It will only help you extend your knowledge and develop your own teaching style!